Soaps fans were thrilled on Monday when Irish actor Simon Delaney landed in Emmerdale as part of a huge storyline. 

There was a gruesome discovery on Monday night's episode of Emmerdale when Priya Sharma (Fiona Wade) finally discovered Graham Foster's (Andrew Scarborough) body under leaves in the woods. 

Hotten Police, including Simon Delaney as DS Ward, was quick to swoop in and arrest Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) for murder.

***Spoiler Alert***

While viewers may already know that it was really Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather) who committed the brutal crime, the rapist remains at large and is not even on the cops’ radar.

Delaney, who has starred in a number of movies and TV shows, including Coronation Street, kept his arrival in the Dales a secret. 

Taking to social media this evening he said: Well spotted folks, and thanks for all the lovely comments about @emmerdale tonight. A great cast and crew to work with. Now if you don't mind, I have some detecting to do…"

Fans were delighted with his casting and took to social media to share their delight:

Emmerdale continues on Virgin Meda 1, weekdays at 7pm.

Click here for more soap news.