For Miss Agyeman, the highlight of her career to date has been playing Lola Wise in Crossroads in 2001. She also appeared in Casualty, The Bill and Silent Witness.

She will earn an estimated £80,000 for the 13-episode series - half as much as Miss Piper did. Miss Agyeman was born on the Woodberry Down housing estate in Finsbury Park, North London.

Her parents separated when she was young and neighbours spoke last night of how her father was 'never around'.

Her mother Azar, brother Domenic and sister Leila lived in a cramped three-bedroomed flat. Despite the rundown nature of the estate - with dozens of derelict, boarded-up flats - neighbours have spoken of how she 'lit up' their lives.

Miss Agyeman was a hard worker and excelled academically at Our Lady's Convent High School in Stamford Hill, North London.

She graduated with a BA Honours degree in performing arts and drama from Middlesex University and also studied acting at the Anna Scher Theatre school in Islington.

--Daily Mail