She was last seen in Emmerdale when she was pushed to her death over the edge of a cliff, but now Glenda McKay is proving she is alive and kicking with the launch of a series of fitness classes.

Glenda is immortalised forever in the eyes of the soap's fans as the unfortunate Rachel Hughes who appeared in the show for 11 years before her tragic demise.

But the actress, who toured extensively in theatre after leaving the series four years ago, is also a fully-qualified aerobics, step and gym instructor.

And now she is determined to step into the breach with a series of exercise classes after the closure of Bodies gym in Ilkley.

In her fitness role Glenda, who lives in Ilkley but was brought up in Guiseley and went to Guiseley School, has already had two successful health series for YTV - Better Bodies and Fitness with the Stars.

She has also been a regular guest fitness expert on many TV programmes, as well as co-writing her own book and launching her own exercise video.

Now she is planning a new venture - putting Ilkley people through their paces after the shock closure of Bodies gym.

She said: "There was an outcry from fitness enthusiasts throughout the area. The nearest gym is in Guiseley, which is too far for many to travel to. There is a gym at the Ilkley tennis club but it doesn't offer aerobics."

Now the 34-year-old actress, who is also a successful marathon runner and has raised thousands of pounds for Leukaemia research, is wading in with her own healthy solution.

She is launching her aerobics class in the Riddings Hall at Christchurch, in Ilkley, on Monday from 7pm to 8pm.

She said: "Everyone is welcome to come and join in a fun, motivational class which will improve their fitness and get them toned up for those summer days.

"I am launching the class at a special discounted rate of just £3 for the hour during June, which is not a lot to pay to look great in your bikini."

She said: "I just wanted to do something worthwhile to help out - I think there is a need for it."

Glenda, who is continuing her acting career in tandem with the her role as an exercise instructor, is hoping that the classes will take off and have a good run.

"I would love to think that there are enough people in Ilkley who are missing the class that Bodies used to do, who want to get fit and exercise.

"I am going to see how it goes it depends whether Hollywood ring," she joked.

Although a celebrity input into fitness videos is very much in vogue, there are not many who are qualified to teach - but Glenda believes it is the ideal secondary career for an actor.

"I think it is a good thing for people in my industry to do because the work isn't constant," she said. "Seventy per cent of actors are out of work at any one time. It is a good secondary career when you as 'resting' as they say."