Jo Stiles

Josephine Madonna "Jo" Stiles (previously Sugden) is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Roxanne Pallett. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 26 August 2005 and her last on 22 December 2008.

Casting

While studying at the Manchester School of Acting, Pallett attended auditions during the weekends and she was asked to try out for Emmerdale. Pallet told Jessica McCulloch of the News of the World "We always had the soaps on in our house so it was exciting to get the casting for Emmerdale. Pallett said that she spent over a month auditioning for roles, so the casting people were able to see her potential in the workshops and call backs. She revealed that the writers were creating the part of Jo at the same time and began looking at her for the role.

Details of the character and Pallett's casting was announced on 22 July 2005. Of joining the soap, Pallett said "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Emmerdale. Jo is a bit of a minx and a great character for me to get my teeth into!" Series producer Kath Beedles stated that she was delighted to welcome Pallett to the cast and said her character would "turn up the heat in the village". Kris Green of Digital Spy said Jo would become the new veterinary receptionist and set her sights on Danny Daggert (Cleveland Campbell). Pallett made her debut screen appearance as Jo in August.