Nicola Wheeler (born 4th April 1974 in Burnley) appeared on Coronation Street between July and October 1999 as Melanie Tindel, an old school friend of hairdresser Maxine Heavey. She was raised in nearby Nelson, Lancashire and attended Walton High School. Having also appeared in Band of Gold and the 1996 TV movie Poldark, she is better known for her role as Nicola King in Emmerdale, joining the cast in 2001.