Former Coronation Street and Emmerdale actress Tracy Brabin has been shortlisted to replace murdered MP Jo Cox.

The actress is joined by Jane Thomas in the Labour nomination for the Batley and Spen by-election on October 20.

The West Yorkshire seat has been vacant since Mrs Cox was shot and stabbed to death in June.

Labour Party members in the constituency will choose their preferred candidate on Friday.

Ms Brabin was born in Batley and worked with Mrs Cox on her campaign to save the town's library.

The TV star played Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street in the 1990s before appearing as Roxy Drake in EastEnders.

More recently, she played vicar Ashley's love interest Carole in Emmerdale.

She has also written for shows including Family Affairs, Tracy Beaker and Hollyoaks.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Ukip have said they will not field a candidate in the by-election out of respect for Mrs Cox's memory.

But Labour do not expect the election to be "completely uncontested".

Liberty GB and the English Democrats are among those previously stating they will contest the seat.