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RECLUSIVE actress Brooke Satchwell is stepping back into the spotlight following a turbulent five years.

The former Neighbours star has inked a new deal with Channel 7 to appear in Packed To The Rafters, Confidential has learned.

On set sources of the family drama say writers are hoping to use the 30-year-old to fill a void left by the departure of favourite Jessica Marais and the popular Zoe Ventoura.

"She's a lovely girl and talented - she will play a main part," the Rafters insider spilled.

Seven yesterday confirmed the Logie nominee best known for her role as Anne Wilkinson in Neighbours in the '90s had spent the past few weeks filming a "guest role" and that it was "too early" to elaborate.

So impressed were they with her performance, we hear Satchwell has been asked to stay on.

The country girl from Victoria will be a useful marketing tool for the show come 2011, after it abruptly and prematurely was pulled off air this week amid rumours that original cast members Hugh Sheridan and Angus McLaren will leave the series.

After alleging in 2006 that she was assaulted by then live-in boyfriend actor Matthew Newton, Satchwell watched as her career flatlined.

Newton pleaded guilty to one charge of assault after allegedly bashing her in their Rozelle home.

A penalty of a good behaviour bond was later overturned in favour of no conviction being recorded.

Newton prospered in the years that followed until yet more assault allegations were levelled at him, this time brought by then-girlfriend Rachael Taylor in 2010.

Satchwell returned to the big screen in 2009 alongside Gary Sweet in blue collar comedy Subdivision and then surprised many in the industry with an appearance on Talkin' Bout Your Generation last year.