Elvis songwriter Leiber dies at 78

Jerry Leiber, who wrote lyrics for hits Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock, has died aged 78 (AP)

Rock 'n' roll songwriter Jerry Leiber, who wrote lyrics for such hits as Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock, has died.

Publicist Bobbi Marcus said Leiber died on Monday. He was 78.

With Leiber as lyricist and partner Mike Stoller as composer, the team channelled their blues and jazz backgrounds into pop songs performed by such artists as Elvis Presley, the Coasters and Ben E King.

Their breakout hit was blues great Big Mama Thornton's 1953 rendition of Hound Dog. Presley's version hit number one in 1956.

Their songwriting took a more serious turn in 1969 with Peggy Lee's hit Is That All There Is?

They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall in 1987

If you watch Casualty this Saturday, you'll see former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson as a new paramedic.

The 26-year-old actress and model recently bared all on stage with the Calendar Girls tour.

She has competed in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity Masterchef since leaving Hollyoaks in 2006.

Gemma will play Tamzin, a member of the rapid response team.

Speaking about her role, she said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Casualty and really looking forward to getting to know all the cast and crew."

The actress added: "I used to watch the series as a child so to now be involved is fantastic. I'm so grateful to be given the chance to play Tamzin and I hope audiences will enjoy her too!"

Olive Kent, producer of the BBC medical drama, said: "We are delighted to welcome Gemma. Tamzin is going to bring a touch of glamour to the paramedic team."

I'm sure Gemma Atkinson will have the hearts of some viewers racing.