 Valerie's storylines in the programme have included a life-threatening battle against Hodgkin's lymphoma, fighting against Mrs. Tembe's (Lorna Laidlaw) new ideas for The Mill, attempting to sue Al Haskey (Ian Midlane) for malpractice and being falsely accused of murder.Valerie first appears when Howard Bellamy (Ian Kelsey) phones her, needing her to be a temporary receptionist at The Mill, whilst Mrs Tembe (Lorna Laidlaw) and Karen Hollins (Jan Pearson) are on holiday.She agrees to this, and starts work four days later, offending both Mrs Tembe and Karen before they leave.