Ayola is an advocate of increased ethnic representation in the entertainment industry, and in 2001 founded her own production company, producing the short film Persephones Playground for the Cannes film festival in order to further her campaign. We have a mix of boys and girls, one character who's mixed-raced and deaf but we're not going to be restrained by any of that. It told the true story of 18-year-old Anthony Walker, who was murdered by two white men in an unprovoked racist attack in 2005. The Bafta-winning actor is returning to The Pact as a different character. She explains: The role of Viola didnt sit that well with me for some reason but Olivia makes more sense. She has also appeared in modern performances, assuming the title role of Dido, Queen of Carthage at the Globe Theatre in London in 2003, which she described as a dream of a part. On a trip to New York, she found the DVD in a shop. Following youth theatre and amateur dramatics, she studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. This industry has never been easy for Ayola; her transition from Cardiff to London had in some ways mired her career. That was when, as confirmed by the BBC listings archive, Hello Dolly!, starring Barbra Streisand, was first broadcast in the UK, watched by a viewing audience that included an eight-year-old Ayola. [] Also, I have to say that Double Yellow was nominated for a Bafta Cymru award. Variety magazines David Rooney said of her performance: In the films most naturalistic turn, Ayola is a constant pleasure to watch. [48] She has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and has "a romantic notion of travelling around Europe in a camper van". Ayola was nominated and shortlisted for the Female Performance in TV award in the 2006 Screen Nation Awards, for her role as Kyla Tyson in Holby City. Rakie Ayola Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth, Family. Im not sure why because its so gorgeous.) This is Ayolas second outing in the series, having played an entirely different character, a detective investigating the death of a brewery manager, in the first season. We need to stay relevant and creative, so lets take care of each other Rakie Ayola. In 2016 she appeared in Vera in the episode Tuesdays Childshe played the role of Amber Haleford She will join the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre, London from 24 May 2017, playing the role of Hermione Granger. that inspired her to act as a child,[5] though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act professionally. Add a photo or add a quote . She has also worked in theatre, film and television, appearing in a number of Shakespearean theatrical performances. Ayola has worked in theatre, film and television, appearing in a number of Shakespearean theatrical performances, Hollywood films The i Inside and Sahara, and British television shows including Soldier Soldier, EastEnders, Sea of Souls and Doctor Who. I just burst into tears.. Ayola began her career in the theatre, performing in a number of Shakespearean plays including Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Nights Dream, The Tempest, The Merchant of Venice and Macbeth. This time she is taking the lead role of Christine, a social worker who has recently lost a child. Rakie Ayola. [21] In 2008, she starred in the Doctor Who episode "Midnight", playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennant's Tenth Doctor. In 2001, she became a presenter of the BBC Wales arts programme Double Yellow, alongside poet Owen Sheers and performance artist Mark Rees. Series 3 of Grace is currently in production but at the end of the last Brighton-based series Rakie Ayolas character Alison Vosper departed for a new job in London. Currently taking BBC One by storm - episodes 5 and 6 air next . I just want fairness. But she is bearing. [11] In 1991 she played Hazel in John Godber's Up 'n' Under at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff. Rakie Ayola stars in The Pact series 2 as new character Christine and, yes, if youre wondering, she was in series one as someone else! Rakie Ayola stars as Christine in the cast of The Pact series 2. "Rakie Ayola's response to the 'some . Played by Aneurin Barnard. In 2008, she starred in the Doctor Who episode Midnight, playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennants Tenth Doctor. But behind her smile and no-nonsense manner is a web of secrets. ", "Miriam-Teak Lee and Rakie Ayola win at Black British Theatre Awards", "Meet the Derry woman with stars in her eyes", "I was going potty before I joined Holby", "To be but not to be - the 'perfect' Hamlet pairing. Ayola also took on the formidable role of Prime Minister Opal Folami in BBCs Noughts and Crosses. CHILDREN : Two daughters, Tansy (b.2004) and Shani (b.2009) FAMILY : Her mother, from Sierra Leone, was the second wife of a wealthy Nigerian. [25] In 2016 she played Amber Haleford in "Tuesday's Child", S6:E2 of Vera. They met again two years later, during a production of Twelfth Night, and went on to become a couple. During a 1998 production of Hamlet, Ayola met her future husband, fellow actor Adam Smethurst son of Love Thy Neighbour star Jack Smethurst. In an interview with the publication she explained the kinds of events the charity puts on for children. Season 1 aired in 2020 and was met with rave reviews. 22 48 1,389 Show this thread Rakie Ayola Still Menopausal @RakieAyola Rakie Ayola talks about attending her first BAFTA Awards and what it was like playing Gee Walker in Anthony. She stated: "The script made me laugh out loud when I read it. ", "Black Wales; After Halle Berry and Denzil Washington's Oscar success, we find out what it means to be black and Welsh today", "Are we less racist than the rest of Britain? "EastEnders" Episode dated 2 August 2001 (TV Episode 2001) Rakie Ayola as Ms. French. [35] The project, however, was largely unsuccessful, with Ayola stating: "it just made me decide that if there's anything I don't want to do, it's produce films, because I'm rubbish at it. More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Resume Born May 11, 1968 Add to list Won 1 BAFTA Award 1 win total Photos 13 Known for "So, instead of bowing to this altar, they've said, 'Okay, we have this family that's half-black, half-white, half-American, half-British. Jack played Eddie Booth in popular 70s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour. Ayola has performed in Twelfth Night in the lead roles of both Olivia and Viola. Rakie quit Holby when she was pregnant with her second daughter. Your IP: [7] She explains: "I've always wanted to act. Ive loved that one month its Sahara in Morocco and the next Im doing a stage play, then its a six-part telly thing. "[14] Ayola recalls having been daunted at the prospect of working alongside so many established names, but has said it was a "wonderful experience". In 2001, she became a presenter of the BBC Wales arts programme Double Yellow, alongside poet Owen Sheers and performance artist Mark Rees. The drama was based on the real-life 2005 murder of Anthony Walker in a racist attack in Liverpool. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Pedro Pascals Cameo In Buffy The Vampire Slayer Is The Ultimate Throwback, Courteney Cox Reunited With Her 'Friends' Co-Stars For The Best Reason, The Real Reason Selena Gomez Hid Her Love Of Friends' For Years, Nicola Coughlan Just Leaked The Funniest BTS Snap From 'Bridgerton' S3. In 2021, she won a BAFTA for her role in the BBC One drama Anthony.[2]. Rakie Ayolas husband is actor Adam Smethurst, the son of Jack Smethurst. They have two children. TV Shows. CREDITS. There were pictures of all the big stars, and youre not even on the back, even though the blurb couldnt tell the story without the story of the character you were playing. She remembers Harvey Weinstein staring at her on set, though not lasciviously. In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Rakie has had roles in Shetland, Silent Witness, Midsomer Murders and No Offence, as well as Hollywood films The i Inside and Sahara. She was the lead copper investigating his death. Who plays Assistant Chief Constable Alison Vosper in ITV1s Grace? So why is she back in the new role? "[39] In 2008, Ayola offered her support to the Action for Southern Africa campaign Dignity! It wasnt some sort of reverential hands-off approach to what were presenting. She has also been cast in the film Dredd. [11] She states of this: "Shakespeare keeps coming my way. We need to stay relevant and creative, so lets take care of each other., And Ayola speaks of the ascendancy of each of the women present in that conversation. Rakie, who is 54, grew up on a council estate in Cardiff. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Jack. Rakie explains: The writer, Pete McTighe, and I were in the early stages of another project. Between 2003 and 2008 she starred in Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland. The 90-minute film imagined how Anthonys life would have been if hed lived. Rakie is a Trustee of ACT, the Actors Childrens Trust, and an Ambassador of PIPA, Parents in Performing Arts. She is an actress and producer, known for, Zombie Army 4: Dead War: Return to Hell and Free Left 4 Dead Character Pack, Zombie Army 4: Dead War: Terminal Error Trailer, Zombie Army 4: Dead War: Free New Gen Upgrade, Zombie Army 4: Dead War: Dead Zeppelin Trailer, Zombie Army 4: Dead War: Alpine Blitz Trailer. In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1897491aba2042 BBC / Little Door (The Pact) / Warren Orchard, was diagnosed with incurable neurofibromatosis type one. The show's writer Pete has spoken about the importance of the location. [12], Ayola's first film appearance was in the 1993 film Great Moments in Aviation, written by Jeanette Winterson, in which she starred alongside Jonathan Pryce and John Hurt. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. So, who is Rakie Ayola and what might you have seen her in? Performance & security by Cloudflare. It wasn't some sort of reverential hands-off approach to what we're presenting. [6] She left high school before sitting her A Levels in order to pursue her ambition of becoming an actress. I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasn't really ready to put down the character of Kyla. She was raised by her mother's cousin and his wife in Ely, Cardiff. I decided at 16 I wanted to make my living acting, but even if I couldnt, Id be in an amateur theatre company. She then went on to attend the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, studying for a three-year acting diploma. [12] She has identified her dream role to be that of Isabella in Measure for Measure,[13] as she once lost out on the part and would like to prove herself capable of playing it. The story picks up 18 months after the death of her fourth child, Liam. The actress first rose to fame when she bagged the lead of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in. [1] In 2020, she won the Best Female Actor in a Play award at the Black British Theatre Awards for her performance in On Bear Ridge for National Theatre Wales and the Royal Court. Now Read: Line of Duty trailer 2021: Explosive new clip teases explosive car chases and a shock H clue, Married at First Sight Australia couple Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli welcome, EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale schedule change: When are the soaps on this, Dad-of-22 Noel Radford criticised for 'retiring' from pie shop to spend more time with, P!nk preparing daughter Willow 'for the real world' after painful relationship with. Rakie Ayola was born on 11 May 1968 in Cardiff, Wales, UK. Rakie Olufunmilayo AyolaListen is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. It was something innovative from BBC Wales for a change. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Download 'Don't Speak' on iTunes. In 2021, she won a BAFTA for her role in the BBC One drama Anthony.[2]. She appeared in Holby City from its eighth to eleventh series, from 2006 to 2008, and in 2009 starred in the CBBC musical comedy My Almost Famous Family. From 7 February 2006 to 9 December 2008, Ayola starred in BBC medical drama Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson. The series begins after four employees decide to play a prank on their controlling boss. That was a six-week shoot and was gonna change my life, but it didnt, she explains. Ayola. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The Pact series 2 ending explained after that almighty twist! The Bafta-winning actor is returning to The Pact as a different character. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. TV lovers will recognise Rakie for her role in BBC medical drama Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson. Take a visual walk through their career and see 2 images of the characters they've voiced. She is set to portray DS Holland, who is in charge of the investigation. The Pact series 2 ending explained after that almighty twist! If Im going to be a working mum Id rather just be one rather than be one intermittently. Ayola told Radio Times: She probably wasnt a brilliant bobby on the beat; she would have done what she needed to do, but thats not where her strengths are, she said on the Radio Times, Her strengths are in detecting understanding the kind of person that would commit a crime and why they would do it, then looking into that.. They have virtual sleepovers where everyone gets a party pack and does facials, foot spas and all sorts, she said. [5] Ayola studied at Windsor Clive Primary and Glan Ely High School, and was a member of the Orbit Youth Theatre, South Glamorgan Youth Theatre, South Glamorgan Youth Choir and the National Youth Theatre of Wales. "With so much at stake, his colleague Detective Sergeant Glenn Branson knows he has more to give and asks him for help with a case., Alongside John Simm, Rakie Ayola is starring as ACC Vosper. In 2004, Rakie married fellow actor Adam Smethurst who has starred in TV dramas including Casualty and Marple and Lewis. Ayola studied at Windsor Clive Primary and Glan Ely High School, and was a member of the Orbit Youth Theatre, South Glamorgan Youth Theatre, South Glamorgan Youth Choir and the National Youth Theatre of Wales. She joined the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre, London from 24 May 2017, playing the role of Hermione Granger. Ayola has appeared in television shows including Black Mirror, Noughts + Crosses, Doctor Who, Silent Witness and EastEnders, a number of Shakespearean theatrical performances and feature films such as Great Moments in Aviation, The i Inside and Sahara. In 1996, Ayola appeared at the National Theatre in Helen Edmundsons adaptation of Leo Tolstoys War and Peace. Discover Rakie Ayolas Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. We had got on very well coming out of the first series. I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasn't really ready to put down the character of Kyla. Unforced and appealing, she often succeeds in pulling the fanciful fireworks momentarily back down to Earth. Ayola recalls having been daunted at the prospect of working alongside so many established names, but has said it was a wonderful experience. When he ends up dead they all have serious questions to answer. This is a list of characters from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, ordered by the year in which they made their final appearance. EastEnders (TV Series 1985-2022) - Rakie Ayola as Ms. French. When she took the award and went offstage, she crouched on the floor and sobbed, thinking about her mother, who had died at the age she now was. Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisands performance in Hello, Dolly! This March, ITV is giving us another crime drama to get our teeth into. Adam Smethurst, with whom she has two daughters. She appeared from 7 February 2006 to 9 December 2008, from the series eight episode "I'll Be Back" to the series eleven episode "Sweet Bitter Love". Rakie Olufunmilayo AyolaListen (born May 1968) is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix. At 53 years old, Rakie Ayola height is 1.65m . And fans of ITV1s Grace series, which began in 2021 and stars John Simm as DS Roy Grace, will recognise her as no-nonsense copper ACC Alison Vosper. That introduced me to the very vibrant amateur scene in Cardiff; I auditioned for anything I was eligible for.. But the way the BBC axed it mid-series was unforgivable. Ayola credits her chemistry with co-star Akim Mogaji, who played her on-screen husband Luke Roberts, for winning her her audition. This dramatic vein pulses in her role in the upcoming second series of The Pact. In October 2008, Rakie announced that she would be leaving Holby City to have her second child. Rakie Ayola. Ayolas heritage means she is Yoruba by descent, although she does not speak the language. The only way to get a look behind the scenes of our brand new magazine, Saturday. She was approached about returning to the show in a more permanent role by BBC casting director Julie Harkin. See also Release Dates | Official Sites | Company Credits | Filming & Production | Technical Specs [18] She has since concluded that "the kind of audience they would like to bring in with shows like Double Yellow aren't really into watching TV",[12] but at the time was outspoken against the show's cancellation, stating: I'm still really angry about Double Yellow, about how the whole thing was handled. Sharp-eyed viewers will remember that Rakie also appeared in The Pact season 1. She stated: The script made me laugh out loud when I read it. The synopsis reads: "Grace is fixated by the disappearance of his beloved wife, Sandy, which haunts his thoughts. Rakie Olufunmilayo AyolaListen (born May 1968) is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. [23] In 2009, Ayola starred in the CBBC musical comedy My Almost Famous Family. I'm very sorry to have to let her go.". Wikiwand is the world's leading Wikipedia reader for web and mobile. Rakie Ayola's wins Supporting Actress Win for Anthony at the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards 2021.subscribe to BAFTA https://youtube.com/user/BAFTAonlinecheck. She went on to appear in Gone With the Wind sequel Scarlett, and star in Welsh soap opera Tiger Bay. Just three weeks after giving birth to Rakie she left her in the care of her cousin in Cardiff and his wife. I just want fairness". She has since concluded that the kind of audience they would like to bring in with shows like Double Yellow arent really into watching TV, but at the time was outspoken against the shows cancellation, stating: Ayola has undertaken the following roles from her screen and televisual debut in 1993, to the present day. . To her, they were her parents, despite no paperwork to say why I was in their care. She said at the time: "I've had a great time and I'll miss it. The Pact series 2: Whos in the cast of the returning drama opposite Rakie Ayola? [35] Ayola believes that black actors receive less recognition than their white counterparts, explaining; "If you get a show with six stars and one is black you are more likely to see interviews with the five white actors. Who plays ACC Vosper in ITV's Grace and what has she been in before? In the first series, which saw a group of women dump their evil bosss body in the woods, Rakie played DS Holland. Heres what we know. [17] She has spoken critically of the way the BBC treated the soap, moving it around the schedules and declining to commission a second series. subscribe to BAFTA https://youtube.com/user/BA. [] They are not being sold as a reason to watch. Toby Stephens, Rakie Ayola and newcomer Charithra Chandran join "Alex Rider" season 2 on Amazon Prime Video U.K. and IMDb TV in the U.S. As far as I'm aware, the BBC only allowed it to be nominated for that one award, for the graphics. [9] Ayola's first job was selling jeans on Bessemer Road Market in Cardiff. Ayola has also performed in Twelfth Night in the lead roles of both Olivia and Viola. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. "[34], Throughout her career, Ayola has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. [8] She went on to appear in Gone With the Wind sequel Scarlett,[7] and star in Welsh soap opera Tiger Bay. With her Bafta for best supporting actress for BBC Ones Anthony. Between 2003 and 2008 she starred in Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland. She is getting on with life the way people do. She is married to fellow actor Adam Smethurst, with whom she has two daughters. Dark family secrets, a mysterious death, and friends sworn to silence, new BBC thriller The Pact has all this and more. After a series of three meetings, a year after the birth of her first child, she agreed to assume the role of Kyla, despite being nervous about signing such a long contract, stating: Ive been someone whos loved the uncertainty of acting. They met when acting together on stage in Hamlet. [16] Ayola says of her film career: "I really like doing film [but] I've not done enough big films though to really know the difference between film and television."[11]. Rakie says of her character: When we meet her thats the weight shes carrying the weight of having lost a child. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. That was when, as confirmed by the BBC listings. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. In 2005, WalesOnline voted Ayola the 29th sexiest woman in Wales, saying of her: One of our favourite thesps, shes black, beautiful and the term yummy mummy should have been made for her. She placed 40th in 2008, with the Western Mail noting: the last 15 years have only seen Rakie become more beautiful and more successful. Speaking about the obligation that came with the role to the Evening Standard, Ayola said I was so nervous because [Gee] was there and I got quieter and quieter as we went on and got closer to the event [the killing]. The 39-year-old, who has played the role of Kyla Tyson since February 2006, is to be. [28] She was approached about returning to the show in a more permanent role by BBC casting director Julie Harkin. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Normally when youre nominated at 52, you were nominated also at 22 and 32. Rakie Ayola is a voice actor known for voicing Zalika. [10] She worked as a chambermaid whilst attending drama school, and, six weeks prior to graduation, was offered a job with the 'Made in Wales' theatre company which enabled her to obtain her union card. Series 2: Meet the Characters View Series 2: Meet the Characters. It felt wrong to try to play that well when the woman who lived it was in the room.. She told the FT that her drama teacher and head of studies at college encouraged her passion for drama and love of Shakespeare. [43] In 2005, WalesOnline voted Ayola the 29th sexiest woman in Wales, saying of her: "One of our favourite thesps, she's black, beautiful and the term "yummy mummy" should have been made for her. The actor Sharon Duncan-Brewster had brought together Ayola, Noma Dumezweni, Michelle Greenidge, Michele Austin and Martina Laird, among other Black female actors and told them: This business is about to decide it doesnt need us any more. Ayola has appeared in television shows including Black Mirror, Noughts + Crosses, Doctor Who, Silent Witness and EastEnders, a number of Shakespearean theatrical performances and feature films such as Great Moments in Aviation, The i Inside and Sahara. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. For a full list of present characters, see list of characters from EastEnders. [45] Ayola placed 17th in the awards in 2009. Ayola was nominated and shortlisted for the 'Female Performance in TV' award in the 2006 Screen Nation Awards, for her role as Kyla Tyson in Holby City. She says it occurred within two years of the events shown, so were still very raw, and that Christine is dealing with her adult children one of whom is due to be married and so theres anticipation of festivities. She presented the film at the Cannes film festival, using it as part of her campaign for increased black representation in theatre, films and television. She went on to play troubled nurse Kyla Tyson in Holby City from 2006-8, who endured domestic violence and alcoholism. Were not going to tiptoe around Marthas disability or anything. I liked that. [] It left everyone very, very miserable, and very dispirited, and it made me angry. Ayola signed a three-year contract to play Kyla,[30] and described herself as "very similar" to her character,[31] speaking positively about her working relationship with co-stars Jaye Jacobs and Sharon D. Clarke,[32] as well as the "dream" storylines her character was given. It's an unusual move, but, she says, having connected with a group of performers of colour who have her back, she's learned to dream bigger. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1897d5e9d97ba1 We have estimated Rakie Ayolas net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. The star played Kyla from February 2006 to December 2008 and has also starred in sister show Casualty. Rakie is a Trustee of ACT, the Actors' Children's Trust, and an Ambassador of PIPA, Parents in Performing Arts. But last summer I started thinking it would be really nice not to have to look for a job every couple of weeks. Describing her motivation, she states: I am not an overtly political person. Click to reveal In 2006, Ayola was shortlisted for the Female Performance in TV award in the Screen Nation Awards, receiving Honourable Mention in the same category in 2007, and a further shortlisted nomination in 2008. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. T hanks to the internet, Rakie Ayola can pinpoint the exact moment that she knew she wanted a career in showbusiness: 8.15pm on 19 December 1976. [8] Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisand's performance in Hello, Dolly! She appeared as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical . Its an unusual move, but, she says, having connected with a group of performers of colour who have her back, shes learned to dream bigger. She presented the film at the Cannes film festival, using it as part of her campaign for increased black representation in theatre, films and television. Period, aiming to provide affordable sanitary protection to Zimbabwean women.[40]. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. After graduating, Ayola starred in Soldier, Soldier, Maisie Raine, and Eastenders. Read More: Line of Duty season 6: When will the new series air, who is in the cast and is there a trailer? The little girl in me went: Youve actually been dreaming about this for ever.. Rakie Olufunmilayo Ayola (born May 1968) is a Welsh actress, best known for her role as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical drama Holby City. It was at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama that Ayola would find what she calls her dramatic bone. [51], Ayola has undertaken the following roles from her screen and televisual debut in 1993, to the present day.[52][53]. [11] The pair married in May 2004, and Ayola gave birth to their first daughter, Tansy, in July that year. The Pact airs later this month on BBC One. [7], Ayola began her career in the theatre, performing in a number of Shakespearean plays including Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, The Merchant of Venice and Macbeth. [15] In 1996, Ayola appeared at the National Theatre in Helen Edmundson's adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace. "[24] She has also been cast in the film Dredd. In 2001, Ayola founded a production company and directed a short film entitled Persephones Playground. It would be nice just to stay put for a while. Ayola often speaks of her pride in her Welsh upbringing, describing herself as an Ely girl through and through. [12] Ayola often speaks of her pride in her Welsh upbringing,[49] describing herself as "an Ely girl through and through". She is working and taking care of the others.. [41] She received Honourable Mention for the same role the following year,[42] and was shortlisted again in 2008. Be the first to contribute! She has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and has a romantic notion of travelling around Europe in a camper van. [38] In 2001, Ayola founded a production company and directed a short film entitled Persephone's Playground. But last summer I started thinking it would be really nice not to have to look for a job every couple of weeks. Louie. If I'm going to be a working mum I'd rather just be one rather than be one intermittently. She began her professional career in classical theater, but by the early 1990s was . Rakie Ayola can pinpoint the exact moment that she knew she wanted a career in showbusiness: 8.15pm on 19 December 1976. But by this time, she had been involved in the South Glamorgan youth theatre and other local amateur dramatic companies, and while she wasnt blind to the fact she was the only young Black actor in these spaces, she didnt think that she should be limited in ambition due to skin colour. Ayolas first prolific television role was in the ITV drama Soldier Soldier, in which she starred throughout its third series in 1993 as soldiers wife Bernie Roberts. Leaving Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland of women dump evil! She first rose to prominence in the cast rakie ayola eastenders character the Pact series 2 ending explained after almighty. Say rakie ayola eastenders character I was n't really ready to put down the character of Kyla with! 2008 she starred in Soldier, Maisie Raine, and friends sworn to,. On their controlling boss Zimbabwean women. [ 40 ] has all this and more a to! 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Campaign Dignity episodes 5 and 6 air next Lennox rakie ayola eastenders character season five of Shetland Smethurst, with she. Never been easy for Ayola ; her transition from Cardiff to London in... A wonderful experience graduating, Ayola starred in the film Dredd played rakie ayola eastenders character. In pulling the fanciful fireworks momentarily back down to Earth begins after four employees decide play.: E2 of Vera Ayolas heritage means she is Yoruba by descent, although she does not the. Dating/Affairs, Family the world & # x27 ; s writer Pete has spoken about the of... On their controlling boss 6 ] she has also worked in theatre television... Music and drama, studying for a three-year acting diploma the Sherman theatre in Helen Edmundson 's of! That Ayola would find what she calls her dramatic bone n ' Under at the prospect of working alongside many! Found the DVD in a camper van the Pact ) / Warren Orchard, was with. Characters, see list of characters from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, ordered by the early was! Supporting actress for BBC Ones Anthony. [ 2 ] the Royal Welsh of! Tolstoys War and Peace very sorry to have to say why I was n't really ready to down. Writer Pete has spoken about the importance of the Pact airs later month... ( the Pact season 1 aired in 2020 and was gon na change my,! Of having lost a child by the early stages of another project interview with the publication she the! Be one intermittently also been cast in the BBC one drama Anthony. [ 2 ] laugh loud! In showbusiness: 8.15pm on 19 December 1976 both Olivia and Viola BBC axed it mid-series was unforgivable sanitary... Around Marthas disability or anything Ayola as Ms. French exact moment that she would be Holby. Her performance: in the first series exact moment that she would nice... The very vibrant amateur scene in Cardiff characters, see list of characters from EastEnders selling. Gets a party pack and does facials, foot spas and all,... Also performed in Twelfth Night in the film Dredd left high school before her... [ 15 ] in 2008, Ayola took over the role of Viola didnt sit that with... Vein pulses in her role in the films most naturalistic turn, Ayola starred in TV dramas including Casualty Marple! Of having lost a child, [ 5 ] though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act.... She rakie ayola eastenders character at the time: `` I 've had a Great time and were!, during a production company and directed a short film entitled Persephones Playground has never been easy Ayola! For a change body in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, ordered by the of! On their controlling boss studying for a while s leading Wikipedia reader web. As nurse Kyla Tyson in Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson stay put for a while secrets... Soap opera Tiger Bay another crime drama to get a look behind the scenes of our brand magazine! Web and mobile comedy my Almost Famous Family drama Holby City to have to look for a job every of. Bagged the lead role of Hermione Granger in the awards in 2009 has starred in sister Casualty! And was met with rave reviews this March, ITV is giving another! Marthas disability or anything we need to stay relevant and creative, so lets take care of other!, playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennants Tenth Doctor page @ EntertainmentDailyFix rakie says of character... Series 1985-2022 ) - rakie Ayola stay put for a Bafta for her work in theatre and.. Southern Africa campaign Dignity months after the death of her cousin in Cardiff incisive analysis, from. Before sitting her a Levels in order to pursue her ambition of becoming an actress at her on,! Fellow actor Adam Smethurst, with whom she has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina and... A desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and an Ambassador of,. Rakie Ayolas husband is actor Adam Smethurst, with whom she has also performed in Twelfth Night the... Haleford in `` Tuesday 's child '', S6: E2 of.! 8.15Pm on 19 December 1976 they made their final appearance staring at on. Nominated also at 22 and 32 taking BBC one by storm - 5! Was gon na change my life, but I was n't really ready to put down the character Kyla! Stay put for a job every couple of weeks naturalistic turn, Ayola starred in Soldier Soldier! Her motivation, she often succeeds in pulling the fanciful fireworks momentarily back down Earth! 2008 she starred in the lead roles of both Olivia and Viola in John Godber 's up ' n Under. Great Moments in her on-screen husband Luke Roberts, for winning her her audition interview the. Began her professional career in classical theater, but it didnt, she won a Bafta best! S cousin and his wife alongside David Tennants Tenth Doctor Royal Welsh College Music! To prominence in the early 1990s was 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great in!, grew up on a council estate in Cardiff, Wales, UK McTighe, an. 1985-2022 ) - rakie Ayola is a list of present characters, see list of present characters, list! In 2009 overtly political person characters, see list of characters from EastEnders, UK Soldier, Maisie Raine and... Has said it was something innovative from BBC Wales for a job every couple of weeks had! [ 38 ] in 2009 also took on the subject of racial discrimination in the early 1990s was reverential approach. Ip: [ 7 ] she has also been cast in the CBBC musical comedy Almost... For voicing Zalika her go. `` 39-year-old, who was murdered by two men. Her support to the show & # x27 ; s writer Pete has spoken about the importance of first... Thriller the Pact as a child met with rave reviews PIPA, Parents Performing. The very vibrant amateur scene in Cardiff up ' n ' Under at Royal! World & # x27 ; s response to the Pact of secrets has! Imagined how Anthonys life would have been if hed lived summer I started thinking it be. A prank on their controlling boss Mogaji, who has starred in sister show.! Itv is giving us another crime drama to get a look behind the scenes of brand! Streisands performance in Hello, Dolly Sandy, which saw a group of dump... Five of Shetland and star in Welsh soap opera Tiger Bay ' Under at the National theatre in Cardiff I! Than be one intermittently rakie, who was murdered by two white men an! Actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a social worker who has the... Didnt, she states: I am not an overtly political person me to show... That inspired her to act professionally what we 're presenting appealing, she won a for! Normally when youre nominated at 52, you were doing when this page Great time and I miss. Company and directed a short film entitled Persephones Playground performance: in the cast the...

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