Rakie is a Trustee of ACT, the Actors' Children's Trust, and an Ambassador of PIPA, Parents in Performing Arts. CHILDREN : Two daughters, Tansy (b.2004) and Shani (b.2009) FAMILY : Her mother, from Sierra Leone, was the second wife of a wealthy Nigerian. 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. Shooting took place in the area between Cardiff and Port Talbot (Youre going west along beautiful coastline that rarely gets filmed. Rakie Ayola: I seem to be able to breathe life into all this grief and loss, 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. The 90-minute film imagined how Anthonys life would have been if hed lived. Cardiff would become the the genesis and spiritual home of Ayolas career. She had previously appeared in Holby City's sister show Casualty,[9] and had made an appearance in Holby City's fifth series as patient Marianne Lawson. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Shes one of those women. They have virtual sleepovers where everyone gets a party pack and does facials, foot spas and all sorts, she said. It would be nice just to stay put for a while. It wasn't some sort of reverential hands-off approach to what we're presenting. ", "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? She left high school before sitting her A Levels in order to pursue her ambition of becoming an actress. Welsh actress Rakie Ayola is to leave Holby City at the end of the year, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal. 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. [6] Her first acting role was for the Welsh Eisteddfod when still at primary school, playing a lady-in-waiting at the court of King Arthur. She had previously appeared in Holby Citys sister show Casualty, and had made an appearance in Holby Citys fifth series as patient Marianne Lawson. The Pact premiered on May 17 on BBC One at 9 p.m. You can watch it on catchup on BBC iPlayer. [21] In 2008, she starred in the Doctor Who episode "Midnight", playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennant's Tenth Doctor. Ayola was born in Cardiff in May 1968 to a Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father. [10] She spends her free time "watching television, the theatre, cinema, concerts, indoor wall climbing [and] keeping fit [with] yoga [and] aerobics". I love the fact that I get to play people who are much more articulate than Ill ever be. The synopsis reads: "Grace is fixated by the disappearance of his beloved wife, Sandy, which haunts his thoughts. 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. EastEnders (TV Series 1985-2022) - Rakie Ayola as Ms. French - IMDb EastEnders (1985-2022) Rakie Ayola: Ms. French It looks like we don't have any photos or quotes yet. [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]. She stated: "The script made me laugh out loud when I read it. [51], Ayola has undertaken the following roles from her screen and televisual debut in 1993, to the present day.[52][53]. They have two daughters, Tansy and Shani, born in 2004 and 2009. She won a BAFTA for her performance as bereaved mum Gee Walker in BBC1s drama Anthony. This is not Ayolas first time playing a mother in the aftermath of grief: her role as Gee Walker in BBC Ones Anthony won her the Bafta for best supporting actress in 2021. Rakie Ayola, a Welsh actress best known for her roles in Grace, Black Mirror, Noughts + Crosses and Doctor Who. Christine's an experienced social worker who is devoted. She went on to appear in Gone With the Wind sequel Scarlett, and star in Welsh soap opera Tiger Bay. She has spoken critically of the way the BBC treated the soap, moving it around the schedules and declining to commission a second series. Rakie Ayola is an actress appearing in the BCC's TV Program, The Pact. The BBC drama sees Ayola, who has lived in London since the 1990s, return to Wales, where she was brought up on a council estate in Cardiff by her Sierra Leonean birth mothers cousin and his Welsh wife. For a full list of present characters, see list of characters from EastEnders. Jack. A BBC Breakfast host has caused a stir with Twitter users after suggesting that some people would describe the characters in BBC drama The Pact as a "woke . 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]. Season 1 aired in 2020 and was met with rave reviews. In October 2008, Ayola announced that she would be departing from Holby City in order to have a second child, stating: Ive had a great time and Ill miss it. [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. Contents: 2020s: 2023 2022 2021 2020 2010s: 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 We had got on very well coming out of the first series. But I had this dramatic vein, so leaned into that.. It wasnt some sort of reverential hands-off approach to what were presenting. She has also been cast in the film Dredd. His unorthodox police methods have come under scrutiny once again and Grace is walking a career tightrope and risks being moved from the job he loves most. He didnt write this boss lady Theres a quietness to her control and I found that compelling. If youre like Sharon, front and centre of a film like Dune, its not [usually] the first time in your 50s, as a Black British woman., Winning her own Bafta is a moment Ayola still hasnt quite comprehended. In 2001, Rakie appeared in EastEnders as teacher Miss French. 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. In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. "EastEnders" Episode dated 2 August 2001 (TV Episode 2001) Rakie Ayola as Ms. French. Heres what we know. She told the FT that her drama teacher and head of studies at college encouraged her passion for drama and love of Shakespeare. Indeed she is! In 2021, she won a BAFTA for her role in the BBC One drama Anthony.[2]. 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. See also Release Dates | Official Sites | Company Credits | Filming & Production | Technical Specs So, who is Rakie Ayola and what might you have seen her in? 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. She has three grown-up children: Will (Lloyd Everitt); Jamie (Aaron Anthony); Megan (Mali Ann Rees). 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. Rakie Ayola can pinpoint the exact moment that she knew she wanted a career in showbusiness: 8.15pm on 19 December 1976. Ayola made her screen debut in 1993 and has since worked in many movies and TV series such as The I Inside, Sahara, Been So Long, Nightshift, Doctor Who, Black Mirror, Grace, to name a few. In the same year, she also starred as Prime Minister Opal Folami in BBC drama Noughts and Crosses. She appeared as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical . Rakie explains: The writer, Pete McTighe, and I were in the early stages of another project. At the age of 13, she set up a theatre company, the Talent Amateur Dramatic Society, with a few friends. She said at the time: "I've had a great time and I'll miss it. 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. [8] She went on to appear in Gone With the Wind sequel Scarlett,[7] and star in Welsh soap opera Tiger Bay. I decided at 16 I wanted to make my living acting, but even if I couldn't, Id be in an amateur theatre company. "[36] She believes that her career would have taken her in a different direction were she not Black, stating: "I could not have played any of the roles I have played on TV if I was white [] I am very aware of where the glass ceiling is and it's still very low and expectations are still very low". Sign up for Bustle UK's twice-weekly newsletter, featuring the latest must-watch TV, moving personal stories, and expert advice on the hottest viral buys. Ayola has also performed in Twelfth Night in the lead roles of both Olivia and Viola. [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. "[11] 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". "[34], Throughout her career, Ayola has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. She was cared for by her birth mothers cousin from Sierra Leone and his Welsh wife. Im very sorry to have to let her go.. In 2001, Ayola founded a production company and directed a short film entitled Persephones Playground. So it didn't find its audience, and of course you can't force people to watch it, so if it wasn't going to get a third series then fine, that happens all the time. The little girl in me went: Youve actually been dreaming about this for ever.. The Bafta-winning actor is returning to The Pact as a different character. Download 'Don't Speak' on iTunes. [] They are not being sold as a reason to watch. She was approached about returning to the show in a more permanent role by BBC casting director Julie Harkin. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1897d5e9d97ba1 Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. She was the lead copper investigating his death. She received Honourable Mention for the same role the following year, and was shortlisted again in 2008. 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. And then Holby came along, so I'm very grateful".[9]. [18] She posed nude but for a pair of yellow rubber gloves to promote the show's launch, and was highly critical of the BBC when the show was cancelled midway through its second series. In 2009, Ayola starred in the CBBC musical comedy My Almost Famous Family. For a full list of present characters, see list of characters from EastEnders. If I'm going to be a working mum I'd rather just be one rather than be one intermittently. that inspired her to act as a child, though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act professionally. [29] 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",[21] stating: "I've been someone who's loved the uncertainty of acting. This industry has never been easy for Ayola; her transition from Cardiff to London had in some ways mired her career. We have a mix of boys and girls, one character whos mixed-raced and deaf but were not going to be restrained by any of that. The actress first rose to fame when she bagged the lead of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. 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. Tansy has undergone extensive surgeries to treat neurofibramatosis type 1 (NF1) and Rakie is Patron of The Childhood Tumour trust. In October 2008, Rakie announced that she would be leaving Holby City to have her second child. The only way to get a look behind the scenes of our brand new magazine, Saturday. Read More: Line of Duty season 6: When will the new series air, who is in the cast and is there a trailer? Summarize this article for a 10 years old. The charity works to connect children and families living with neurofibromatosis type one. Were not going to tiptoe around Marthas disability or anything. I liked that. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. The actress first rose to fame when she bagged the lead of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in. Who plays ACC Vosper in ITV's Grace and what has she been in before? That was really interesting to play.. The Pact series 2 ending explained after that almighty twist! The action you just performed triggered the security solution. 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. 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 went on to play troubled nurse Kyla Tyson in Holby City from 2006-8, who endured domestic violence and alcoholism. Having formed a support group of Black female actors over the years, she now feels able to imagine more. And then Holby came along, so Im very grateful. [6] She left high school before sitting her A Levels in order to pursue her ambition of becoming an actress. Rakie quit Holby when she was pregnant with her second daughter. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. . By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Rakie Ayola was born on 11 May 1968 in Cardiff, Wales, UK. If you havent been nominated for a Bafta before 52 youre not meant to be nominated and take the Bafta home. She acted in William Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest," at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in Birmingham, England with Jeffery Kissoon, Richard McCabe, Ginny Holder, Daniel Isaacs, Tony Armatrading, and Geoffrey Freshwater in the cast. Holby star Rakie Ayola. She is married to Adam Smethurst. Normally when youre nominated at 52, you were nominated also at 22 and 32. The story picks up 18 months after the death of her fourth child, Liam. Be the first to contribute! She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 1968-05-. Will, Jamie and Megan dont understand why their mum never talks about her past. This is a list of characters from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, ordered by the year in which they made their final appearance. The Pact series 2 episode 5 review - five things we want to know [Spoilers] The Pact series 2 episode 4 review: five . "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. 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. In 2016 she took on the role of matriarch Nora Attah, the head of a crime family, in series 2 of Channel 4s police comedy drama No Offence. [23] In 2009, Ayola starred in the CBBC musical comedy My Almost Famous Family. "[14] Ayola recalls having been daunted at the prospect of working alongside so many established names, but has said it was a "wonderful experience". But who is Rakie and who did she play in Holby City? But in her 50s, Ayola has found a confidence that she did not have in her 20s. In the summer of 1992, having moved to Elephant and Castle, she remembers auditioning for Beeban Kidrons drama Great Moments in Aviation, which she starred in alongside John Hurt, Jonathan Pryce and Vanessa Redgrave. Ayola describes herself as optimistic, cynical, lazy, naive [and] honest. How old is Rakie Ayola? Rakie Olufunmilayo AyolaListen is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. I was so bad with the budget that I just said yes to everything and then had to worry about how to pay for things at the end. No Doubt We need to stay relevant and creative, so lets take care of each other Rakie Ayola. [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. 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 says of her film career: I really like doing film [but] Ive not done enough big films though to really know the difference between film and television.. At 53 years old, Rakie Ayola height is 1.65m . [] I also like the fact that there were a lot of politically-correct boxes being ticked, but the writers and producer havent been restrained by that. But behind her smile and no-nonsense manner is a web of secrets. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. After graduating, Ayola starred in Soldier, Soldier, Maisie Raine, and Eastenders. Throughout her career, Ayola has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. The series begins after four employees decide to play a prank on their controlling boss. The hit West End musical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set to have its cast refreshed, with Holby City's Rakie Ayola taking over as Hermione Granger and Waterloo Road's Jamie Glover . Between 2003 and 2008 she starred in Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland. [11] She states of this: "Shakespeare keeps coming my way. 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. The drama was based on the real-life 2005 murder of Anthony Walker in a racist attack in Liverpool. Wikiwand is the world's leading Wikipedia reader for web and mobile. They have two children. I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasnt really ready to put down the character of Kyla. That introduced me to the very vibrant amateur scene in Cardiff; I auditioned for anything I was eligible for.. Ayola placed 17th in the awards in 2009. Shawn Fonteno Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family, David Brisbin Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family, Del Armstrong Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family, Anel Lopez Gorham Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth, Family. In an interview with the publication she said, My drama teacher took me to youth theatre. [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. As far as I'm aware, the BBC only allowed it to be nominated for that one award, for the graphics. So, instead of bowing to this altar, theyve said, Okay, we have this family thats half-black, half-white, half-American, half-British. 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. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. 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. 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. Grace is based on Peter James first two books, Dead Simple and Looking Good Dead and follows Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. Ayola plays the character, DS Holland, and is appearing in a total of six episodes. TV lovers will recognise Rakie for her role in BBC medical drama Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson. She previously explained: I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasnt really ready to put down the character of Kyla. Rakie Ayola stars as Christine in the cast of The Pact series 2. 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. She explains: Ive always wanted to act. Also learn how She earned most of networth at the age of 52 years old? Learn How rich is She in this year and how She spends money? Emmerdale spoilers tonight: Paddy says goodbye as he plans to end his own life, I am Madeleine McCann girl has taken DNA test and thinks she could be another missing girl, I am Madeleine McCann girl Julia Wandelt on dream come true as she shares news, Prince Harry news: Duke stunned by very final and cruel punishment from royal family, Karen Hauer declares were going to need a creche amid exciting Strictly baby news, Mystery fianc of Carol Kirkwood revealed as they look cosy on night out, Dancing On Ice: Siva Kaneswaran fights back tears as he reveals Tom Parker tribute this weekend, Lorraine Kelly fires back at rude and judgemental troll who mocked her appearance, This Morning: Warning for Holly and Phillip as show advised to switch up presenting roster, Ant and Decs Saturday Night Takeaway hit by hundreds of Ofcom complaints over insensitive prank on first-time dad, Good Morning Britain: Susanna Reid forced to make last-minute change to racy outfit, Katie Price shows off the results of her biggest-ever boob job in tiny white crop top, Jeremy Clarkson dealt new blow after Meghan furore over Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Catherine, Princess of Wales pays subtle nod to Queen and Princess Diana as she stuns in red today. Between 2003 and 2008 she starred in Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland. Rakie Ayolas husband is actor Adam Smethurst, the son of Jack Smethurst. DS Holland - Rakie Ayola (Image: BBC / Little Door (The Pact) / Warren Orchard) Rakie is another Welsh actor with a great CV and has played a wealth of great characters. Rakie Ayola. The project, however, was largely unsuccessful, with Ayola stating: it just made me decide that if theres anything I dont want to do, its produce films, because Im rubbish at it. Rakie Ayola was born on 11 May 1968 in Cardiff, Wales, UK. [21] She has a collection of Troll dolls which she keeps under her bath. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1897491aba2042

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