TV lovers will recognise Rakie for her role in BBC medical drama Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson. "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. 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. 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. They met when acting together on stage in Hamlet. That was a six-week shoot and was gonna change my life, but it didnt, she explains. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. 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 premiered on May 17 on BBC One at 9 p.m. You can watch it on catchup on BBC iPlayer. Welsh actress Rakie Ayola is to leave Holby City at the end of the year, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal. We need to stay relevant and creative, so lets take care of each other Rakie Ayola. She began her professional career in classical theater, but by the early 1990s was . Ayola has performed in Twelfth Night in the lead roles of both Olivia and Viola. [11] The pair married in May 2004, and Ayola gave birth to their first daughter, Tansy, in July that year. This is a list of characters from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, ordered by the year in which they made their final appearance. They have two daughters, Tansy and Shani, born in 2004 and 2009. 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. Its a cause very close to Ayolas heart, as Vanity Fair reports, her eldest daughter, Tansy, was diagnosed with incurable neurofibromatosis type one when she was eight. Period, aiming to provide affordable sanitary protection to Zimbabwean women.[40]. Ayola is an advocate of increased ethnic representation in the entertainment industry, and in 2001 founded her own production company, producing the short film Persephone's Playground for the Cannes Film Festival in order to further her campaign. [] Also, I have to say that Double Yellow was nominated for a Bafta Cymru award. She acted alongside Pauline Quirke in both Maisie Raine and Being April, deeming Quirke to be a fantastic actress, and one she would work alongside again like a shot. She explains: Ive always wanted to act. She states of this: Shakespeare keeps coming my way. It wasnt some sort of reverential hands-off approach to what were presenting. She has also been cast in the film Dredd. 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. 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. This time she is taking the lead role of Christine, a social worker who has recently lost a child. She has noted having casting directors accept the notion of characters being both black and Welsh to be a particular problem, explaining that: I get offered a lot of very different roles, but theyre never Welsh. She won a BAFTA for her performance as bereaved mum Gee Walker in BBC1s drama Anthony. [45] Ayola placed 17th in the awards in 2009. 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. But because youre the dark-skinned woman, theres no actual picture of you. They have virtual sleepovers where everyone gets a party pack and does facials, foot spas and all sorts, she said. "[24] She has also been cast in the film Dredd. 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. The Pact series 2 ending explained after that almighty twist! You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Ayola was born in London but raised by her mothers cousin in Wales. 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. 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. In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. How old is Rakie Ayola? [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. The story picks up 18 months after the death of her fourth child, Liam. But she is bearing. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. By Dan Seddon and Abby Robinson. Ayola has an interest in travel, and has visited Peru and Kenya among other destinations. [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. She said at the time: "I've had a great time and I'll miss it. Rakie Olufunmilayo AyolaListen (born May 1968) is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. 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. He didnt write this boss lady Theres a quietness to her control and I found that compelling. 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. In 2001, Rakie appeared in EastEnders as teacher Miss French. The Bafta-winning actor is returning to The Pact as a different character. EastEnders (TV Series 1985-2022) - Rakie Ayola as Ms. French. Describing her motivation, she states: "I am not an overtly political person. 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. And then he came back with The Pact series two and said we want you to play the lead and have an exec producer role. Describing her motivation, she states: I am not an overtly political person. Your IP: Who plays Assistant Chief Constable Alison Vosper in ITV1s Grace? Cardiff would become the the genesis and spiritual home of Ayolas career. But last summer I started thinking it would be really nice not to have to look for a job every couple of weeks. See also Release Dates | Official Sites | Company Credits | Filming & Production | Technical Specs Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisands performance in Hello, Dolly! 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. Rakie is a Trustee of ACT, the Actors Childrens Trust, and an Ambassador of PIPA, Parents in Performing Arts. She has a collection of Troll dolls which she keeps under her bath. 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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. Adam Smethurst, with whom she has two daughters. From 7 February 2006 to 9 December 2008, Ayola starred in BBC medical drama Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson. At the age of 13, she set up a theatre company, the Talent Amateur Dramatic Society, with a few friends. I liked that. [8] Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisand's performance in Hello, Dolly! Who plays ACC Vosper in ITV's Grace and what has she been in before? We had fantastic editors, sound people, camera people, and the directors were all amazing. "Noma Dumezweni on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child's next steps", "Bafta Television Awards 2021: The main nominations", "I thought I was diabetic - but I was pregnant", "BBC - Press Office - Sea of Souls Rakie Ayola", "Education: Actress honoured with fellowship", "BBC Online - Just the Job - Take it from me", "Interview: Rakie's lesson one: Fake blood just sticks to the cotton wool", "He m@il She m@il; Rakie Ayola answers your questions", "To be but not to be - the 'perfect' Hamlet pairing", "My Axed Show Anger - Star Rakie blasts Beeb", "Sexy brief's soap role fits like a glove", "I was just a baby but mum left me behind; TV sitcom star Rakie Ayola on her traumatic childhood", "CBBC's new musical comedy My Almost Famous Family: Rakie Ayola is mum and diva Shalondra", "Motherhood leaves Rakie with nothing to Dredd from acting", "Who are the new Harry Potter and the Cursed Child cast? At 53 years old, Rakie Ayola height is 1.65m . Normally when youre nominated at 52, you were nominated also at 22 and 32. For a full list of present characters, see list of characters from EastEnders . [8] Her subsequent film credits are romantic comedy The Secret Laughter of Women, set in Nigeria and starring Colin Firth,[15] thriller The i Inside, filmed in Sully Hospital, Cardiff, and starring Ryan Phillippe,[13] and Sahara, filmed in Morocco whilst Ayola was pregnant with her first child, starring Penlope Cruz. [27], From 7 February 2006 to 9 December 2008, Ayola starred in BBC medical drama Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson. Click to reveal Series 2: Meet the Characters View Series 2: Meet the Characters. Read on to find out why and to learn about her two characters past and present in The Pact. "[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". Grace is based on Peter James first two books, Dead Simple and Looking Good Dead and follows Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. [11] In 1991 she played Hazel in John Godber's Up 'n' Under at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff. If I'm going to be a working mum I'd rather just be one rather than be one intermittently. When shes not acting Ayola spends a lot of time advocating for the Childhood Tumour Trust (CTT). She went on to appear in Gone With the Wind sequel Scarlett, and star in Welsh soap opera Tiger Bay. She is a member of famous Actress with the age 53 years old group. Indeed she is! Rakie explains: The writer, Pete McTighe, and I were in the early stages of another project. Holby star Rakie Ayola. Discover Rakie Ayolas Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 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 is married to fellow actor Adam Smethurst, with whom she has two daughters. ", "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? [21] In 2008, she starred in the Doctor Who episode "Midnight", playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennant's Tenth Doctor. Ayola's first major television role was in the ITV drama Soldier Soldier, in which she starred throughout its third series in 1993 as soldier's wife Bernie Roberts. 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. Rakie was born in May 1968, making her 52-years-old. The Financial Times reports that Ayola attended Windsor Clive Primary and Glan Ely High School in Cardiff before studying at the Welsh College of Music and Drama (now known as the Royal Welsh College.) [25] In 2016 she played Amber Haleford in "Tuesday's Child", S6:E2 of Vera. In 2021, she won a BAFTA for her role in the BBC One drama Anthony.[2]. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Following youth theatre and amateur dramatics, she studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Im very sorry to have to let her go.. The actress first rose to fame when she bagged the lead of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. But it was 2021 which really propelled Rakie to fame. 1am - 4am, Don't Speak It was at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama that Ayola would find what she calls her dramatic bone. She explains: "The role of Viola didn't sit that well with me for some reason but Olivia makes more sense. Rakie Ayola stars as Christine in the cast of The Pact series 2. that inspired her to act as a child,[5] though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act professionally. "[14] Ayola recalls having been daunted at the prospect of working alongside so many established names, but has said it was a "wonderful experience". I learned later that he really didnt want me to get the job. 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. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. Sharp-eyed viewers will remember that Rakie also appeared in The Pact season 1. Unforced and appealing, she often succeeds in pulling the fanciful fireworks momentarily back down to Earth. 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. Just three weeks after giving birth to Rakie she left her in the care of her cousin in Cardiff and his wife. Currently taking BBC One by storm - episodes 5 and 6 air next . In an interview with the publication she said, My drama teacher took me to youth theatre. Whats happened to us all, professionally and creatively, since, is not at all what was meant to happen, she says. DATE OF BIRTH : 1968. In 2008, she starred in the Doctor Who episode Midnight, playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennants Tenth Doctor. Home . "[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". [21] She has a collection of Troll dolls which she keeps under her bath. 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. Rakie has had roles in Shetland, Silent Witness, Midsomer Murders and No Offence, as well as Hollywood films The i Inside and Sahara. Ayola also took on the formidable role of Prime Minister Opal Folami in BBCs Noughts and Crosses. It was something innovative from BBC Wales for a change. [] 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. [11] She states of this: "Shakespeare keeps coming my way. Ayola was born in Cardiff, Wales in May 1968, to a Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father. They met again two years later, during a production of Twelfth Night, and went on to become a couple. She spends her free time watching television, the theatre, cinema, concerts, indoor wall climbing [and] keeping fit [with] yoga [and] aerobics. She has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and has a romantic notion of travelling around Europe in a camper van. "[44] She placed 40th in 2008, with the Western Mail noting: "the last 15 years have only seen Rakie become more beautiful and more successful". Kyla Tyson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Rakie Ayola. She appeared as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical drama Holby City from its eighth to eleventh series. Rakie Ayola in The Pact series 2 was in series 1 as different character! Ayolas heritage means she is Yoruba by descent, although she does not speak the language. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. In her latest role, Ayola plays DS Holland, the senior detective investigating the death of Jack Holland. 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 Their second daughter, Shani, was born in January 2009. We have estimated Rakie Ayolas net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. Click to reveal 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. Played by Rakie Ayola. The Pact airs later this month on BBC One. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. She previously explained: I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasnt really ready to put down the character of Kyla. 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Chief Constable Alison Vosper in ITV1s Grace married to fellow actor adam Smethurst, with whom she a...