Hollyoaks star Dawn Hope has officially addressed and dismissed rumours that she has quit the Channel 4 soap. The 66-year-old actress, who joined the cast as Pearl Anderson in 2021, took to Instagram this week to set the record straight.
Dawn Hope confirms she is staying
In a video posted on her Instagram page, Dawn Hope directly responded to the false claims of her departure. She said: 'I love Hollyoaks. I’m hanging out with them, I’m looking forward to hanging out with them for longer.'
She explained that actors often take part in workshops and auditions for other projects, which does not mean they are leaving their current role. 'Just because actors do workshops and…I’ve just done an audition at The Lyric today, love getting into a room without doing the self tape. It’s great exercising your tool and just stretching and working on different projects. A workshop is not an exit from a contract you’ve already got,' she added.
Dawn's career and Hollyoaks role
Dawn Hope has had a long and varied career in television and theatre. She has appeared in the National Theatre production of Follies and a stage production of Little Shop of Horrors. She played Jenny in the popular British sitcom Waiting For God, which ran for five series between 1990 and 1994. Soap fans may also remember her as Alison Soames in Coronation Street, the mother of abuser Kirsty.
Since joining Hollyoaks, her character Pearl has been involved in several major storylines. She faced romance drama with partner Jack Osborne after his granddaughter Frankie accused him of touching her inappropriately. Pearl ended the relationship but later reconciled with Jack after the accusation was proven false. She also supported Zoe during her pregnancy and was there for Frankie when the abuse from her brother was exposed. After Zoe and Sharon left the village, Pearl moved in with Jack.
Fan reaction and cast changes
Pearl has become a beloved character among Hollyoaks fans, so the false news of Dawn's departure caused concern. Dawn's video has reassured viewers that she is not leaving. She concluded: 'Hollyoaks is one of the best families I’ve ever worked with in the industry, and I’m going to hang out with them.'
There have been many cast changes at Hollyoaks in recent years. Last month, it was announced that actress Steph Waring is returning to the show as Cindy Cunningham. Ahead of the soap’s dramatic summer, Metro visited the Hollyoaks set and spoke with cast members including Rebecca Ryan, Leo Cole, and Jamie Lomas, who all confirmed that viewers are in for chaotic weeks ahead.
