Axed Hollyoaks star reveals brand new job worlds away from Channel 4 soap
A DEPARTING Hollyoaks star has revealed a much-different project from the Channel 4 soap.
The star joined Hollyoaks back in 2022, having previously worked on rival BBC soap EastEnders.
Glynis Johns, who portrays Norma Crow, announced her exit from the show last month.
It comes amid a transitional period for Hollyoaks, with a whopping 20 cast members axed by bosses.
While her departure is yet to play out on-screen, the actress took to Instagram to share news of a project in a much different genre.
The South African star wrote: “In the studio today doing a fascinating documentary about King Charles’ most private residence – Highgrove.
“The gardens are magnificent and have been a real passion project for the king.
You can have a watch this Saturday at 7.30pm on @channel5_tv.”
It comes amid news that Glynis’ character Norma is set to be killed off from Hollyoaks.
Shock scenes will see the character – who is mother to show stalwart Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) – meet her end.
The dramatic storyline will play out over the summer, as viewers see Norma’s demise at the hands of a surprise character.
An insider revealed: “Glynis has been a big part of the show, so it’s only right she gets a gory ending.
“It does mean she won’t be coming back though, which will be a huge blow for her fans.”
Previously, Glynis revealed she has filmed her final scenes for the soap.
She shared a snap with Jamie Lomas and fellow Hollyoaks star Rita Simons – who previously played her onscreen daughter in EastEnders.
The actress wrote on Instagram: “A special day of filming with my two faves, winding up my scenes on @hollyoaksofficial.
“What a joy working with @jamielomas21 , such a generous and gifted actor and who now has a special place in my heart.
“And reunited with @rita_simonsofficial who is literally one of my favourite people on the planet.”
From Hollyoaks to Hollywood
James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap.
The former American TV host doesn’t have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was “hell on earth.”
Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey.
Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010.
Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs.
Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child.
Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small
Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady.
Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent.
Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy
Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth.
Hannah’s eating disorder storyline was the first of it’s kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.
Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat
Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry ‘Newt’ Newton.
Nico’s main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact.
He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village.
Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America.
He played one of the soap’s resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 – when he was killed off at his wedding.
After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods.
He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.
Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt.
His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off.
After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop.
Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving.
In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC’s series, taking over from Ruby Rose.
Before Hollyoaks, Glynis starred as Glenda Mitchell in fellow soap EastEnders.
Most recently appearing in 2017, the character was mother to ill-fated sisters, Roxy (played by Rita Simons) and Ronnie (played by Samantha Womack).
Having also previously appeared in Emmerdale, who knows if Glynis will take on another soap role in the future?
Hollyoaks airs on Channel 4.