In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. "[7] She then went on to attend the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, studying for a three-year acting diploma. The mum-of-two went on to appear in episodes of Black Mirror, Stella and Silent Witness. 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. They have virtual sleepovers where everyone gets a party pack and does facials, foot spas and all sorts, she said. No Doubt He felt I was too dark. The film was not released for two years, then went straight to TV in the UK and straight to DVD in the US. But behind her smile and no-nonsense manner is a web of secrets. I learned later that he really didnt want me to get the job. [23] In 2009, Ayola starred in the CBBC musical comedy My Almost Famous Family. She received Honourable Mention for the same role the following year, and was shortlisted again in 2008. Ayolas heritage means she is Yoruba by descent, although she does not speak the language. ", "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? 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. The drama was based on the real-life 2005 murder of Anthony Walker in a racist attack in Liverpool. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. The little girl in me went: Youve actually been dreaming about this for ever.. 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 . [11] She states of this: "Shakespeare keeps coming my way. She stated: "The script made me laugh out loud when I read it. [] The one time I was asked to play a Welsh character on screen was in Tiger Bay for BBC Wales, but I know if that series had been called Radyr Park or Cyncoed Close I wouldn't have been in it". In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. In her latest role, Ayola plays DS Holland, the senior detective investigating the death of Jack Holland. Just three weeks after giving birth to Rakie she left her in the care of her cousin in Cardiff and his wife. Rakie Olufunmilayo AyolaListen (born May 1968) is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. "[39] In 2008, Ayola offered her support to the Action for Southern Africa campaign Dignity! Throughout her career, Ayola has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. Intense focus Rakie Ayola and Jordan Wilks in a scene from the forthcoming series of The Pact. 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. So, instead of bowing to this altar, theyve said, Okay, we have this family thats half-black, half-white, half-American, half-British. She previously explained: I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasnt really ready to put down the character of Kyla. She has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and has a romantic notion of travelling around Europe in a camper van. . Ayola has performed in Twelfth Night in the lead roles of both Olivia and Viola. While her character is good at her job, shes not the stereotypical police officer. [] Also, I have to say that Double Yellow was nominated for a Bafta Cymru award. And then Holby came along, so I'm very grateful".[9]. 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. In 2021, she won a BAFTA for her role in the BBC One drama Anthony.[2]. Ayola describes herself as optimistic, cynical, lazy, naive [and] honest. We had fantastic editors, sound people, camera people, and the directors were all amazing. 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. [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. The Pact series 2 ending explained after that almighty twist! [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. Grace is based on Peter James first two books, Dead Simple and Looking Good Dead and follows Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisands performance in Hello, Dolly! Christine's an experienced social worker who is devoted. 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"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. As far as I'm aware, the BBC only allowed it to be nominated for that one award, for the graphics. "[14] Ayola recalls having been daunted at the prospect of working alongside so many established names, but has said it was a "wonderful experience". TV lovers will recognise Rakie for her role in BBC medical drama Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson. She could potentially return to the seaside town, so its not clear yet if Rakie Ayola will appear in the next series of Grace. In 2008, she starred in the Doctor Who episode Midnight, playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennants Tenth Doctor. [32] She said of the show: In October 2008, Ayola announced that she would be departing from Holby City in order to have a second child, stating: "I've had a great time and I'll miss it. Kyla Tyson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Rakie Ayola. In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Unforced and appealing, she often succeeds in pulling the fanciful fireworks momentarily back down to Earth. "[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". Your IP: She spends her free time watching television, the theatre, cinema, concerts, indoor wall climbing [and] keeping fit [with] yoga [and] aerobics. When shes not acting Ayola spends a lot of time advocating for the Childhood Tumour Trust (CTT). I love the fact that I get to play people who are much more articulate than Ill ever be. Rakie was born in May 1968, making her 52-years-old. Trending: 17,487th This Week. She stated: The script made me laugh out loud when I read it. Rakie Ayola in The Pact series 2 was in series 1 as different character! 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 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. She appeared as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical drama Holby City from its eighth to eleventh series. 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. 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. She is set to portray DS Holland, who is in charge of the investigation. She is getting on with life the way people do. Plays Kyla Tyson. She explains: Ive always wanted to act. CREDITS. For a full list of present characters, see list of characters from EastEnders . She is an actress and producer, known for Been So Long (2018), Twelfth Night (2018) and No Offence (2015). Rakie Ayola's character Christine lives in a house at Llantwit Major on the Bristol Channel coast.. In an interview with the publication she explained the kinds of events the charity puts on for children. But last summer I started thinking it would be really nice not to have to look for a job every couple of weeks. 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. Played by Aneurin Barnard. [38] In 2001, Ayola founded a production company and directed a short film entitled Persephone's Playground. Will, Jamie and Megan dont understand why their mum never talks about her past. 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. 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. "[34], Throughout her career, Ayola has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. At the age of 13, she set up a theatre company, the Talent Amateur Dramatic Society, with a few friends. Played by Rakie Ayola. 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. He didnt write this boss lady Theres a quietness to her control and I found that compelling. HUSBAND : Actor, Adam Smethhurst. We need to stay relevant and creative, so lets take care of each other Rakie Ayola. Watching Barbra Streisand in Hello, Dolly on TV as a child made Rakie want to take up acting. But the way the BBC axed it mid-series was unforgivable. Season 1 aired in 2020 and was met with rave reviews. What actor wouldnt want to do this? Some people will feel for Christine, some people will loathe her.. In 2009, Ayola starred in the CBBC musical comedy My Almost Famous Family. Movies. The actress first rose to fame when she bagged the lead of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. Between 2003 and 2008 she starred in Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland. [26], 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. View Jack. 22 May 2021. She has loved Streisand ever since, even writing to Jimll Fix It asking Jimmy Savile to arrange a meeting. The Pact series 2 ending explained after that almighty twist! Ayola describes herself as "optimistic, cynical, lazy, naive [and] honest". This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. [7] Variety's David Rooney said of her performance: "In the film's most naturalistic turn, Ayola is a constant pleasure to watch. Llantwit Major on the real-life 2005 murder of Anthony Walker in a scene the... I have to look for a full list of present characters, see list characters... But behind her smile and no-nonsense manner is a web of secrets will. Throughout her career, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in CBBC. Honest ''. [ 2 ]: Youve actually been dreaming about this for ever having been at. Ayola & # x27 ; s character Christine lives in a camper van production Harry... 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