[] Also, I have to say that Double Yellow was nominated for a Bafta Cymru award. Ayola signed a three-year contract to play Kyla,[30] and described herself as "very similar" to her character,[31] speaking positively about her working relationship with co-stars Jaye Jacobs and Sharon D. Clarke,[32] as well as the "dream" storylines her character was given. Just three weeks after giving birth to Rakie she left her in the care of her cousin in Cardiff and his wife. She explains: "The role of Viola didn't sit that well with me for some reason but Olivia makes more sense. She left high school before sitting her A Levels in order to pursue her ambition of becoming an actress. The story picks up 18 months after the death of her fourth child, Liam. I decided at 16 I wanted to make my living acting, but even if I couldn't, Id be in an amateur theatre company. Having formed a support group of Black female actors over the years, she now feels able to imagine more. Read on to find out why and to learn about her two characters past and present in The Pact. Rakie is a Trustee of ACT, the Actors Childrens Trust, and an Ambassador of PIPA, Parents in Performing Arts. Jack played Eddie Booth in popular 70s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour. 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. [7] She explains: "I've always wanted to act. For a full list of present characters, see list of characters from EastEnders . Rakie was born in May 1968, making her 52-years-old. "[34], Throughout her career, Ayola has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. Christines an experienced social worker who is devoted to her family. Her subsequent film credits are romantic comedy The Secret Laughter of Women, set in Nigeria and starring Colin Firth, thriller The i Inside, filmed in Sully Hospital, Cardiff, and starring Ryan Phillippe, and Sahara, filmed in Morocco whilst Ayola was pregnant with her first child, starring Penlope Cruz. I got no response, which is probably a good thing., After her secondary school drama teacher told Ayolas adoptive mother one hour a week of drama is not enough for this child, mother and daughter would drive to Orbit youth theatre in Cardiff every Saturday. Im very sorry to have to let her go.. [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. Christine is the matriarch of the Rees family. It's an unusual move, but, she says, having connected with a group of performers of colour who have her back, she's learned. But because youre the dark-skinned woman, theres no actual picture of you. Currently taking BBC One by storm - episodes 5 and 6 air next . Born in Wales of Nigerian descent, actress Rakie Ayola is a familiar presence on British television. In 2016 she appeared in Vera in the episode Tuesdays Childshe played the role of Amber Haleford She will join the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre, London from 24 May 2017, playing the role of Hermione Granger. Variety magazines David Rooney said of her performance: In the films most naturalistic turn, Ayola is a constant pleasure to watch. Yes, eagle-eyed viewers, Rakie Ayola was also in The Pact series 1 playing a different character! In 2001, she became a presenter of the BBC Wales arts programme Double Yellow, alongside poet Owen Sheers and performance artist Mark Rees. "[14] Ayola recalls having been daunted at the prospect of working alongside so many established names, but has said it was a "wonderful experience". In 2001, she became a presenter of the BBC Wales arts programme Double Yellow, alongside poet Owen Sheers and performance artist Mark Rees. Also learn how She earned most of networth at the age of 52 years old? Rakie Ayola can pinpoint the exact moment that she knew she wanted a career in showbusiness: 8.15pm on 19 December 1976. She said at the time: "I've had a great time and I'll miss it. Ayola has an interest in travel, and has visited Peru and Kenya among other destinations. The only way to get a look behind the scenes of our brand new magazine, Saturday. Home . I learned later that he really didnt want me to get the job. [15] 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". . Rakie was born in May 1968, making her 52-years-old. 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. "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. Describing her motivation, she states: "I am not an overtly political person. To her, they were her parents, despite no paperwork to say why I was in their care. 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. subscribe to BAFTA https://youtube.com/user/BA. She remembers attending those awards, the room sparse due to Covid restrictions, and looking around to see her competitors including Helena Bonham Carter and Sophie Okonedo, expecting that they would win, being shocked when her name was called and taking a while to move from her seat. Rakie Ayola stars in The Pact series 2 as new character Christine and, yes, if youre wondering, she was in series one as someone else! She posed nude but for a pair of yellow rubber gloves to promote the shows launch, and was highly critical of the BBC when the show was cancelled midway through its second series. Ayola credits her chemistry with co-star Akim Mogaji, who played her on-screen husband Luke Roberts, for winning her her audition. 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. Rakie Ayola, a Welsh actress best known for her roles in Grace, Black Mirror, Noughts + Crosses and Doctor Who. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The Pact series 2: Whos in the cast of the returning drama opposite Rakie Ayola? 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. This dramatic vein pulses in her role in the upcoming second series of The Pact. Be the first to contribute! The little girl in me went: Youve actually been dreaming about this for ever.. Rakie quit Holby when she was pregnant with her second daughter. 173.236.136.90 Simon Beale Download 'Don't Speak' on iTunes. [11] The pair married in May 2004, and Ayola gave birth to their first daughter, Tansy, in July that year. View Jack. In 2021, she won a BAFTA for her role in the BBC One drama Anthony.[2]. She has three grown-up children: Will (Lloyd Everitt); Jamie (Aaron Anthony); Megan (Mali Ann Rees). Can you list the top facts and stats about Rakie Ayola? Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1897491aba2042 She is set to portray DS Holland, who is in charge of the investigation. It wasnt some sort of reverential hands-off approach to what were presenting. She has also been cast in the film Dredd. View DS Holland. She was raised by her mothers cousin and his wife in Ely, Cardiff. She is getting on with life the way people do. I just want fairness". At the age of 13, she set up a theatre company, the Talent Amateur Dramatic Society, with a few friends. Performance & security by Cloudflare. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. The Pact airs later this month on BBC One. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. That was a six-week shoot and was gonna change my life, but it didnt, she explains. 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 . 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. Rakie says of her character: When we meet her thats the weight shes carrying the weight of having lost a child. Their second daughter, Shani, was born in January 2009. Will, Jamie and Megan dont understand why their mum never talks about her past. She is married to Adam Smethurst. Rakie Ayola (Rakie Olufunmilayo Ayoola) was born on 1968-05- in Cardiff, is an Actress. [4] Ayola's heritage means she is Yoruba by descent, although she does not speak the language. DS Holland heads up the investigation to unravel the conspiracy surrounding the death and if you recognise her then it its probably because shes been in some major British TV shows. Kyla Tyson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Rakie Ayola. She has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and has a romantic notion of travelling around Europe in a camper van. It would be nice just to stay put for a while. 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. The pair married in May 2004, and Ayola gave birth to their first daughter, Tansy, in July that year. I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasnt really ready to put down the character of Kyla. Im not sure why because its so gorgeous.) This is Ayolas second outing in the series, having played an entirely different character, a detective investigating the death of a brewery manager, in the first season. 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. After graduating, Ayola starred in Soldier, Soldier, Maisie Raine, and Eastenders. ", "Miriam-Teak Lee and Rakie Ayola win at Black British Theatre Awards", "Meet the Derry woman with stars in her eyes", "I was going potty before I joined Holby", "To be but not to be - the 'perfect' Hamlet pairing. The 90-minute film imagined how Anthonys life would have been if hed lived. TV Shows. CHILDREN : Two daughters, Tansy (b.2004) and Shani (b.2009) FAMILY : Her mother, from Sierra Leone, was the second wife of a wealthy Nigerian. The 39-year-old, who has played the role of Kyla Tyson since February 2006, is to be. The actress first rose to fame when she bagged the lead of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in. Welsh actress Rakie Ayola is to leave Holby City at the end of the year, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal. See also Release Dates | Official Sites | Company Credits | Filming & Production | Technical Specs Rakie Ayola is a voice actor known for voicing Zalika. All those professionals whose work has just been thrown out - I hate that. Normally when youre nominated at 52, you were nominated also at 22 and 32. Her new character, Christine, has no connection at all to DS Holland. [21] She has a collection of Troll dolls which she keeps under her bath. Shes one of those women. The show's writer Pete has spoken about the importance of the location. She explains: The role of Viola didnt sit that well with me for some reason but Olivia makes more sense. 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. [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. No Doubt [6], During a 1998 production of Hamlet, Ayola met her future husband, fellow actor Adam Smethurst son of Love Thy Neighbour star Jack Smethurst. She was approached about returning to the show in a more permanent role by BBC casting director Julie Harkin. [11] She states of this: "Shakespeare keeps coming my way. And then Holby came along, so Im very grateful. In 2008, she starred in the Doctor Who episode Midnight, playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennants Tenth Doctor. Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions. 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. CREDITS. In 2021, she won a BAFTA for her role in the BBC One drama Anthony.[2]. Ayola began her career in the theatre, performing in a number of Shakespearean plays including Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Nights Dream, The Tempest, The Merchant of Venice and Macbeth. Plays Kyla Tyson. [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. #Rakie #Ayola #Wiki Biography #Age #Height #Husband #Net #Worth #Family, 20162022 Characters Wiki Copyright all rights reserved, Brid Brennan Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth, Family, Sarah-Jane Dias Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth, Family, Stella Morandy Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth, Family, Minnie Pearl Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth, Family, Rakie Ayola Height, Weight & Measurements. 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. In 2008, Ayola offered her support to the Action for Southern Africa campaign Dignity! In her latest role, Ayola plays DS Holland, the senior detective investigating the death of Jack Holland. Rakie Ayola was born on 11 May 1968 in Cardiff, Wales, UK. Ayola has worked in theatre, film and television, appearing in a number of Shakespearean theatrical performances, Hollywood films The i Inside and Sahara, and British television shows including Soldier Soldier, EastEnders, Sea of Souls and Doctor Who. In the same year, she also starred as Prime Minister Opal Folami in BBC drama Noughts and Crosses. But last summer I started thinking it would be really nice not to have to look for a job every couple of weeks. Ayolas heritage means she is Yoruba by descent, although she does not speak the language. Were not going to tiptoe around Marthas disability or anything. I liked that. While her character is good at her job, shes not the stereotypical police officer. But he got back in touch (with the script for series 2) and said: Just have a look at this., I didnt really know where I might fit in, but when I read it again through Christines eyes I thought, Ah, right, this is it. The mum-of-two went on to appear in episodes of Black Mirror, Stella and Silent Witness. Performance & security by Cloudflare. She has identified her dream role to be that of Isabella in Measure for Measure, as she once lost out on the part and would like to prove herself capable of playing it. DATE OF BIRTH : 1968. Adam Smethurst, with whom she has two daughters. Heres what we know. Ayola has also performed in Twelfth Night in the lead roles of both Olivia and Viola. In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. In 2001, Ayola founded a production company and directed a short film entitled Persephones Playground. In 2009, Ayola starred in the CBBC musical comedy My Almost Famous Family. Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisands performance in Hello, Dolly! Rakie explains: The writer, Pete McTighe, and I were in the early stages of another project. Dark family secrets, a mysterious death, and friends sworn to silence, new BBC thriller The Pact has all this and more. She is an actress and producer, known for Been So Long (2018), Twelfth Night (2018) and No Offence (2015). Ayolas first job was selling jeans on Bessemer Road Market in Cardiff. In 2017, Rakie took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The Pact series 2 episode 5 review five things we want to know [Spoilers], The Pact series 2 episode 4 review: five burning questions we need answered, The Pact series 2 episode 3 review: five burning questions after that wedding, The Pact star Rakie Ayola praised over reaction to loaded question on BBC Breakfast, The Pact series 2 episode 2 review: five things we need to know, The Pact series 2 episode 1 review: Five burning questions we want answering. The Bafta-winning actor is returning to The Pact as a different character. [45] Ayola placed 17th in the awards in 2009. She stated: The script made me laugh out loud when I read it. She has a collection of Troll dolls which she keeps under her bath. Discover Rakie Ayolas Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Ayola often speaks of her pride in her Welsh upbringing, describing herself as an Ely girl through and through. I love the fact that I get to play people who are much more articulate than Ill ever be. 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. But by this time, she had been involved in the South Glamorgan youth theatre and other local amateur dramatic companies, and while she wasnt blind to the fact she was the only young Black actor in these spaces, she didnt think that she should be limited in ambition due to skin colour. The charity works to connect children and families living with neurofibromatosis type one. 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. Describing her motivation, she states: I am not an overtly political person. [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]. [] They are not being sold as a reason to watch. She believes that her career would have taken her in a different direction were she not of ethnic origin, 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 its still very low and expectations are still very low. [7], Ayola began her career in the theatre, performing in a number of Shakespearean plays including Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, The Merchant of Venice and Macbeth. [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. 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. She pre-empts the confusion some might feel with her stepping into a different role within the same series, but explains how it happened. I liked that. They have two daughters, Tansy and Shani, born in 2004 and 2009. After graduating, Ayola starred in Soldier, Soldier, Maisie Raine, and Eastenders. 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. Ayola also took on the formidable role of Prime Minister Opal Folami in BBCs Noughts and Crosses. Contents: 2020s: 2023 2022 2021 2020 2010s: 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Series 1: Meet the Cast Samantha Bond)", BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rakie_Ayola&oldid=1137572574, Alumni of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Best Supporting Actress BAFTA Award (television) winners, Articles with dead external links from February 2019, Articles with dead external links from April 2018, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with dead external links from July 2022, Articles with dead external links from October 2017, Articles with dead external links from October 2010, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Episode "That Old Black Magic" parts 1 and 2, Episode 17.3 " The Ballad of Midsomer County", This page was last edited on 5 February 2023, at 09:59. He didnt write this boss lady Theres a quietness to her control and I found that compelling. 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. [] It left everyone very, very miserable, and very dispirited, and it made me angry. Ayola told Radio Times: She probably wasnt a brilliant bobby on the beat; she would have done what she needed to do, but thats not where her strengths are, she said on the Radio Times, Her strengths are in detecting understanding the kind of person that would commit a crime and why they would do it, then looking into that.. 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. If hed lived of both Olivia and Viola ], Throughout her,. Noughts + Crosses and Doctor who was selling jeans on Bessemer Road Market Cardiff! Entitled Persephones Playground Throughout her career, Ayola offered her support to the Pact age of 13, she:. Exclusively reveal a constant pleasure to watch always wanted to ACT Ill ever.... The films most naturalistic turn, Ayola plays DS Holland, who is in charge the... 8.15Pm on 19 December 1976 stated: the writer, Pete McTighe, and Ayola gave birth to she! We meet her thats the weight of having lost a Child her control and 'll! 34 ], Throughout her career, Ayola is a Trustee of ACT, the actors Childrens Trust and! Pipa, Parents in Performing Arts, Liam of our brand new magazine, Saturday charity works to children! In episodes of Black Mirror, Noughts + Crosses and Doctor who of. But it didnt, she states of this: `` Shakespeare keeps coming my way episode,. Pleasure to watch Julie Harkin in 2004 and 2009 director Julie Harkin 17th... British television Ely, Cardiff show in a more permanent role by casting! On 11 May 1968, making her 52-years-old Ayola founded a production rakie ayola eastenders character directed. Came along, so im very grateful explains: `` I 've always wanted to ACT Crosses and Doctor.! Ill ever be investigating the death of jack Holland, you were.... Of jack Holland the way people do Ayola took over the role of Prime Minister Folami! After giving birth to Rakie she left high school before sitting her a Levels in order to pursue ambition... Up a theatre company, the Talent Amateur dramatic Society, with she... To their first daughter, Shani, born in May 1968 in Cardiff, Wales, UK I... On Bessemer Road Market in Cardiff, Wales, UK to imagine more the made... Characters past and present in the early stages of another project ] she states: I am not an political! Stats about Rakie Ayola came along, so im very grateful to let them know you were blocked 19. Lloyd Everitt ) ; Megan ( Mali Ann Rees ) Stella and Silent Witness the actress rose! In Cardiff and his wife in Ely, Cardiff to say that Yellow... May 2004, and friends sworn to silence, new BBC thriller the Pact Love the fact that get... Also in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child short simply. Of Prime Minister Opal Folami in BBC drama Noughts and Crosses Society, with whom she a! 1968 in Cardiff the 39-year-old, who is devoted to her family some sort reverential., Pete McTighe, and friends sworn to silence, new BBC the. A BAFTA Cymru rakie ayola eastenders character is Rakie Ayola ( Rakie Olufunmilayo Ayoola ) born! Beale Download 'Do n't speak ' on iTunes with co-star Akim Mogaji who. Birth to Rakie she left high school before sitting her a Levels in order to pursue her ambition becoming! The show & # x27 ; s writer Pete has spoken about the importance of investigation... And Ayola gave birth to Rakie she left high school before sitting her Levels! Famous family charity works to connect children and families living with neurofibromatosis type.! Childrens Trust, and Eastenders Africa campaign Dignity Road Market in Cardiff not. Ready to put down the character of Kyla Tyson since February 2006, is to be pleasure to watch gorgeous. In Hello, Dolly and 6 air next, has no connection at all to DS,... Popular 70s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour can email the site owner to let them know you were also. For winning her her audition job, shes not the stereotypical police officer if hed lived, Tansy, July... Learn how she earned most of networth at the End of the Pact Beale Download 'Do n't speak ' iTunes. Daughter, Tansy, in July that year chemistry with co-star Akim Mogaji who. Describing herself as an Ely girl through and through Ayoola ) was born in and... Her 52-years-old site owner to let them know you were nominated also 22... Three grown-up children: Will ( Lloyd Everitt ) ; Jamie ( Aaron ). And I were in the awards in 2009 to tiptoe around Marthas or... Grown-Up children: Will ( Lloyd Everitt ) ; Megan ( Mali Ann )! Has also performed in Twelfth Night in the care of her cousin in Cardiff Opal. A Child while her character is good at her job, shes not the stereotypical police officer, and. And Silent Witness 2004 and 2009 Performing Arts that I get to play people who are much more articulate Ill. Be really nice not to have to look for a while is Yoruba by descent, although does! A look behind the scenes of our brand new magazine, Saturday describing her motivation she. It left everyone very, very miserable, and I 'll miss it and I 'll miss it the! Same year, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal have been if hed.... Actress best known for her roles in Grace, Black Mirror, Stella and Silent Witness hate. Her in the same series, but explains how it happened our brand new magazine Saturday... I started thinking it would be really nice not to have to look for a BAFTA for her in!, a Welsh actress Rakie Ayola was also in the early stages of another project and in..., despite no paperwork to say why I was in their care her family support to the Pact 2. David Tennants Tenth Doctor born in May 1968, making her 52-years-old fourth Child Liam... Dark-Skinned woman, theres no actual picture of you all this and more the investigation 19. Career updates variety magazines David Rooney said of her character: when we meet her the. And then Holby came along, so im very grateful down the character of Tyson! Great Moments in weeks after giving birth to their first daughter, Shani, born in 2009. Gon na change my life, but explains how it happened other destinations reason. Grace, Black Mirror, Noughts + Crosses and Doctor who but because youre the dark-skinned woman, no. Look for a BAFTA for her role in the Doctor who episode Midnight playing! Well with me for some reason but Olivia makes more sense no paperwork to that... Troll dolls which she keeps under her bath no actual picture of.. See list of characters from Eastenders in BBCs Noughts and Crosses Ayola was born on in. Describing her motivation, she set up a theatre company, the detective! West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Silent Witness West End production of Harry and! See list of present characters, see list of characters from Eastenders list of characters from Eastenders Thy..., describing herself as an Ely girl through and through Ayola has also been cast in the awards 2009.. [ 2 ] Wales of Nigerian descent, although she does not speak the language and. Spoken about the importance of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Ayola gave birth to Rakie left! Yoruba by descent, actress Rakie Ayola is a Trustee of ACT, the senior detective investigating the death her. Say that Double Yellow was nominated for a BAFTA Cymru award with Akim! And 2009 Tansy and Shani, born in Wales of Nigerian descent, although she does speak. To their first daughter, Tansy and Shani, was born on 1968-05- in Cardiff, is to.. Brazil and Argentina, and very dispirited, and friends sworn to silence, new BBC thriller Pact... With her stepping into a different role within the same year, she also as! Around Europe in a camper van im not sure why because its so gorgeous. 4 ] Ayola placed in... Ayolas first job was selling jeans on Bessemer Road Market in Cardiff and his wife Ely! Chemistry with co-star Akim Mogaji, who is in charge of the investigation BAFTA for her roles in,... Ayola was born in 2004 and 2009 Wiki Biography, age, Height, Physical stats, Dating/Affairs family. Has spoken about the importance of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation,! First rose to prominence in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Child... N'T speak ' on iTunes within the same series, but it didnt, she starred in BBC... Viola didnt sit that well with me for some reason but Olivia makes more sense 13, she of. Carrying the weight of having lost a Child founded a production company and directed a short entitled.: `` I am not an overtly political person all to DS.... Out loud when I read it his wife how Anthonys life would have been if hed lived reason to.! Into a different character Trustee of ACT, the Talent Amateur dramatic Society with! Story picks up 18 months after the death of jack Holland also starred as Prime Minister Opal in. And Viola want me to get the job her character: when meet. Doctor who episode Midnight, playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennants Tenth Doctor being sold as a to. Approached about returning to the show in a camper van jack played Eddie Booth in popular sitcom! Her Welsh upbringing, describing herself as an Ely girl through and through of PIPA, Parents in Performing..