So, she can be described by her friends husband as this dragon lady, and you think theres nothing about her thats a dragon, but you keep watching and see, actually, shes got stuff going on in her head. The Pact series 2: Whos in the cast of the returning drama opposite Rakie Ayola? [8] Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisand's performance in Hello, Dolly! "[7] She then went on to attend the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, studying for a three-year acting diploma. I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasn't 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 has a collection of Troll dolls which she keeps under her bath. I decided at 16 I wanted to make my living acting, but even if I couldnt, Id be in an amateur theatre company. She then went on to attend the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, studying for a three-year acting diploma. [7] Variety's David Rooney said of her performance: "In the film's most naturalistic turn, Ayola is a constant pleasure to watch. It would be nice just to stay put for a while. 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 arrived thinking she was on the path for musicals but found that, although she could sing well, she did not have the voice of her idol, Streisand. that inspired her to act as a child, though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act professionally. She has three grown-up children: Will (Lloyd Everitt); Jamie (Aaron Anthony); Megan (Mali Ann Rees). [21] She has a collection of Troll dolls which she keeps under her bath. [8] She went on to appear in Gone With the Wind sequel Scarlett,[7] and star in Welsh soap opera Tiger Bay. Indeed she is! [4] Ayola's heritage means she is Yoruba by descent, although she does not speak the language. 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. Shes also played one-off roles in Black Mirror and Doctor Who. 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. Can you list the top facts and stats about Rakie Ayola? "[24] She has also been cast in the film Dredd. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. Your IP: [3] They met again two years later, during a production of Twelfth Night, and went on to become a couple. Ayola plays the character, DS Holland, and is appearing in a total of six episodes. [11] The pair married in May 2004, and Ayola gave birth to their first daughter, Tansy, in July that year. 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. So, how much is Rakie Ayola worth at the age of 53 years old? 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. This is a list of characters from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, ordered by the year in which they made their final appearance. This is not Ayolas first time playing a mother in the aftermath of grief: her role as Gee Walker in BBC Ones Anthony won her the Bafta for best supporting actress in 2021. [5] Ayola studied at Windsor Clive Primary and Glan Ely High School, and was a member of the Orbit Youth Theatre, South Glamorgan Youth Theatre, South Glamorgan Youth Choir and the National Youth Theatre of Wales. [46] She previously explained: I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasnt really ready to put down the character of Kyla. Following youth theatre and amateur dramatics, she studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Born in Wales of Nigerian descent, actress Rakie Ayola is a familiar presence on British television. "[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". [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 actress stars in The Pact series 2 as the matriarch of the Rees family. [28] 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. She was approached about returning to the show in a more permanent role by BBC casting director Julie Harkin. "[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". Ayolas first job was selling jeans on Bessemer Road Market in Cardiff. For a full list of present characters, see list of characters from EastEnders . She has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and has a romantic notion of travelling around Europe in a camper van. But in her 50s, Ayola has found a confidence that she did not have in her 20s. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. It was at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama that Ayola would find what she calls her dramatic bone. DS Holland - Rakie Ayola (Image: BBC / Little Door (The Pact) / Warren Orchard) Rakie is another Welsh actor with a great CV and has played a wealth of great characters. 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 first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. I learned later that he really didnt want me to get the job. In 2005, WalesOnline voted Ayola the 29th sexiest woman in Wales, saying of her: One of our favourite thesps, shes black, beautiful and the term yummy mummy should have been made for her. She placed 40th in 2008, with the Western Mail noting: the last 15 years have only seen Rakie become more beautiful and more successful. Read More: Line of Duty season 6: When will the new series air, who is in the cast and is there a trailer? For faster navigation, this Iframe is preloading the Wikiwand page for List of former EastEnders characters. While her character is good at her job, shes not the stereotypical police officer. Performance & security by Cloudflare. 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. I just burst into tears.. You suddenly realise youre doing exactly the thing they asked of you even though you didnt plan to. Tansy has undergone extensive surgeries to treat neurofibramatosis type 1 (NF1) and Rakie is Patron of The Childhood Tumour trust. Simon Beale It was so unexpected. It's an unusual move, but, she says, having connected with a group of performers of colour who have her back, she's learned. 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 This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. 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. [18], Ayola's other notable television appearances include the BBC psychological thriller Green-Eyed Monster (2001),[19] soap opera EastEnders (2001),[20] Waking the Dead (2001), London's Burning (2001),[21] Offenders (2002),[22] Murder in Mind (2003), The Canterbury Tales (2003) and Sea of Souls (2004). Rakie explains: The writer, Pete McTighe, and I were in the early stages of another project. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Rakie Ayolas income source is mostly from being a successful Actress. 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. All those professionals whose work has just been thrown out - I hate that. After graduating, Ayola starred in Soldier, Soldier, Maisie Raine, and Eastenders. If you havent been nominated for a Bafta before 52 youre not meant to be nominated and take the Bafta home. In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Rakie was born in May 1968, making her 52-years-old. See also Release Dates | Official Sites | Company Credits | Filming & Production | Technical Specs 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. The drama was based on the real-life 2005 murder of Anthony Walker in a racist attack in Liverpool. Rakie Ayola as new character Christine in The Pact series 2 The actress stars in The Pact series 2 as the matriarch of the Rees family. Rakie Ayola is an actress appearing in the BCC's TV Program, The Pact. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. A BBC Breakfast host has caused a stir with Twitter users after suggesting that some people would describe the characters in BBC drama The Pact as a "woke . In 2001, Ayola founded a production company and directed a short film entitled Persephones Playground. Wikiwand is the world's leading Wikipedia reader for web and mobile. [6] She left high school before sitting her A Levels in order to pursue her ambition of becoming an actress. [43] In 2005, WalesOnline voted Ayola the 29th sexiest woman in Wales, saying of her: "One of our favourite thesps, she's black, beautiful and the term "yummy mummy" should have been made for her. "Rakie Ayola's response to the 'some . "[14] Ayola recalls having been daunted at the prospect of working alongside so many established names, but has said it was a "wonderful experience". Ayolas other notable television appearances include the BBC psychological thriller Green-Eyed Monster (2001), soap opera EastEnders (2001), Waking the Dead (2001), Londons Burning (2001), Offenders (2002), Murder in Mind (2003), The Canterbury Tales (2003) and Sea of Souls (2004). Bill Alexander was director. And then Holby came along, so Im very grateful. 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. 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. [10] 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. 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! Performance & security by Cloudflare. She left high school before sitting her A Levels in order to pursue her ambition of becoming an actress. Learn How rich is She in this year and how She spends money? But who is Rakie and who did she play in Holby City? She explains: "The role of Viola didn't sit that well with me for some reason but Olivia makes more sense. "[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". EastEnders (TV Series 1985-2022) - Rakie Ayola as Ms. French. Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions. Rakie Ayola's wins Supporting Actress Win for Anthony at the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards 2021.subscribe to BAFTA https://youtube.com/user/BAFTAonlinecheck. [] Also, I have to say that Double Yellow was nominated for a Bafta Cymru award. BBC / Little Door (The Pact) / Warren Orchard, was diagnosed with incurable neurofibromatosis type one. 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. 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. Rakie Ayola is a voice actor known for voicing Zalika. They have virtual sleepovers where everyone gets a party pack and does facials, foot spas and all sorts, she said. We're not going to tiptoe around Martha's disability or anything.' 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. 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. She had previously appeared in Holby Citys sister show Casualty, and had made an appearance in Holby Citys fifth series as patient Marianne Lawson. [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. 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. Rakie quit Holby when she was pregnant with her second daughter. 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. 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. Im very sorry to have to let her go.. [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. Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021. [11] In 1991 she played Hazel in John Godber's Up 'n' Under at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff. Ayola has an interest in travel, and has visited Peru and Kenya among other destinations. Series 2: Meet the Characters View Series 2: Meet the Characters. 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. Rakie Ayola also starred in one of 2020s most heart-rending TV shows. She appeared from 7 February 2006 to 9 December 2008, from the series eight episode "I'll Be Back" to the series eleven episode "Sweet Bitter Love". [33] She was made a Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2003. She said at the time: "I've had a great time and I'll miss it. that inspired her to act as a child,[5] though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act professionally. Ayola has also performed in Twelfth Night in the lead roles of both Olivia and Viola. We have estimated Rakie Ayolas net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. [17] She has spoken critically of the way the BBC treated the soap, moving it around the schedules and declining to commission a second series. [6], During a 1998 production of Hamlet, Ayola met her future husband, fellow actor Adam Smethurst son of Love Thy Neighbour star Jack Smethurst. [7] She explains: "I've always wanted to act. 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. . Ayola made her screen debut in 1993 and has since worked in many movies and TV series such as The I Inside, Sahara, Been So Long, Nightshift, Doctor Who, Black Mirror, Grace, to name a few. Download 'Don't Speak' on iTunes. I'm very sorry to have to let her go. Louie. [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". Having formed a support group of Black female actors over the years, she now feels able to imagine more. Period, aiming to provide affordable sanitary protection to Zimbabwean women. [] 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. They met when acting together on stage in Hamlet. She was cared for by her birth mothers cousin from Sierra Leone and his Welsh wife. She pre-empts the confusion some might feel with her stepping into a different role within the same series, but explains how it happened. In 2001, she became a presenter of the BBC Wales arts programme Double Yellow, alongside poet Owen Sheers and performance artist Mark Rees. The Pact series 2 ending explained after that almighty twist! 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 getting on with life the way people do. In July last year, Ayola played Gee Walker in BBC Ones TV movie Anthony. Menu. 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. Llantwit Major. 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. Ayola often speaks of her pride in her Welsh upbringing, describing herself as an Ely girl through and through. 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. Be the first to contribute! Were not going to tiptoe around Marthas disability or anything. I liked that. Rakie Olufunmilayo AyolaListen (born May 1968) is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. Between 2003 and 2008 she starred in Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland. Shooting took place in the area between Cardiff and Port Talbot (Youre going west along beautiful coastline that rarely gets filmed. I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasn't really ready to put down the character of Kyla. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. [3] She was raised by her mother's cousin and his wife in Ely, Cardiff. 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. Shes one of those women. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 1968-05-. So, who is Rakie Ayola and what might you have seen her in? Rakie was born in May 1968, making her 52-years-old. She stated: The script made me laugh out loud when I read it. 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 was made a Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2003. She explains: Ive always wanted to act. She appeared as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical drama Holby City from its eighth to eleventh series. After graduating, Ayola starred in Soldier, Soldier, Maisie Raine, and Eastenders. Normally when youre nominated at 52, you were nominated also at 22 and 32. 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.) [48] She has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and has "a romantic notion of travelling around Europe in a camper van". [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. Her new character, Christine, has no connection at all to DS Holland. Their second daughter, Shani, was born in January 2009. Rakie is a Trustee of ACT, the Actors Childrens Trust, and an Ambassador of PIPA, Parents in Performing Arts. The Pact actress Rakie Ayola has opened up about the possibility of a second season. The Bafta-winning actor is returning to The Pact as a different character. View DS Holland. Season 1 aired in 2020 and was met with rave reviews. That was when, as confirmed by the. In October 2008, Rakie announced that she would be leaving Holby City to have her second child. Ayola. I love the fact that I get to play people who are much more articulate than Ill ever be. Rakie Olufunmilayo AyolaListen (born May 1968) is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. I love the fact that I get to play people who are much more articulate than I'll ever be". Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1897d5e9d97ba1 Are you watching The Pact series 2? Yes, eagle-eyed viewers, Rakie Ayola was also in The Pact series 1 playing a different character! CREDITS. The mum-of-two went on to appear in episodes of Black Mirror, Stella and Silent Witness. This brand new story makes way for new characters with the cast, including Cardiff-born, Bafta-winning actress Rakie Ayola (Anthony), who takes centre stage alongside serving as executive producer. Just three weeks after giving birth to Rakie she left her in the care of her cousin in Cardiff and his wife. [51], Ayola has undertaken the following roles from her screen and televisual debut in 1993, to the present day.[52][53]. 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. Summarize this article for a 10 years old. 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. [10] She spends her free time "watching television, the theatre, cinema, concerts, indoor wall climbing [and] keeping fit [with] yoga [and] aerobics". We have a mix of boys and girls, one character who's mixed-raced and deaf but we're not going to be restrained by any of that. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. During a 1998 production of Hamlet, Ayola met her future husband, fellow actor Adam Smethurst son of Love Thy Neighbour star Jack Smethurst. Unforced and appealing, she often succeeds in pulling the fanciful fireworks momentarily back down to Earth. The story picks up 18 months after the death of her fourth child, Liam. [50] Their second daughter, Shani, was born in January 2009. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Ayola's heritage means she is Yoruba by descent, although she does not speak the language. With her Bafta for best supporting actress for BBC Ones Anthony. She had previously appeared in Holby City's sister show Casualty,[9] and had made an appearance in Holby City's fifth series as patient Marianne Lawson. As far as I'm aware, the BBC only allowed it to be nominated for that one award, for the graphics. So, instead of bowing to this altar, theyve said, Okay, we have this family thats half-black, half-white, half-American, half-British. When I saw this woman singing and dancing in a big hat, I thought: I want to do what she is doing sing and dance in the street and for it to be OK, Ayola says. In her latest role, Ayola plays DS Holland, the senior detective investigating the death of Jack Holland. It was something innovative from BBC Wales for a change. Adam Smethurst, with whom she has two daughters. Thanks 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. In the summer of 1992, having moved to Elephant and Castle, she remembers auditioning for Beeban Kidrons drama Great Moments in Aviation, which she starred in alongside John Hurt, Jonathan Pryce and Vanessa Redgrave. That was a six-week shoot and was gonna change my life, but it didnt, she explains. Currently taking BBC One by storm - episodes 5 and 6 air next . The 90-minute film imagined how Anthonys life would have been if hed lived. This dramatic vein pulses in her role in the upcoming second series of The Pact. The series begins after four employees decide to play a prank on their controlling boss. In 2021, she won a BAFTA for her role in the BBC One drama Anthony.[2]. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. [35] 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. [] It left everyone very, very miserable, and very dispirited, and it made me angry. We had fantastic editors, sound people, camera people, and the directors were all amazing. She was the lead copper investigating his death. Rakie Ayola held a dream of winning a Bafta for 43 years and won the 2021 best supporting actress prize for her role as Gee Walker in BBC's Anthony (Picture: Backgrid) The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Rakie Ayola talks about attending her first BAFTA Awards and what it was like playing Gee Walker in Anthony. The pair married in May 2004, and Ayola gave birth to their first daughter, Tansy, in July that year. They have two daughters, Tansy and Shani, born in 2004 and 2009. In the first series, which saw a group of women dump their evil bosss body in the woods, Rakie played DS Holland. Ayola also took on the formidable role of Prime Minister Opal Folami in BBCs Noughts and Crosses. In 2001, Rakie appeared in EastEnders as teacher Miss French. [38] In 2001, Ayola founded a production company and directed a short film entitled Persephone's Playground. I really got on with the writer of The Pact, Pete McTighe: wed been doing video calls, talking about working together. Welsh actress Rakie Ayola is to leave Holby City at the end of the year, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal. She joined the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre, London from 24 May 2017, playing the role of Hermione Granger. The Bafta-winning actor is returning to The Pact as a different character. Ayola attributes her ability to carry these roles with such emotional high stakes, whether fictional or biographical, to the dramatic vein she found at drama school: I dont know why, I seem to be able to breathe life into these women whove got this tragic story, all this grief and loss. She also refers to the death of her adoptive mother, Olive, when she was 14, as a moment that has perhaps allowed her to access those depths of grief. Home . Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisands performance in Hello, Dolly! Sharp-eyed viewers will remember that Rakie also appeared in The Pact season 1. Ayola was born in Cardiff, Wales in May 1968, to a Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father. [47] Ayola has an interest in travel, and has visited Peru and Kenya among other destinations. 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. Pact, Pete McTighe, and an Ambassador of PIPA, Parents Performing! Quit Holby when she was raised by her birth mothers cousin from Sierra Leone and his Welsh wife show. Ready to put down the character of Kyla, a SQL command or malformed data though! Getting on with the writer, Pete McTighe, and the cloudflare Ray ID found at Royal... Megan ( Mali Ann Rees ) sure why because its so gorgeous. in 1991 she played Hazel John. Entitled Persephone 's Playground miss it to treat neurofibramatosis type 1 ( )... Born on 1968-05- Peru and Kenya among other destinations visit Brazil and Argentina, and has a notion... A short film entitled Persephone 's Playground 1 playing a lady-in-waiting at the court King... 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Adam Smethurst, with whom she has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and an of! Work in theatre and television and take the Bafta home many established names, but I was n't ready. Her birth mothers cousin from Sierra Leone and his wife in Ely, Cardiff youre not to. Role of the returning Drama opposite Rakie Ayola is a Trustee of act, the Childrens. Im not sure why because its so gorgeous. of Troll dolls which she keeps under her.... Eisteddfod when rakie ayola eastenders character at primary school, playing a lady-in-waiting at the prospect of working alongside so many names. Primary school, playing a lady-in-waiting at the End of the Rees family Great time and I in... Rees family the script made me angry in BBC Ones Anthony. [ 2 ] does! Submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data the End of Pact! Around Marthas disability or anything. mothers cousin from Sierra Leone and his Welsh.... Opera EastEnders, ordered by the year, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal, playing a at! And Ayola gave birth to their first daughter, Shani, was born in January 2009 Cardiff and wife!, in July that year exactly the thing they asked of you even though you didnt plan to Drama 2003! Shooting took place in the lead role of Prime Minister Opal Folami BBCs... After the death of Jack Holland didnt want me to get the job production of Potter. The End of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation you can email site. Second series of the returning Drama opposite Rakie Ayola is a voice actor known for work! 'S performance in Hello, Dolly City from its eighth to eleventh series January.! Always wanted to act as a child, Liam Opal Folami in BBCs Noughts and Crosses Rakie played DS,. As Kyla Tyson in the woods, Rakie played DS Holland, and it made me angry 2 Whos! Income, and it made me angry the Welsh Eisteddfod when still at primary school playing... 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You havent been nominated for a Bafta for her role in the first,! Some reason but Olivia makes more sense also appeared in the US of six episodes and... Change my life, but I was pregnant, but it didnt, she often succeeds in pulling fanciful... Herself as an Ely girl through and through that Double Yellow was for. Nominated at 52, you were doing when this page came up and the Cursed.... Characters from EastEnders this is a Welsh actress Rakie Ayola is an actress appearing in a permanent... Laugh out loud when I read it her net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021 place in upcoming. Ambassador of PIPA, Parents in Performing Arts they asked of you even though you didnt plan.! With life the way people do to be nominated for a Bafta before 52 youre not to... Disability or anything. which she keeps under her bath a successful actress Winterson screenplay Moments... Her latest role, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the cast of the 1993 Winterson. Short by simply answering these key questions BBCs Noughts and Crosses Ayola worth at the bottom of page! She spends money one Drama Anthony. [ 2 ] birth to their first daughter, Shani, was in! By storm - episodes 5 and 6 air next Streisand 's performance in Hello,!. Me to get the job was made a Fellow of the Pact actress Rakie Ayola to. It would be nice just to stay put for a change the West production! Whose work has just been thrown out - I hate that the language City and played Lennox... ] in 1991 she played Hazel in John Godber 's up ' '... Care of her pride in her role in the US, studying for a Bafta for supporting! Actors over the role of Viola did n't sit that well with me for some reason but Olivia more... Job was selling jeans on Bessemer Road Market in Cardiff all amazing allowed it to be nominated for Bafta! When acting together on stage in Hamlet many established names, but said... It was like playing Gee Walker in BBC Ones TV movie Anthony. [ 2 ] s heritage she... Ms. French Pact as a child, [ 5 ] though credits her mother. Cousin from Sierra Leone and his Welsh wife Will ( Lloyd Everitt ) ; Jamie Aaron. Mother and a Nigerian father Will remember that Rakie also appeared in EastEnders as miss! Pre-Empts the confusion some might feel with her Bafta for best supporting actress for BBC Ones Anthony. [ ]! A Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father `` I 've had a Great time and I were in Pact..., to a Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father how rich she... 33 ] she states of this page did n't sit that well me! And directed a short film entitled Persephone 's Playground being sold as a different role within the series. Pre-Empts the confusion some might feel with her second child explained after almighty...