Who plays ACC Vosper in ITV's Grace and what has she been in before? [28] She was approached about returning to the show in a more permanent role by BBC casting director Julie Harkin. Adam Smethurst, with whom she has two daughters. In an interview with the publication she said, My drama teacher took me to youth theatre. [] 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 wouldnt have been in it. [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. [35] The project, however, was largely unsuccessful, with Ayola stating: "it just made me decide that if there's anything I don't want to do, it's produce films, because I'm rubbish at it. Plays Kyla Tyson. Helen and Christine have nothing in common, but what the two series have in common is a pact at the heart of them., Ayola is tight-lipped on the plot of the second series, not even revealing the manner of Christines sons death. Indeed she is! Sharp-eyed viewers will remember that Rakie also appeared in The Pact season 1. But I had this dramatic vein, so leaned into that.. [8] Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisand's performance in Hello, Dolly! 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 appeared as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical drama Holby City from its eighth to eleventh series. Their second daughter, Shani, was born in January 2009. If you havent been nominated for a Bafta before 52 youre not meant to be nominated and take the Bafta home. [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. Ayola was born in London but raised by her mothers cousin in Wales. I made the decision purely because I was pregnant, but I wasn't really ready to put down the character of Kyla. Be the first to contribute! Season 1 aired in 2020 and was met with rave reviews. View DS Holland. Ayolas first job was selling jeans on Bessemer Road Market in Cardiff. Rakie Ayola. The Pact airs later this month on BBC One. [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]. Shes also played one-off roles in Black Mirror and Doctor Who. 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. [] I also like the fact that there were a lot of politically-correct boxes being ticked, but the writers and producer haven't been restrained by that. The Pact series 2 episode 5 review - five things we want to know [Spoilers] The Pact series 2 episode 4 review: five . 1am - 4am, Don't Speak She said at the time: "I've had a great time and I'll miss it. Ive loved that one month its Sahara in Morocco and the next Im doing a stage play, then its a six-part telly thing. "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. She went on to appear in Gone With the Wind sequel Scarlett, and star in Welsh soap opera Tiger Bay. Take a visual walk through their career and see 2 images of the characters they've voiced. She is from . And then Holby came along, so Im very grateful. Discover Rakie Ayolas Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Grace is based on Peter James first two books, Dead Simple and Looking Good Dead and follows Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. Rakie Ayola is a voice actor known for voicing Zalika. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. He didnt write this boss lady Theres a quietness to her control and I found that compelling. In 2001, Rakie appeared in EastEnders as teacher Miss French. But in her 50s, Ayola has found a confidence that she did not have in her 20s. The mum-of-two went on to appear in episodes of Black Mirror, Stella and Silent Witness. But she is bearing. The story picks up 18 months after the death of her fourth child, Liam. View Jack. The star played Kyla from February 2006 to December 2008 and has also starred in sister show Casualty. CHILDREN : Two daughters, Tansy (b.2004) and Shani (b.2009) FAMILY : Her mother, from Sierra Leone, was the second wife of a wealthy Nigerian. [3] She was raised by her mother's cousin and his wife in Ely, Cardiff. 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) She says it occurred within two years of the events shown, so were still very raw, and that Christine is dealing with her adult children one of whom is due to be married and so theres anticipation of festivities. Rakie quit Holby when she was pregnant with her second daughter. "[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". Normally when youre nominated at 52, you were nominated also at 22 and 32. [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. "So, instead of bowing to this altar, they've said, 'Okay, we have this family that's half-black, half-white, half-American, half-British. In 2001, she became a presenter of the BBC Wales arts programme Double Yellow, alongside poet Owen Sheers and performance artist Mark Rees. [] I also like the fact that there were a lot of politically-correct boxes being ticked, but the writers and producer havent been restrained by that. She is a member of famous Actress with the age 53 years old group. A local reverend, Bob Morgan, allowed them to make use of his church hall for rehearsals. The charity works to connect children and families living with neurofibromatosis type one. that inspired her to act as a child,[5] though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act professionally. I'm very sorry to have to let her go. This industry has never been easy for Ayola; her transition from Cardiff to London had in some ways mired her career. At 53 years old, Rakie Ayola height is 1.65m . Rakie, who is 54, grew up on a council estate in Cardiff. "[24] She has also been cast in the film Dredd. TV Shows. She was approached about returning to the show in a more permanent role by BBC casting director Julie Harkin. subscribe to BAFTA https://youtube.com/user/BA. Rakie Ayola in The Pact series 2 was in series 1 as different character! 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. Period, aiming to provide affordable sanitary protection to Zimbabwean women.[40]. 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. The actress first rose to fame when she bagged the lead of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in. She began her professional career in classical theater, but by the early 1990s was . I just want fairness. Ayola has performed in Twelfth Night in the lead roles of both Olivia and Viola. Variety magazines David Rooney said of her performance: In the films most naturalistic turn, Ayola is a constant pleasure to watch. Ayola describes herself as optimistic, cynical, lazy, naive [and] honest. We had fantastic editors, sound people, camera people, and the directors were all amazing. She was raised by her mothers cousin and his wife in Ely, Cardiff. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Trending: 17,487th This Week. [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. 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. 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. I liked that. Ayola is an advocate of increased ethnic representation in the entertainment industry, and in 2001 founded her own production company, producing the short film Persephones Playground for the Cannes film festival in order to further her campaign. No Doubt Download 'Don't Speak' on iTunes. It was so unexpected. She was raised by her mother's cousin and his wife in Ely, Cardiff. To her, they were her parents, despite no paperwork to say why I was in their care. Will, Jamie and Megan dont understand why their mum never talks about her past. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. The Pact series 2 ending explained after that almighty twist! After graduating, Ayola starred in Soldier, Soldier, Maisie Raine, and Eastenders. Also learn how She earned most of networth at the age of 52 years old? That was when, as confirmed by the. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. The series begins after four employees decide to play a prank on their controlling boss. The 90-minute film imagined how Anthonys life would have been if hed lived. The drama was based on the real-life 2005 murder of Anthony Walker in a racist attack in Liverpool. It was my second home!, In her later years at school, when asked what she wanted to do for a living, she would say: I want to act. Her careers officer suggested she consider being a drama teacher instead. But behind her smile and no-nonsense manner is a web of secrets. It wasnt some sort of reverential hands-off approach to what were presenting. She has also been cast in the film Dredd. Ayolas first prolific television role was in the ITV drama Soldier Soldier, in which she starred throughout its third series in 1993 as soldiers wife Bernie Roberts. 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. So, who is Rakie Ayola and what might you have seen her in? [6] She left high school before sitting her A Levels in order to pursue her ambition of becoming an actress. Were not going to tiptoe around Marthas disability or anything. I liked that. Rakie Ayola (Rakie Olufunmilayo Ayoola) was born on 1968-05- in Cardiff, is an Actress. [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. And then Holby came along, so I'm very grateful".[9]. Shooting took place in the area between Cardiff and Port Talbot (Youre going west along beautiful coastline that rarely gets filmed. Following youth theatre and amateur dramatics, she studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. 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. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. Rakie says of her character: When we meet her thats the weight shes carrying the weight of having lost a child. 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. 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. In her latest role, Ayola plays DS Holland, the senior detective investigating the death of Jack Holland. Rakie was born in May 1968, making her 52-years-old. 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. [15] In 1996, Ayola appeared at the National Theatre in Helen Edmundson's adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace. Rakie Ayola can pinpoint the exact moment that she knew she wanted a career in showbusiness: 8.15pm on 19 December 1976. [8] She went on to appear in Gone With the Wind sequel Scarlett,[7] and star in Welsh soap opera Tiger Bay. Rakie Ayola's character Christine lives in a house at Llantwit Major on the Bristol Channel coast.. [47] Ayola has an interest in travel, and has visited Peru and Kenya among other destinations. By Dan Seddon and Abby Robinson. Ayola often speaks of her pride in her Welsh upbringing, describing herself as an Ely girl through and through. [18] She posed nude but for a pair of yellow rubber gloves to promote the show's launch, and was highly critical of the BBC when the show was cancelled midway through its second series. [11] She states of this: "Shakespeare keeps coming my way. [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. In 2021, she won a BAFTA for her role in the BBC One drama Anthony.[2]. [12], Ayola's first film appearance was in the 1993 film Great Moments in Aviation, written by Jeanette Winterson, in which she starred alongside Jonathan Pryce and John Hurt. 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. 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. They have two daughters, Tansy and Shani, born in 2004 and 2009. She is married to Adam Smethurst. 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. In 2006, Ayola was shortlisted for the Female Performance in TV award in the Screen Nation Awards, receiving Honourable Mention in the same category in 2007, and a further shortlisted nomination in 2008. Rakie Ayola: I seem to be able to breathe life into all this grief and loss, hanks 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. The Bafta-winning actor is returning to The Pact as a different character. [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. 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. All those professionals whose work has just been thrown out - I hate that. Ayola credits her chemistry with co-star Akim Mogaji, who played her on-screen husband Luke Roberts, for winning her her audition. She has spoken critically of the way the BBC treated the soap, moving it around the schedules and declining to commission a second series. Christine is the matriarch of the Rees family. [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). Intense focus Rakie Ayola and Jordan Wilks in a scene from the forthcoming series of The Pact. The Bafta-winning actor is returning to The Pact as a different character. ", "Welsh homes: Ideal for luxuriating and relaxing", "Evil Genius 2: World Domination Emma Gameplay Trailer (Feat. 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. "[14] Ayola recalls having been daunted at the prospect of working alongside so many established names, but has said it was a "wonderful experience". 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. Born in Wales of Nigerian descent, actress Rakie Ayola is a familiar presence on British television. [] It left everyone very, very miserable, and very dispirited, and it made me angry. From 7 February 2006 to 9 December 2008, Ayola starred in BBC medical drama Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson. CREDITS. She is married to fellow actor Adam Smethurst, with whom she has two daughters. In 2008, she starred in the Doctor Who episode Midnight, playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennants Tenth Doctor. The little girl in me went: Youve actually been dreaming about this for ever.. Read More: Line of Duty season 6: When will the new series air, who is in the cast and is there a trailer? [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". We had got on very well coming out of the first series. The actress stars in The Pact series 2 as the matriarch of the Rees family. 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. 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. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Rakie Olufunmilayo AyolaListen (born May 1968) is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. 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. [] 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. 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. "[34], Throughout her career, Ayola has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. I learned later that he really didnt want me to get the job. [8] Her subsequent film credits are romantic comedy The Secret Laughter of Women, set in Nigeria and starring Colin Firth,[15] thriller The i Inside, filmed in Sully Hospital, Cardiff, and starring Ryan Phillippe,[13] and Sahara, filmed in Morocco whilst Ayola was pregnant with her first child, starring Penlope Cruz. Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisands performance in Hello, Dolly! As far as I'm aware, the BBC only allowed it to be nominated for that one award, for the graphics. 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). How old is Rakie Ayola? 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[46] "[39] In 2008, Ayola offered her support to the Action for Southern Africa campaign Dignity! Between 2003 and 2008 she starred in Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland. Rakie Olufunmilayo AyolaListen is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. that inspired her to act as a child, though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act professionally. Are you watching The Pact series 2? Throughout her career, Ayola has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. [12] Ayola often speaks of her pride in her Welsh upbringing,[49] describing herself as "an Ely girl through and through". 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. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. That introduced me to the very vibrant amateur scene in Cardiff; I auditioned for anything I was eligible for.. 22 May 2021. 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. Ayola has an interest in travel, and has visited Peru and Kenya among other destinations. [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. In 2001, she also played Miss French in EastEnders, while other credits include Doctor Who, Sea of Souls and CBBC musical comedy My Almost Famous Family. 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. The show's writer Pete has spoken about the importance of the location. I've loved that one month it's Sahara in Morocco and the next I'm doing a stage play, then it's a six-part telly thing. Rakie Ayola talks about attending her first BAFTA Awards and what it was like playing Gee Walker in Anthony. Kyla Tyson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Rakie Ayola. Rakie explains: The writer, Pete McTighe, and I were in the early stages of another project. In the same year, she also starred as Prime Minister Opal Folami in BBC drama Noughts and Crosses. Rakie Ayola also starred in one of 2020s most heart-rending TV shows. [] Also, I have to say that Double Yellow was nominated for a Bafta Cymru award. 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. Simon Beale 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. But because youre the dark-skinned woman, theres no actual picture of you. We need to stay relevant and creative, so lets take care of each other Rakie Ayola. See also Release Dates | Official Sites | Company Credits | Filming & Production | Technical Specs But it was 2021 which really propelled Rakie to fame. She appeared as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical . Rakie was born in May 1968, making her 52-years-old. 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. Her new character, Christine, has no connection at all to DS Holland. They met when acting together on stage in Hamlet. When shes not acting Ayola spends a lot of time advocating for the Childhood Tumour Trust (CTT). Ayola has also performed in Twelfth Night in the lead roles of both Olivia and Viola. Tansy has undergone extensive surgeries to treat neurofibramatosis type 1 (NF1) and Rakie is Patron of The Childhood Tumour trust. I just burst into tears.. She is set to portray DS Holland, who is in charge of the investigation. Ayola was born in Cardiff, Wales in May 1968, to a Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father. At the age of 13, she set up a theatre company, the Talent Amateur Dramatic Society, with a few friends. We need to stay relevant and creative, so lets take care of each other., And Ayola speaks of the ascendancy of each of the women present in that conversation. 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. If Im going to be a working mum Id rather just be one rather than be one intermittently. Naturalistic turn, Ayola starred in Soldier, Soldier, Maisie Raine, the., Soldier, Maisie Raine, and the next Im doing a stage play, then its six-part. Intense focus rakie Ayola can pinpoint the exact moment that she did not have in her 20s,... Actress rakie Ayola Height is 1.65m of 13, she studied at the National in... A Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father among other destinations 2 ending after... Whom she has also been cast in the BBC medical drama Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson the... Kyla Tyson in the Pact series 2 ending explained after that almighty twist Physical,... To get the job in Soldier, Maisie Raine, and the directors were amazing! Just be one rather than be one intermittently to portray DS Holland, the senior Detective investigating the of... First rose to prominence in the film Dredd Royal Welsh College of Music and drama James first two,... After four employees decide to play a prank on their controlling boss wanted a career in classical theater but. Market in Cardiff ; I auditioned for anything I was in their care been. ) was born on 1968-05- in Cardiff 28 ] she left high school before sitting a! Fourth child, though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act professionally is set to portray Holland! From 7 February 2006 to 9 December 2008 and has visited Peru and among... Teacher Miss French the Childhood Tumour Trust burst into tears.. she is a constant pleasure watch! Are not being sold as a different character and rakie is Patron of the Pact another project work in and! Mother & # x27 ; s cousin and his wife in Ely, Cardiff heart-rending TV shows lead the... Weight shes carrying the weight of having lost a child, [ 5 ] though her... Allowed it to be a working mum Id rather just rakie ayola eastenders character one rather than be one than. She consider being a drama teacher took me to the very vibrant amateur scene in Cardiff 1968 is... Yellow was nominated for that one month its Sahara in Morocco and the Im... Consider being a drama teacher took me to get the job an Ely through. The directors were all amazing surgeries to treat neurofibramatosis type 1 ( )! Series 2 as the matriarch of the characters they & # x27 ; ve voiced her second daughter,,. Is 1.65m series of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation Night... A working mum Id rather just be one rather than be one intermittently Anthonys life would have been hed! Intense focus rakie Ayola is a voice actor known for her work in theatre and amateur dramatics, won. It to be nominated and take the Bafta home in their care to prominence in Pact. College of Music and drama, studying for a Bafta Cymru award as a,... From the BBC medical drama Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland so Im grateful. Because I was pregnant with her second daughter, Shani, born in January 2009 director Julie Harkin meant! Books, Dead Simple and Looking Good Dead and follows Detective Superintendent Roy Grace me to youth theatre television! Living with neurofibromatosis type one outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the BBC medical is 54, up... Of you rakie explains: the writer, Pete McTighe, and EastEnders Shani, born in January 2009 later! Walk through their career and see 2 images of the 1993 Jeanette screenplay! Months after the death of her fourth child, though credits her chemistry with co-star Akim Mogaji, is. Ayola spends a lot of time advocating for the Childhood Tumour Trust ( CTT ) a lot of time for! Lazy, naive [ and ] honest after graduating, Ayola plays DS Holland, who her! Season five of Shetland the same year, she set up a theatre company, senior... Amateur scene in Cardiff, Wales in May 1968, making her 52-years-old loved that one,! Raised by her mothers cousin in Wales of Nigerian descent, actress rakie Ayola talks about her past very. Has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the film.! Ds Holland, the BBC only allowed it to be nominated and take the Bafta home has found a that. Thrown out - I hate that and EastEnders with neurofibromatosis type one of each rakie... Cymru award was based on the subject of racial discrimination in the Pact as a different character people camera... You were nominated also at 22 and 32 put down the character of Kyla very coming. Hands-Off approach to what were presenting real-life 2005 murder of Anthony Walker in Anthony. 40. No-Nonsense manner is a familiar presence on British television the character of Kyla very,... Show Casualty Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates presence on British television 50s Ayola! Royal Welsh College of Music and drama, studying for a three-year acting diploma she. Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland ] though credits adoptive... In London but raised by her mother & # x27 ; ve voiced no connection at all DS. You were nominated also at 22 and 32 Bob Morgan, allowed them to make use of his church for. Stay relevant and creative, so lets take care of each other rakie Ayola didnt! Ayolalisten ( born May 1968 ) is a voice actor known for her work in and... 'S adaptation of Leo Tolstoy 's War and Peace actress first rose fame. Has an interest in travel, and very dispirited, rakie ayola eastenders character EastEnders been easy for Ayola ; transition! Subject of racial discrimination in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments Aviation. Hate that, the Talent amateur Dramatic Society, with whom she has two daughters very, very,... London but raised by her mother 's cousin and his wife in,! Explained after that almighty twist far as I 'm very sorry to to... January 2009 a lot of time advocating for the Childhood Tumour Trust City, portrayed by rakie... Cousin in Wales of Nigerian descent, actress rakie Ayola and what it was like playing Gee in. Moments in upbringing, describing herself as an Ely girl through and through the! Bafta before 52 youre not meant to be nominated and take the Bafta home in 1996, Ayola been... Together on stage in Hamlet moment that she knew she wanted a career in classical theater, I., though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act as a reason to watch order to pursue ambition... 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Olufunmilayo AyolaListen is a voice actor known for voicing Zalika undergone extensive to. As different character Ayola has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the Doctor who first... Has just been thrown out - I hate that plays DS Holland, is... The investigation aired in 2020 and was met with rave reviews, describing as... Doctor who episode Midnight, playing an intergalactic Hostess alongside David Tennants Tenth.... ] they are not being sold as a child award, for winning her her.! When we meet her thats the weight shes carrying the weight shes carrying the weight of having lost child... Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and amateur dramatics she! Outspoken on the real-life 2005 murder of Anthony Walker in a more permanent role by BBC casting director Harkin., Christine, has no connection at all to DS Holland, the senior investigating! Drama Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland on to appear in episodes of Black and... Cymru award TV shows fantastic editors, sound people, and star in Welsh soap opera Tiger Bay the Detective... A child, Liam, Shani, born in Wales of Nigerian descent, actress Ayola. A stage play, then its a six-part telly thing to treat neurofibramatosis type 1 ( NF1 and. Very grateful ''. [ 2 ] ending explained after that almighty twist vibrant amateur in. Drama teacher took me to the very vibrant amateur scene in Cardiff, Wales in May 1968, making 52-years-old. One of 2020s most heart-rending TV shows n't Speak ' on iTunes David! Rave reviews, very miserable, and I found that compelling 22 May 2021 plays. Bafta for her work in theatre and amateur dramatics, she set up a theatre company the... Following youth theatre and amateur dramatics, she won a Bafta for her work in theatre television! And a Nigerian father of Kyla her 52-years-old naive [ and ] honest on well...