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. Rakie says of her character: When we meet her thats the weight shes carrying the weight of having lost a child. 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. Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisands performance in Hello, Dolly! Who plays ACC Vosper in ITV's Grace and what has she been in before? Rakie Ayola in The Pact series 2 was in series 1 as different character! This is a list of characters from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, ordered by the year in which they made their final appearance. 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. Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix. [7] Variety's David Rooney said of her performance: "In the film's most naturalistic turn, Ayola is a constant pleasure to watch. [11] In 1991 she played Hazel in John Godber's Up 'n' Under at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff. [15] In 1996, Ayola appeared at the National Theatre in Helen Edmundson's adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace. 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. They have two children. Your IP: Jack. Heres what we know. [21] She has a collection of Troll dolls which she keeps under her bath. 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. She was made a Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2003. "[14] Ayola recalls having been daunted at the prospect of working alongside so many established names, but has said it was a "wonderful experience". 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. 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. And then Holby came along, so Im very grateful. In 1996, Ayola appeared at the National Theatre in Helen Edmundsons adaptation of Leo Tolstoys War and Peace. 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. [41] She received Honourable Mention for the same role the following year,[42] and was shortlisted again in 2008. But she is bearing. Kyla Tyson is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actress Rakie Ayola. It told the true story of 18-year-old Anthony Walker, who was murdered by two white men in an unprovoked racist attack in 2005. Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions. 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. 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 story picks up 18 months after the death of her fourth child, Liam. Indeed she is! They met again two years later, during a production of Twelfth Night, and went on to become a couple. Ayola credits her chemistry with co-star Akim Mogaji, who played her on-screen husband Luke Roberts, for winning her her audition. Download 'Don't Speak' on iTunes. Rakie Ayola can pinpoint the exact moment that she knew she wanted a career in showbusiness: 8.15pm on 19 December 1976. I'm very sorry to have to let her go. Christines an experienced social worker who is devoted to her family. [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, Rakie appeared in EastEnders as teacher Miss French. [50] Their second daughter, Shani, was born in January 2009. "[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". In 2001, she became a presenter of the BBC Wales arts programme Double Yellow, alongside poet Owen Sheers and performance artist Mark Rees. She has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and has a romantic notion of travelling around Europe in a camper van. Contents: 2020s: 2023 2022 2021 2020 2010s: 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 To her, they were her parents, despite no paperwork to say why I was in their care. [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. Sign up for Bustle UK's twice-weekly newsletter, featuring the latest must-watch TV, moving personal stories, and expert advice on the hottest viral buys. Rakie has had roles in Shetland, Silent Witness, Midsomer Murders and No Offence, as well as Hollywood films The i Inside and Sahara. 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. 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. 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. In her latest role, Ayola plays DS Holland, the senior detective investigating the death of Jack Holland. [6] 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. Welsh actress Rakie Ayola is to leave Holby City at the end of the year, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal. She remembers Harvey Weinstein staring at her on set, though not lasciviously. Series 2: Meet the Characters View Series 2: Meet the Characters. It wasnt some sort of reverential hands-off approach to what were presenting. She has also been cast in the film Dredd. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. She was the lead copper investigating his death. If Im going to be a working mum Id rather just be one rather than be one intermittently. 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. [] The one time I was asked to play a Welsh character on screen was in Tiger Bay for BBC Wales, but I know if that series had been called Radyr Park or Cyncoed Close I wouldn't have been in it". In 2001, she became a presenter of the BBC Wales arts programme Double Yellow, alongside poet Owen Sheers and performance artist Mark Rees. Season 1 aired in 2020 and was met with rave reviews. [6] She left high school before sitting her A Levels in order to pursue her ambition of becoming an actress. [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. "Noma Dumezweni on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child's next steps", "Bafta Television Awards 2021: The main nominations", "I thought I was diabetic - but I was pregnant", "BBC - Press Office - Sea of Souls Rakie Ayola", "Education: Actress honoured with fellowship", "BBC Online - Just the Job - Take it from me", "Interview: Rakie's lesson one: Fake blood just sticks to the cotton wool", "He m@il She m@il; Rakie Ayola answers your questions", "To be but not to be - the 'perfect' Hamlet pairing", "My Axed Show Anger - Star Rakie blasts Beeb", "Sexy brief's soap role fits like a glove", "I was just a baby but mum left me behind; TV sitcom star Rakie Ayola on her traumatic childhood", "CBBC's new musical comedy My Almost Famous Family: Rakie Ayola is mum and diva Shalondra", "Motherhood leaves Rakie with nothing to Dredd from acting", "Who are the new Harry Potter and the Cursed Child cast? 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. 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. She received Honourable Mention for the same role the following year, and was shortlisted again in 2008. 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 Watching Barbra Streisand in Hello, Dolly on TV as a child made Rakie want to take up acting. The series begins after four employees decide to play a prank on their controlling boss. [47] Ayola has an interest in travel, and has visited Peru and Kenya among other destinations. 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. [10] She spends her free time "watching television, the theatre, cinema, concerts, indoor wall climbing [and] keeping fit [with] yoga [and] aerobics". CREDITS. Discover Rakie Ayolas Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. In October 2008, Rakie announced that she would be leaving Holby City to have her second child. [3] She was raised by her mother's cousin and his wife in Ely, Cardiff. Rakie Ayola also starred in one of 2020s most heart-rending TV shows. Rakie Ayola talks about attending her first BAFTA Awards and what it was like playing Gee Walker in Anthony. [8] Ayola has stated that it was Barbra Streisand's performance in Hello, Dolly! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In an interview with the publication she explained the kinds of events the charity puts on for children. [48] She has expressed a desire to visit Brazil and Argentina, and has "a romantic notion of travelling around Europe in a camper van". This March, ITV is giving us another crime drama to get our teeth into. The star played Kyla from February 2006 to December 2008 and has also starred in sister show Casualty. [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. Rakie Ayolas income source is mostly from being a successful Actress. [] It left everyone very, very miserable, and very dispirited, and it made me angry. View Jack. 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. In 2017, Ayola took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. [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. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. She began her professional career in classical theater, but by the early 1990s was . Ayola describes herself as optimistic, cynical, lazy, naive [and] honest. She first rose to prominence in the lead role of the 1993 Jeanette Winterson screenplay Great Moments in Aviation. [23] In 2009, Ayola starred in the CBBC musical comedy My Almost Famous Family. Who plays Assistant Chief Constable Alison Vosper in ITV1s Grace? There were pictures of all the big stars, and youre not even on the back, even though the blurb couldnt tell the story without the story of the character you were playing. She was raised by her mothers cousin and his wife in Ely, Cardiff. Home . 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. 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. This time she is taking the lead role of Christine, a social worker who has recently lost a child. We have estimated Rakie Ayolas net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. Ayolas 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. She is set to portray DS Holland, who is in charge of the investigation. [7] She explains: "I've always wanted to act. The actress stars in The Pact series 2 as the matriarch of the Rees family. [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]. Ayola also took on the formidable role of Prime Minister Opal Folami in BBCs Noughts and Crosses. 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. 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. [] 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. If you havent been nominated for a Bafta before 52 youre not meant to be nominated and take the Bafta home. I love the fact that I get to play people who are much more articulate than I'll ever be". That was a six-week shoot and was gonna change my life, but it didnt, she explains. Ayola describes herself as "optimistic, cynical, lazy, naive [and] honest". 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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. As far as I'm aware, the BBC only allowed it to be nominated for that one award, for the graphics. 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.. 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. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The Pact premiered on May 17 on BBC One at 9 p.m. You can watch it on catchup on BBC iPlayer. Take a visual walk through their career and see 2 images of the characters they've voiced. Played by Rakie Ayola. CHILDREN : Two daughters, Tansy (b.2004) and Shani (b.2009) FAMILY : Her mother, from Sierra Leone, was the second wife of a wealthy Nigerian. Rakie, who is 54, grew up on a council estate in Cardiff. [38] In 2001, Ayola founded a production company and directed a short film entitled Persephone's Playground. From 7 February 2006 to 9 December 2008, Ayola starred in BBC medical drama Holby City as nurse Kyla Tyson. 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. 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. 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. All those professionals whose work has just been thrown out - I hate that. [6], During a 1998 production of Hamlet, Ayola met her future husband, fellow actor Adam Smethurst son of Love Thy Neighbour star Jack Smethurst. Ayola often speaks of her pride in her Welsh upbringing, describing herself as an Ely girl through and through. "[34], Throughout her career, Ayola has been outspoken on the subject of racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. When shes not acting Ayola spends a lot of time advocating for the Childhood Tumour Trust (CTT). Bill Alexander was director. 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. [] 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. By Dan Seddon and Abby Robinson. We had fantastic editors, sound people, camera people, and the directors were all amazing. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Rakie Ayola: 'I seem to be able to breathe life into all this grief and loss' The Bafta-winning actor is returning to The Pact as a different character. Llantwit Major. How old is Rakie Ayola? The Pact series 2 episode 5 review - five things we want to know [Spoilers] The Pact series 2 episode 4 review: five . So, who is Rakie Ayola and what might you have seen her in? Ayolas heritage means she is Yoruba by descent, although she does not speak the language. Click to reveal 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. Rakie Ayola. Rakie Ayola, a Welsh actress best known for her roles in Grace, Black Mirror, Noughts + Crosses and Doctor Who. The mum-of-two went on to appear in episodes of Black Mirror, Stella and Silent Witness. But it was 2021 which really propelled Rakie to fame. Unforced and appealing, she often succeeds in pulling the fanciful fireworks momentarily back down to Earth. 1am - 4am, Don't Speak She is a member of famous Actress with the age 53 years old group. This industry has never been easy for Ayola; her transition from Cardiff to London had in some ways mired her career. [37] 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 they're never Welsh. But in her 50s, Ayola has found a confidence that she did not have in her 20s. [] They are not being sold as a reason to watch. She acted in William Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest," at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in Birmingham, England with Jeffery Kissoon, Richard McCabe, Ginny Holder, Daniel Isaacs, Tony Armatrading, and Geoffrey Freshwater in the cast. Born in Wales of Nigerian descent, actress Rakie Ayola is a familiar presence on British television. Sharp-eyed viewers will remember that Rakie also appeared in The Pact season 1. 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. 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). Christine's an experienced social worker who is devoted. 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. 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. 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. Rakie was born in May 1968, making her 52-years-old. She is getting on with life the way people do. Just three weeks after giving birth to Rakie she left her in the care of her cousin in Cardiff and his wife. [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, how much is Rakie Ayola worth at the age of 53 years old? The 39-year-old, who has played the role of Kyla Tyson since February 2006, is to be. They met when acting together on stage in Hamlet. That introduced me to the very vibrant amateur scene in Cardiff; I auditioned for anything I was eligible for.. 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. The drama was based on the real-life 2005 murder of Anthony Walker in a racist attack in Liverpool. 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! We're not going to tiptoe around Martha's disability or anything.' She was cared for by her birth mothers cousin from Sierra Leone and his Welsh wife. 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. Rakie Ayola is a voice actor known for voicing Zalika. She appeared as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical drama Holby City from its eighth to eleventh series. "Rakie Ayola's response to the 'some . "[24] She has also been cast in the film Dredd. I really got on with the writer of The Pact, Pete McTighe: wed been doing video calls, talking about working together. 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. This is a list of characters from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, ordered by the year in which they made their final appearance. If I'm going to be a working mum I'd rather just be one rather than be one intermittently. But who is Rakie and who did she play in Holby City? [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. Between 2003 and 2008 she starred in Holby City and played Olivia Lennox in season five of Shetland. She appeared as Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical . 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. Performance & security by Cloudflare. that inspired her to act as a child,[5] though credits her adoptive mother with encouraging her to act professionally. [33] She was made a Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2003. Simon Beale She has also worked in theatre, film and television, appearing in a number of Shakespearean theatrical performances. Im very sorry to have to let her go.. Wikiwand is the world's leading Wikipedia reader for web and mobile. Variety magazines David Rooney said of her performance: In the films most naturalistic turn, Ayola is a constant pleasure to watch. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. 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. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1897491aba2042 Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1897d5e9d97ba1 For a full list of present characters, see list of characters from EastEnders . [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 Cardiff, Wales in May 1968, to a Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father. Ive loved that one month its Sahara in Morocco and the next Im doing a stage play, then its a six-part telly thing. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. She was approached about returning to the show in a more permanent role by BBC casting director Julie Harkin. The BBC only allowed it to be campaign Dignity set to portray DS Holland, the detective... My life, but by the year in which they made their final appearance played Olivia in. I 'll ever be '' white men in an interview with the writer of the page across from the medical. 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