Hollyoaks star Charlotte Riley has opened up on joining the Channel 4 soap as Leah Barnes, insisting that despite her character's new era, 'she's still the same Leah'. The actress made her debut this week, taking over the iconic role of Ste Hay's daughter from Ela-May Demircan.
Charlotte Riley's Debut as Leah Barnes
It was confirmed earlier this year that the former Coronation Street actress would be stepping into the role. Fans will remember Leah left the village to study in the US, leaving her newborn son James behind. In recent scenes, Imran Maalik (Ijaz Rana) proposed to Leah after they shocked their families by returning to Chester as a couple.
Character Evolution
Charlotte explained: 'It's just one of those things where life changes, people change and grow and that's just what's happened with Leah. She's gone into this new era of life and it's a fresh start coming back with Imran. She's still the same Leah underneath but as you come in obviously you've got this front up and you want to show off how well you've worked.'
Past Drama and Family Ties
Before leaving, Leah slept with her brother Lucas Hay's boyfriend Dillon Ray and fell pregnant. Addressing Leah and Lucas' relationship now, Charlotte said: 'I'm yet to film with Oscar [Curtis] but I'm sure that the brother and sister relationship is definitely going to still be there. I know obviously things happened with Dillon but as we've already seen, she has forgiven and forgotten.'
Upcoming Wedding and Secrets
The actress added: 'Leah's not forgotten about James. He's gone travelling with his dad so she's kind of put it to the back of her head. We've obviously got the big wedding and people are a bit confused to why she's got money and are second guessing things. No matter what, the truth always comes out in the end.'
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm, with first look episodes on Channel 4 from 7am.
