Former Emmerdale Actress Kelli Hollis Confirms Coronation Street Role After Thailand Business Venture
Kelli Hollis, the actress best known for her role as Ali Spencer on Emmerdale, has officially announced her return to acting with a new part on rival soap Coronation Street. The 49-year-old star had previously stepped away from the industry in 2023 to relocate to Thailand and launch a cannabis business, making this comeback a significant career shift.
From Emmerdale to the Cobbles: A Soap Opera Crossover
Hollis first joined Emmerdale in 2002, playing Melanie Say in a handful of episodes. She made a brief return in 2005 before securing the recurring role of Ali Spencer in 2011, which she portrayed until her character's dramatic exit in a car crash in 2015. Following her departure from the Yorkshire-based soap, Hollis took on minor roles in series such as Casualty, Doctors, and Ackley Bridge before deciding to leave the United Kingdom entirely.
Her move to Thailand was driven by entrepreneurial ambitions, as she established a 'weed bar' in Pattaya with her partner Martin, capitalising on the country's legalisation of marijuana. In interviews last year, Hollis expressed no plans to return to Britain, stating, "I am never coming home, never going home," though she acknowledged missing her family, including two grown children and a grandson.
Behind the Scenes on Coronation Street
Breaking her silence on the acting comeback, Hollis shared a video on TikTok from the Coronation Street set, revealing her excitement and nerves about the new role. She confirmed that she will portray an inmate at the prison where character Debbie Webster is serving time, adding a gritty dimension to the long-running Manchester soap.
In the clip, Hollis described the experience as "so weird" and humorously referenced the iconic Rovers Return pub, exclaiming, "The bloody Rovers! I’m filming just around the corner… bit of Rovers, f**king hell!" She also admitted to feeling "a little bit nervous" about starting the job, while showcasing her dressing room in a self-deprecating manner.
The actress noted the warm welcome from colleagues, saying, "So far I’ve bumped into about five people I know, which is always really nice, especially when you walk onto a new job. Especially when they work in make-up!" This reunion includes former Shameless co-star Aaron McCusker, who plays Ben Driscoll on the show, and Jane Hazlegrove, whom Hollis praised as "one of the funniest women" she has ever met.
A New Chapter After Personal Reflections
Hollis's decision to return to acting follows personal reflections on life and loss, as she mentioned in past interviews about friends' tragedies influencing her perspective. Her hiatus in Thailand allowed her to explore business opportunities, but the pull of performing has evidently drawn her back to British television.
With filming underway, fans can anticipate Hollis bringing her experience from Emmerdale and other projects to the Coronation Street ensemble, adding fresh dynamics to the prison storyline. This move marks a notable crossover between two of ITV's flagship soaps, promising engaging developments for viewers in the upcoming episodes.
