Soap star Ryan Thomas has publicly addressed the 'nepo baby' criticism levelled at his teenage daughter, Scarlett, following the exciting news that she has signed her first record deal.
Addressing the Nepotism Claims Head-On
The 41-year-old former Coronation Street actor, who shares Scarlett with ex-partner and fellow soap star Tina O'Brien, 42, spoke out on the issue during the latest episode of his family podcast, At Home With The Thomas Bro's. The discussion came a day after Scarlett announced she had signed with Big Family Music.
Ryan explained to his brother Adam and Scarlett that he frequently sees comments suggesting his daughter "got queue jumped into Waterloo Road" and only secured roles because of her famous family. "I have to back it as well because I know the process that Scarlett's been through," he stated firmly.
He emphasised that Scarlett earned her role on the BBC drama through a rigorous audition process. "She's been through it like every other actress or actor... She went through audition after audition," Ryan said. "She went up against a lot of good people and she got the part off her own back. She earned that part."
A Dream Realised and a Milestone Celebrated
The proud father had earlier taken to social media to celebrate Scarlett's record deal, calling it "one of the best days of my life." He shared a photo from the signing at a restaurant, alongside a poignant video from five years ago showing a 12-year-old Scarlett singing 'A Million Dreams' on a chair in the same venue.
"As we turned up at the restaurant to sign the deal Scarlett said 'I've been here before dad!!' & then we found this video," Ryan wrote. "Stood on the chair in front of all her family... and here we are 5 years later making her dream come true."
Scarlett, who often shares singing videos on TikTok, posted her own message, writing: "Today was a life changing moment for me... I can't wait for what this year brings, hopefully some amazing music."
Controversy Over Education and Opportunity
The record deal news follows previous public debate about Scarlett's career path. Last year, the 17-year-old revealed in a TikTok video that she did not sit her GCSEs, choosing instead to focus on her acting and singing ambitions.
The decision sparked online criticism, with some calling it "unacceptable." Ryan fiercely defended the choice in the comments of one critical post, retorting: "Is it even anyone's business or concern though?" It is worth noting that while most students in England sit GCSEs, they are not a legal requirement under the Education Act of 1996.
Scarlett has also previously responded to detractors who claim her opportunities stem solely from her parents' fame. In one TikTok clip, she lip-synced to the song 'Easy' with the caption: "God forbid a girl takes the chances she gets."
Her mother, Tina O'Brien, has expressed immense pride in her daughter's work, particularly her role as Izzy in Waterloo Road—a show that also made her uncle, Adam Thomas, a household name. Industry experts have previously suggested Scarlett's social media influence and early career success could see her earn millions before she turns 18.
