Former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas has shared his immense pride after his teenage daughter, Scarlett Thomas, signed her first record deal, an event he described as 'one of the best days of my life'.
A Dream Five Years in the Making
The 41-year-old star posted a celebratory photo on Tuesday, showing himself and 17-year-old Scarlett at a restaurant just after she put pen to paper with Big Family Music. In a poignant twist, Ryan also shared a video from the exact same restaurant five years prior, showing a 12-year-old Scarlett singing 'A Million Dreams' to her family.
'The stars were all aligned today,' Ryan wrote alongside the nostalgic clip. 'Stood on the chair in front of all her family singing A Million Dreams & here we are 5 years later making her dream come true.'
Scarlett's 'Life-Changing Moment' and GCSE Backlash
Scarlett, whom Ryan shares with his ex-partner and fellow Coronation Street actress Tina O'Brien, also expressed her joy on social media. 'Wow what an experience I have had so far and what an experience I'm about to have,' she wrote, posting a photo of herself signing the contract. 'Today was a life changing moment for me... I can't wait for what this year brings, hopefully some amazing music.'
The exciting news comes shortly after the young actress faced significant online criticism for revealing she did not sit her GCSE exams. In a TikTok video, Scarlett mused, 'I'm watching everyone get there [sic] GCSE results today wondering if I could've had good results but I will forever wonder.'
The clip sparked debate, with many calling her parents' decision 'unacceptable'. Ryan Thomas fiercely defended the choice, commenting, 'Is it even anyone's business or concern though?' It is worth noting that while most students in England take GCSEs, they are not a legal requirement, and students can pursue other paths from age 16.
Following a Family Tradition in the Spotlight
Scarlett is clearly determined to forge her own career in entertainment. She made her television debut in 2023 on BBC's Waterloo Road, a show that also made her uncle, Adam Thomas, a household name. She has amassed a considerable social media following, with over 165,000 followers on TikTok.
She has previously hit back at claims that her opportunities are solely due to her famous family, stating simply, 'God forbid a girl takes the chances she gets.' Her mother, Tina O'Brien, has also publicly expressed pride in her daughter's work ethic and talent.
With a record deal now secured and a growing profile, industry observers have suggested Scarlett has the potential to earn millions before she turns 18, marking a dramatic start to her professional journey in music and acting.
