Former pop star and Neighbours actress Holly Valance has emerged as a prominent figure in radical-right politics, hosting fundraisers for Donald Trump and encouraging Nigel Farage to stand for Parliament. The 41-year-old, married to property tycoon Nick Candy, recently hosted a Chelsea fundraiser attended by Donald Trump Jr that raised over $3m (£2.4m).
Valance, who played Felicity 'Flick' Scully in the Australian soap, has been credited with persuading Farage to run as an MP, saying she had been 'whispering in his ear for a long time'. She gave Reform UK 'a substantial cheque' after Farage announced his candidacy and spoke at his 60th birthday party, describing him as a man of 'strength and conviction'.
At the 'PopCon' convention for right-wing conservatives in February, Valance told GB News: 'Everyone starts off as a lefty and then wakes up at some point' realising 'what crap ideas they all are'. She also endorsed Jacob Rees-Mogg for prime minister. Despite rumours she might stand for Reform in Basildon and Billericay, Valance ruled out an immediate political career, citing her two young daughters.
Valance's political views are not shared by her half-sister Olympia, who distanced herself from Holly's comments about Trump and Australia being 'too woke'. Her husband Nick Candy, a Conservative donor, has described Keir Starmer as a 'decent man' and called for change, though Valance said they respect each other's differing opinions.
