Holly Valance, the former Neighbours actress and pop star, has emerged as a key figure in the radical right, hosting a major Donald Trump fundraiser in London that raised over $3 million. The event, held at a Chelsea townhouse on Wednesday, was attended by Donald Trump Jr and described by Nigel Farage as 'enormous fun'. Valance is credited with encouraging Farage to stand as an MP, saying she had been 'whispering in his ear for a long time'.
Valance, 41, and her property tycoon husband Nick Candy, 51, have become increasingly influential in British and American politics. Their social circle includes Donald Trump, Liz Truss, and Boris and Carrie Johnson. 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' and realised 'what crap ideas they all are'. She also endorsed Jacob Rees-Mogg for prime minister.
A vocal supporter of Reform UK, Valance gave the party 'a substantial cheque' after Farage announced his candidacy. She spoke at Farage's 60th birthday party in April, describing him as a man of 'strength and conviction'. While she has been rumoured to consider standing as a Reform candidate in Basildon and Billericay, she said being an MP 'would be a tough job' that she is not prepared to take on now due to her two young daughters.
Valance grew up in Melbourne, Australia, to a Serbian father and British mother. After her role in Neighbours, she launched a pop career with hits like 'Kiss Kiss'. Her younger half-sister Olympia has distanced herself from Holly's political views, saying they do not reflect her own. Valance now lives in London with Candy, who has donated to the Conservatives but recently called Keir Starmer 'a decent man' and said it was 'time for some change'. Valance acknowledged their political differences, stating: 'We're a little bit different in our opinions but respect each other's.'
