The Arden alumni joins cast of Hollyoaks as a series regular

The Arden graduate Isabelle Smith cast as the Chester villages’ newest resident, ‘Frankie Osborne’

2023 The Arden School of Theatre graduate Isabelle Smith has secured a regular slot in long running Channel 4 soap, Hollyoaks, only a few short months after graduating with a BA in Acting. 

Isabelle has been cast as ‘Frankie Osborne’, the newest resident in the Chester village, joining the soap as a series regular.

Despite having only just completed her training, the role is Isabelle’s third professional role having previously appeared in Coronation Street in her second year and having appeared in ITV drama ‘Maternal’ during her third year.

Commenting on landing the role Isabelle said: “I’m so excited to be joining the cast of Hollyoaks, it still hasn’t sunk in!

"I owe a massive thank you to The Arden for always supporting me. I joined 'The Arden School of Theatre' in 2020 as an 18-year-old who wanted to be an actor but wasn't sure how to make that a reality. The school gave me a safe space to become the actor that the younger me always wanted to be!

“I think it would be impossible to find tutors who are more dedicated to their students and their craft. I believe their encouragement helped me land this role this soon after graduating.”

Rachel Austin, Head of Third Year Actors at The Arden, told us how proud she is of Isabel, saying: “There was never a doubt that Izzy would go on to do great things. She’s motivated and has an extremely professional attitude. Izzy shone throughout her three years of training at The Arden, and we are so excited to see where her career takes her.”

You can watch Isabelle’s Hollyoaks debut this January on Channel 4 Streaming or E4.

The Arden School of Theatre is part of UCEN Manchester. Find out more about the courses offered at The Arden School of Theatre and apply here.