Long-running UK soap Hollyoaks recasts fan-favourite trans role with trans actor
Leo Cole will be taking over the role (https://www.instagram.com/leopcole)
Hollyoaks has recast the fan-favourite trans character Ro Hutchinson, with a trans actor now playing the role.
Ro is the son of Tony and Diane Hutchinson. The character first graced screens in 2013, with actress Ava Webster taking over the role in 2023.
Since last year, the British soap has followed Ro’s journey as a 13-year-old teen who decided to begin socially transitioning. Though initially hesitant, Ro’s parents Diane (Alex Fletcher) and Tony (Nick Pickard) have been supportive of his gender transition, though recent months have seen Ro increasingly struggle with his mental health.
Webster will step down from the role, with a new trans actor taking over.
Leo Cole, whose Instagram bio proudly shares that he’s a “transgender man”, will take over from Webster. Cole, 17, took to Instagram to share a series of images on set, with the caption, “Big news… I’m on Hollyoaks!”
His caption added: “I’m so excited to continue Ro’s journey in the show, and I am so lucky to have this opportunity.
“Of course, the biggest thanks to my Mum for always believing in me and supporting me every step of the way.”
Comments under the post shared congratulations for the actor, including his agent, Hayley Tamaddon, best known for starring as Del Dingle in Emmerdale and Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street, who wrote: “Couldn’t be prouder. We’ve come a long way, didn’t we. 😚🫶🏽”
In her own Instagram post, Tamaddon shared a moving video of Cole telling his mum that he has secured a regular role in Hollyoaks.
She wrote in the caption: “It couldn’t be happening to a nicer – more deserving boy. He has an incredible life story but I will leave that for him to tell. Glad I’ve been there from the beginning Leo.. and I will always be here for you. And now I’m your agent kid.. there’s no getting rid of me!🤣🫶🏽 “
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