ITV Drama Queens: When it's on TV, number of episodes and cast in full

The lives of nine soap stars will be explored in a new reality series on ITVBe. Drama Queens, which launches this week, is based in Manchester and the North West and follows the lives of female actresses from Britain's biggest soap operas.

Coronation Street's Brooke Vincent, Ellie Leach and Lucy Fallon, Emmerdale's Amy Walsh, Laura Norton and Roxy Shahidi and Hollyoaks' Jamelia, Jorgie Porter and Rita Simons will be revealing what it's really like to be a soap star - away from the scripts and storylined dramas.

The show will see the actresses juggle their busy filming schedules with photo shoots, award ceremonies and their family lives. With the soap stars leading interconnected lives, the series introduces the genuine friendship groups between them.

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We take a look at the cast in detail, as well as how to watch the new reality show - which is sure to be a favourite among dedicated soap fans.

When and what time does Drama Queens begin?

The new reality series kicks off on Wednesday, April 10. It will air from 9pm until 10pm on ITVBe and ITVX. There are eight episodes, which will air at the same time and day each week. The final episode will air on Wednesday, May 29.

Who is in the cast?

Brooke Vincent

Soap: Coronation Street

Age: 31

Brooke is best known for playing Sophie Webster on the cobbles, between 2004 up until 2019. The star, from Audenshaw, has been in a relationship with footballer Kean Bryan since 2016. The pair share two sons together: Mexx, 4, and Monroe, 2.

Hits Radio fans will know that Brooke has been hosting the station's breakfast show for almost a year now, stepping in while former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson was on maternity leave.

Ellie Leach

Soap: Coronation Street

Age: 23

Manchester's Ellie is best known for playing Faye Windass on Coronation Street. She made her debut on the soap as a 10-year-old and only exited last summer after an impressive 12-year stint. Actress Brooke is Ellie's cousin.

Following her Corrie exit, Ellie took part in last year's Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Vito Coppola. The pair went on to lift the glitterball trophy, making Ellie the show's youngest ever winner.

ITV said: "Ellie's life takes a triumphant turn as she basks in the glory of her Strictly Come Dancing victory, shedding light on her post-soap career uncertainties and newfound confidence. However, with newfound fame comes its own set of challenges, as Ellie learns to navigate the spotlight with the unwavering support of her loved ones.

Lucy Fallon

Soap: Coronation Street

Age: 28

Lucy made her professional acting debut at the age of 19, when she landed the role of 14-year-old Bethany Platt on Corrie. She left five years later due to her contract ending, but returned on 2023's New Year's Eve special.

The actress, originally from Blackpool, has been dating footballer Ryan Ledson since 2020. Heartbreakingly, Lucy suffered a miscarriage in March 2022. She became pregnant later that same year and welcomed a baby boy, Sonny, last January.

ITV said of her participation in Drama Queens: "Lucy finds solace and fulfilment on the familiar cobbles of Corrie, where she has forged lasting bonds with her on-screen family and fans alike. As she embraces the joys of motherhood and romance, Lucy grapples with the desire for a deeper commitment, setting the stage for a romantic getaway to Amsterdam."

Amy Walsh

Soap: Emmerdale

Age: 37

Amy is best known for playing Tracy Metcalfe in ITV's Emmerdale. She was introduced as Sam Dingle's girlfriend in 2014 and has been part of the soap ever since. However the star's first TV role came three years earlier, when she played Jennifique McQueen in the Hollyoaks spin-off, Hollyoaks Later.

Amy is married to EastEnders actor Toby-Alexander Smith, who plays Gray Atkins in the BBC soap drama. The pair tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Montenegro, attended by a 100 of their family and friends. They welcomed a daughter, Bonnie, now two, in December 2021.

ITV said: "Amy's story develops amidst the emotional rollercoaster of her gripping storyline on Emmerdale. Juggling the demands of her career with the complexities of newlywed life and motherhood, Amy finds solace in the unwavering support of her friends and colleagues."

Laura Norton

Soap: Emmerdale

Age: 40

Laura, from Newcastle upon Tyne, joined Emmerdale in 2012 as Kerry Wyatt, the estranged mother of Amy Wyatt. The actress is engaged to former Emmerdale co-star Mark Jordan, who played Daz Spencer on the soap.

The pair share two children together. They welcomed three-year-old Jesse in 2021 and their second child, Ronnie, was born in October 2022.

Both children were diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic disease that affects both hearing and vision. It usually requires children to wear hearing aids for the rest of their lives and potentially causes sight loss in their teenage years.

ITV said: "Laura's return to work on Emmerdale marks a poignant chapter in her journey, as she contends with the challenges of parenting children with Ushers Syndrome. Amidst their advocacy work, Laura and her partner Mark strive to find balance in their hectic lives, celebrating milestones and overcoming obstacles together."

Roxy Shahidi

Soap: Emmerdale

Age: 41

Roxy, who grew up in Whalley Range, joined Emmerdale as Leyla Harding in 2008. The daughter of Yvonne Harding, Roxy left the soap in 2011 before returning for two episodes in 2013.

She went on to reprise the role for good from January 2014. She recently graced our screens on this year's series of Dancing On Ice. Paired with Sylvain Longchambon, the pair were the fourth to be eliminated from the show.

Roxy is married to actor Arsher Ali and the pair welcomed a daughter together in 2018.

ITV said: "Roxy's journey on Dancing on Ice offers a glimpse into her relentless pursuit of perfection, juxtaposed with the demands of her burgeoning career on Emmerdale. Amidst the chaos, Roxy finds solace in holistic therapies and unwavering friendships, lending support to her colleagues in their personal and professional endeavours."

Jamelia

Soap: Hollyoaks

Age: 43

Award-winning singer Jamelia is no stranger to TV documentaries, having fronted three of her own - including a BBC Three film about single mums. The star joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2023 in one of her latest career moves. She'd previously appeared on the soap - as herself - in 2003.

More than a decade on, she returned to play Sharon Bailey, a paediatrician and the daughter of Pearl Anderson. Jamelia previously portrayed the character for a single episode in 2021.

Jamelia is a proud mum to four daughters. Her eldest is Teja, 21, from her relationship with music manager Terry Wallen, while she shares Tiana, 17, with ex-husband Darren Byfield. She welcomed four-year-old True with the husband she married in 2017 – who she has never publicly revealed the identity of.

Her youngest child, Jream (pronounced 'dream') was born six weeks premature via emergency Caesarean in March last year.

ITV said: "Jamelia embarks on a transformative journey, prioritising her own well-being and family over the glitz of Hollyoaks. As she prepares to bid farewell to the show, we witness her emotional transition, packing up her life in the UK to start anew in Dubai, all while cherishing the bond with her four daughters."

Jorgie Porter

Soap: Hollyoaks

Age: 36

Jorgie, who grew up in Trafford, is best known as playing Theresa McQueen in Hollyoaks. She first joined the Channel 4 soap in 2008, before leaving at the end of her contract in 2013.

She went on to take part in Dancing On Ice but was first to be voted off. She then agreed to return to Hollyoaks.

The model is engaged to property developer Oliver Piotrowski. The couple got engaged in December 2021 during a weekend away in Scotland.

They were expecting quadruplets, but in November 2021 Jorgie announced she'd heartbreakingly had a miscarriage. She announced her second pregnancy in 2022 and the pair welcomed their son, Forest, in November 2022.

ITV said: "Follow Jorgie as she juggles Hollyoaks with home life, navigating modern relationship complexities with fiancé Ollie and son Forrest. See how she supports Ollie's ventures, including promoting his clothing line, and join them on a journey to Marbella for a deeper look into their history and aspirations."

Rita Simons

Soap: Hollyoaks

Age: 47

Rita is best known for playing Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders. She joined the soap in 2007 alongside Samantha Womack who played Roxy's sister Ronnie Mitchell. She took a brief break from EastEnders to pursue panto, but it was announced in 2016 that both she and Womack would be leaving the soap.

The sisters drowned in a swimming pool in an episode broadcast on New Year's Day 2017. Last year, it was announced Rita would be joining Hollyoaks, taking over the role of Marie Fielding, Joel Dexter's mum. She made her debut this year.

Rita shares twin daughters with her ex-husband Theo Silveston. The couple wed in 2004 but spilt up after 14 years of marriage.

ITV said: "Rita's story unfolds as she commences a new chapter in her life, relocating to the North for a fresh start on Hollyoaks. Reflecting on her colourful career and personal struggles, Rita deals with major life decisions, from embracing a clean-living lifestyle to navigating the complexities of motherhood and career aspirations."

Drama Queens begins on ITVBe and ITVX from 9pm on Wednesday April 10.