Yahoo News Hollyoaks stars are 'threatening to quit' over race row
A number of Hollyoaks cast members have threatened to quit the show, according to a new report.
Last week, Lisa Loveday actress Rachel Adedeji called out the soap for what she said was unfair treatment as a Black person on set. She was backed up and supported by several others associated with the show, including her co-stars.
Lysette Anthony, who plays Marnie Nightingale, was later heavily criticised by Adedeji and Charlie Clapham (Freddie Roscoe) over private WhatsApp messages she sent following Adedeji's comments. Lysette has not yet publicly commented on the issue.
Related: Hollyoaks racism claims explained as the show launches an investigation
It's now been claimed that things have come to head behind-the-scenes on the Channel 4 show in a series of meetings, with The Sun suggesting that there is "a lot of tension" over Lysette's comments and cast members are vowing to leave the soap "if something isn't done about it".
Hollyoaks has declined to comment at this time.
The soap's production company Lime Pictures recently announced plans to address on-set racism, including working with unconscious bias trainers and encouraging all staff and freelancers to come forward to raise any "issues of concern or instances of unacceptable behaviour".
Related: Hollyoaks star Lysette Anthony quits Twitter after row with colleagues
"Lime Pictures strives to have zero tolerance of racism or any form of discrimination across all of its shows but it is clear we have further work to do," it added in a statement.
"We must stamp out implicit bias which means calling out racism wherever and whenever we see it. We will continue to add to our action plan as we continue and broaden our dialogue with cast and staff."
Following Adedeji's initial comments earlier this month, the soap told Digital Spy at the time: "We are really concerned to read Rachel's comments on social media about Hollyoaks this evening. We will be in touch with Rachel directly."
The report comes after Adedeji and Stephanie Davis (Sinead O'Connor) announced that they are leaving the show, with Adedeji's decision to leave made last year.
Hollyoaks airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first-look episodes airing on E4 at 7pm. Wednesdays through Fridays on E4 will feature classic episodes called Hollyoaks Favourites to compensate for the soap suspending filming.
For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.
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