Former Ashton student lands role on Corrie

A former Ashton Sixth Form Student has taken to the screens after joining the cast of one of the country's best-loved soaps.

Isabelle Smith starred in ITV's Coronation Street earlier this year playing the role of Sonya, a classmate and love interest of Max Turner.

The local actress from Denton said: “I was part of quite an important storyline about bullying and manipulation with Paddy Beaver’s character. I felt so lucky to be able to have that opportunity and be a part of it.

“Everybody on set was so lovely, both the cast and crew. It’s such a family feel, they just welcome you. I’d love to go back, it was amazing.”

Isabelle is currently studying in her final year at the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester.

Discussing her vision for the future, she said: “I’m hopeful that one day I’ll be able to start doing my own acting workshops and things like that.

“I’m really keen on working with young women who want to get into the industry - particularly those from working class backgrounds. So I’m really interested in doing something with that when I leave, maybe a little company or something... I’ll just see how it goes.”

Isabelle added: “I’d like to put a little shout out to my teacher Chris from Ashton Sixth Form College. He’s the one that really pushed me for this, he helped me a lot.”

Chris Evans, Isabelle’s teacher, said: “When Izzy arrived at the college to study Drama and Theatre, she already had a very clear goal of becoming an actor. Everything she did whilst at the college served this purpose.

“She was an incredible performer and leader within the class. To discover that before she has even finished her undergraduate study, she is already making amazing strides within the industry, is no surprise to me.

"She would always go above and beyond to ensure she would achieve her goal. Izzy was an absolute pleasure to teach, and I am immensely proud that I could help in whatever way possible.”

Isabelle’s previous acting work includes Hollyoaks, Real Voices, The Eighteenth Silence and Indecision. On stage she has also appeared in a number of West End musicals including The King and I, Gypsy and A Night at the Musicals.

You can also catch her in a new ITV series which will be coming out next year - watch this space.