‘Prepare for a true celebration of Black culture'

Hollyoaks actress and Loose Women panellist Kelle Bryan talks making history as part of Channel 4’s upcoming diversity project

- CHLOE ALEXANDROU

It’s hard to believe that someone who has sold millions of records, earned a coveted Royal Television Society Award and made a difference to countless people via ITV’s Invisible Disability campaign could be so humble and down to earth. However, when we speak to Hollyoaks star and Loose Women panellist Kelle Bryan, 46, that’s exactly what she is.

The successful mum-of-two has made headlines in recent years for opening up about her battle with Lupus and discussing how she helped her son after he experienced racial discrimination aged just five.

Now, Kelle is about to make history as part of Channel 4’s Black To Front initiative. The event will see an entire day – Friday 10 September – devoted to Black talent on and off-screen. The day includes an hour-long Hollyoaks special, focusing on the Deveraux family and produced by some of the show’s outstanding Black creators. Kelle, who plays Martine Deveraux, promises the episode will be “full of drama” and “a true celebration of Black culture”.

We chat to Kelle – who is married to Jay Gudgeon and mum to Regan, now nine, and Kayori, seven – about what being a part of the episode meant to her and what she’d love to see next. Plus, we find out how her mates Judi Love and Katie McGlynn are feeling ahead of their stint on Strictly, and touch base on her recent reunion with old Eternal bandmate and childhood friend Louise Redknapp…

Hi, Kelle! Let’s talk about Channel 4’s Black To Front Hollyoaks special…