'GRACE WILL BE BACK!'

Tamara Wall on not wanting to leave Hollyoaks, why she's convinced that her character Grace Black will return and the joy of being a stepmum

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As Hollyoaks’ Grace Black, actress Tamara Wall has had too many dramatic storylines to count, from committing multiple murders, to being stalked and the surrogacy where she welcomed her son. But the most recent story, a failed bank heist, has led to Grace’s downfall and ultimately, her exit from the village.

It’s been almost 10 years since Tamara, 45, joined the show, and she reveals she’s leaving the soap, but it wasn’t her choice.

“It’s absolutely devastating. When I got told, I bawled my eyes out for three days, I was so upset – it’s been the best time of my life,” admits Tamara. “It wasn’t my decision, but I understand. It’s the name of the game, and Grace was going to get her comeuppance at some point. In the end, she probably deserved it. But I’m sure she’ll find her way out eventually, she’ll be back.”

The heist was an attempt to get money to secure Cindy Cunningham’s market. But the whole plan went awry, leading to the exits of Zara Morgan (Kelly Condron) and Damon Kinsella (Jacob Roberts) and now Grace. Grace took the blame for the botched robbery which lands her in prison, and Tamara is very pleased her alter ego isn’t being axed in a more ‘final’ way.

“There’s part of me that wants the big, dramatic exit of being killed off. But there’s too much of me that loves that they’ve kept the door open,” confesses Tamara. “I can’t tell you how lovely everyone was when people found out I was leaving, they were gobsmacked. They were really sad and that made me really happy! It’s a nice feeling to know you’ll be missed.” Grace first arrived in