soap success Hollyoaks star scores ‘soap hattrick’ as she lands role in a rival show – after Coronation Street debut

The young performer’s latest part marks the third major UK soap opera she’s appeared in.

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Isabelle Smith joined Hollyoaks earlier this year, taking over as Francine “Frankie” Osborne.

The daughter of Darren Osborne and Suzanne Ashworth, the character initially appeared back in 2011.

Meanehile, the actress is set to complete a “soap hat trick” with an upcoming role on BBC daytime soap Doctors.

Playing a character named “Bea Reynolds”, her scenes are set to be aired next week.

Two years ago, Isabelle portrayed Sonya in long-running ITV show Coronation Street.

Sonya was a friend and love interest to regular character Max Turner (Paddy Bever).

Meanwhile, Isabelle’s casting as Frankie Osborne was announced back in November 2023.

She was joined by fellow Corrie alum Ryan Mulvey, as Frankie’s twin brother JJ.

Speaking at the time, Isabelle said: “I’m so excited to be joining the cast of Hollyoaks, it still hasn’t sunk in!

“You should expect a lot of ups and downs with Frankie but all I’ll say is, don’t judge her too soon…”

Frankie and JJ have been at the centre of a storyline tackling sibling sex abuse.

Viewers learned Frankie suffered abuse at JJ’s hands when they were both younger.

Hollyoaks Executive Producer, Hannah Cheers said: “Sibling sexual abuse is a subject matter that desperately merits attention and recognition.

“It’s one of the most infrequently disclosed forms of sexual abuse, yet the statistics are startling.

“Hollyoaks is shining a light on this issue for the first time in a long-term soap storyline because we need to get this conversation started amongst our multi-generational audience.”

She added: “The performances delivered by our brilliant newcomers Isabelle Smith and Ryan Mulvey are breath-taking.

“I believe this story will make an impact for years to come and I am proud that Hollyoaks is still breaking new ground almost four decades on.