Meet Hollyoaks new star Hayley

8th February 2009

Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks has a new star, actress Kelly-Marie Stewart, She plays 19 year old Hayley, favourite Zak Ramsey's sister, who hates being defined by her condition, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and refuses to let it separate her from the crowd. A wheelchair user, she's also realistic about the limitations it sometimes causes to her life, particularly romantically.

It soon becomes clear that there's a distinct frost between brother and sister. Before Hayley's illness the pair had a great relationship but now Zak finds it difficult to relate to her and his inability to see past her disability which frustrates Hayley incredibly.

Making her small screen debut, actress Kelly-Marie Stewart (24), who shares the same condition as her character, can't wait to get her teeth into the role. She says, "Hayley's very feisty and has the right attitude that if anyone is not cool enough to see her for who she actually is, it's their problem, not hers. I can't wait to see how Hayley takes on anybody who dares to show their ignorance, not least her own brother!"

Kelly-Marie trained at the Liverpool Theatre School and has also had a modelling career. This is her first TV role.

Catch Hollyoaks weekdays at 6.30 pm on Channel 4 and 7pm on E4.