HOLLYOAKS’ Lysette Anthony has claimed her character was wrongly killed off and urged other stars to “stand up for what they believe in”. The London-born actress took to Instagram after her final episode playing Marnie Nightingale aired and launched a scathing attack on the Channel 4 soap. She hinted at an on-set divide between actors […]
HOLLYOAKS’ Lysette Anthony has claimed her character was wrongly killed off and urged other stars to “stand up for what they believe in”.
The London-born actress took to Instagram after her final episode playing Marnie Nightingale aired and launched a scathing attack on the Channel 4 soap.
She hinted at an on-set divide between actors and producers in a series of videos late last night, and commented on a diversity row that surfaced in 2020.
Speaking from her home, the 58-year-old ranted: “There’s been so much that’s been amazing and being allowed to just inhabit, well build this creative, this crazy woman, not crazy but.
“Bryan Kirkwood, there’s been some stuff, hmmm, not so great.
“But everyone says the same thing about you. You love the show, and you can’t help yourself, you love talent.
“And you’ve given me teflon confidence, and also the speed we have to work and all the extra stuff that started coming and marching our way. To dismantle, in the name of equality. It’s just all such b******s …
“You’ve got some amazing actors, phenomenal directors coming through, and there’s just this, there’s other people. Well, you know.”
Lysette paused before adding: “My wish for you guys is that you demand to be the best, because the only people that are stopping you, you know exactly what it is.
“And you the fans, you demand. Because it’s an amazing show. And it’s got an important remit. But stop trying to cancel everything, and all this segregation, just no.
“And I tell you something else about getting older, you want people like me, women like me, who have decided to carve out a world.
“Don’t be afraid to be the best, to work as a team, don’t be afraid when you spot someone who is trying to just unpick anything.”
She ended her video insisting Marnie should still be alive, saying: “It should never have happened, it did, and I’m gone.
“I can’t not be proud. I think it’s important to stand up for the things you believe in, it’s not easy.
“Come on seek love, seek life and excellence.”
The Sun has contacted Hollyoaks for comment.
Lysette was previously embroiled in a row with co-star Rachel Adedeji who had said she was “disappointed with Hollyoaks’ approach to showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement” after the death of George Floyd in the US.
Rachel, who quit the Channel 4 soap in June 2020 amid the race row, branded Lysette “trash” after she seemingly called those supporting Rachel “traitors”.
Lysette quit Twitter after facing a backlash.
She found fame as a model and was once hailed as the “Face of the Eighties” by photographer David Bailey.
She appeared in numerous music videos throughout the eighties, including Summer of ’69 by Bryan Adams, I Feel You by Depeche Mode and others.
Lysette is also known for appearing in Woody Allen film Husbands and Wives (1992), ITV’s Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, and BBC sitcom Three Up, Two Down.
She has a son with composer Simon Boswell, and was previously married to entrepreneur Luc Leestemaker and American film director David Price.
