Jamelia joins Hollyoaks in guest role

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 3h

Jamelia joins Hollyoaks in a guest role for the soap's special Black To Front episode.

Singer and presenter Jamelia has filmed a guest role in Hollyoaks for next week's special Black To Front episode.

The hour-long episode will air on September 10 on Channel 4 - and September 9 on E4 - and will spotlight the soap's black cast members, with a particular focus on the Deveraux family.

Jamelia, who has previously appeared in Doctors, will play the part of Sharon Bailey, the daughter of new character Pearl (Dawn Hope) who is also an old friend of Martine (Kelle Bryan).

In the episode Martine opens up to Sharon about her recent cancer diagnosis and after offering some words of support, Sharon joins the Deverauxs for "a truly iconic dance routine".

"Filming Hollyoaks has been the most fantastic experience," said Jamelia. "I've felt like I've been around family, I've felt so comfortable and so joyous. It's just been amazing. I can't believe this is supposed to be work.

"For me, I think what's important about this episode is that we're showing the diversity within Black existence, and I think it's really important for that. So often Black people are portrayed in a monolithic kind of way, and I feel that an episode like this is really important to show the diversity within Black personhood.

"I'm really honoured to be included in this episode. It's been fantastic."

As well as Pearl, the episode will also introduce viewers to DeMarcus (Tomi Ade), the estranged teenage son of Felix (Richard Blackwood).

> Picture Spoilers: Next week on Hollyoaks (September 6-10)