Soap stars who tried to crack America

From soapland to Hollywood

Published 10th May 2018
Last updated 21st Jan 2021

We've rounded up 14 soap stars who have attempted to make it big in America! While some have succeeded, others haven't been so successful!

Over the years we've seen many soap stars attempt to try other things' and make it big in America, but how many actually do? As you probably know when soap actors get typecast as a particular character, it can be hard for them to break away from it. Many famous faces from EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks have attempted to crack Hollywood but, while some have soared, others have fallen.

So, we've decided to round up the soap stars who have failed at making it in America and of course, the ones who have made it pretty big out in stateside.

From EastEnders stars Ben Hardy and Patsy Palmer to Hollyoaks** turned** Game of Thrones actresses Nathalie Emmanuel and Roxanne McKee; these are the soap stars turned Hollywood actors...

Adele Silva

Adele left the role of Kelly Windsor in Emmerdale in 2007 in an attempt to crack America.


But, instead of setting Hollywood alight, in 2010 she was pictured working in a Ted Baker store in LA.


She returned to Emmerdale as Kelly in 2011.

Soap stars who tried to crack America
2 of 14

Now read:

Soap stars who've dated in real life

28 popular actors who switched soaps

TV stars you never knew were related

How to listen to MFR:

For great music and incredible competitions tune into MFR on FM and DAB across the North of Scotland, online, on our app, or say ‘Play MFR’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years. MFR is the home of Jodie at Breakfast, to Garry and Steven getting you home after work.