HOLLYOAKS is recasting a major character as an actor is replaced after five years playing them.
The Channel 4 soap is ‘ageing up’ the character of Kathleen-Angel McQueen in order to play more grown up stories with the character.
Daughter of Theresa McQueen and the late Calvin Valentine, Kathleen-Angel has been played by Will Mellor’s niece Kiara Mellor, 15, for the past five years.
But now Naledi Raptou, 21, has joined the cast to take over the role.
A source said: “The decision to recast is so the character can be ‘aged up’ to tell bigger stories with her and bring her into the growing teen group on the show.”
In the coming weeks, Theresa – played by Jorgie Porter – will find herself navigating the realities of raising a rapidly maturing teenager.
Things will take a turn when her sixteen-year-old daughter Kathleen-Angel has unprotected sex with her classmate, Ant Hutchinson.
It’s set to spark off a big storyline for the family.
Talking about joining Hollyoaks, Naledi said “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to join the cast of Hollyoaks, it’s a great place to work and a very nurturing environment to grow.
“It’s been a pleasure to play Kathleen-Angel as she develops into a young adult.
“We’re learning new things about her and I’m excited to be able to present a different side of her.”
Naledi’s first episode as Kathleen-Angel on Hollyoaks will air on Tuesday 17th March at 7pm on E4, or available on Channel 4 streaming from 7am the same day.
Kathleen-Angel McQueen, previously played by Kiara Mellor, is the daughter of Theresa McQueen and the late Calvin Valentine.
Theresa also shares a daughter, Myra-Pocahontas, with her now boyfriend Dodger Savage.
