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Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas has defended his controversial decision to allow his nepo baby daughter Scarlett to skip sitting her GCSEs.
Scarlett, 16, who appeared in BBC‘s Waterloo Road in 2023, recently shared that she did not sit the nationwide exams in a video posted to her TikTok page.
The caption read: ‘I’m watching everyone get there [sic] GCSE results today wondering if I could’ve had good results but I will forever wonder.’
The clip has caused much controversy online, with many complaining that it was ‘unacceptable’ for the teenager to forgo sitting the exams and attending school to focus on her budding acting career.
Under one post which criticised the decision from her parents, who are former Coronation Street co-stars Ryan and Tina O’Brien, her father weighed in in the comment section and hit back.
He defiantly said: ‘Is it even anyone’s business or concern though?’
Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas has defended his controversial decision to allow his nepo baby daughter Scarlett to skip sitting her GCSEs
Scarlett, 16, who appeared in BBC ‘s Waterloo Road in 2023, recently shared that she did not sit the nationwide exams in a video posted to her TikTok page
Under one post which criticised the decision from her parents, who are former Coronation Street co-stars Ryan and Tina O’Brien, her father weighed in on the comment section and hit back
The actress has made it clear that she wants to follow in the footsteps of her famous parents into the entertainment industry and has a passion for acting and singing.
While most young people in England do sit GCSEs, they are not a legal requirement under the Education Act of 1996. Students can choose to pursue other qualifications or leave formal education at 16.
Her first TV appearance was in Waterloo Road – one of several shows that made her uncle Adam Thomas, 37, a household name.
Scarlett has previously hit back at those who have criticised her for taking acting opportunities at such a young age.
Replying to the criticism: ‘You only got those opportunities because of your family’, she wrote: ‘God forbid a girl takes the chances she gets.’
At the time of Scarlett’s acting debut, her mum Tina – best known for playing Sarah Platt on Coronation Street alongside her father who is best known for his portrayal of Jason Grimshaw – took to Instagram to express her pride.
She wrote: ‘So proud of @scarlettjthomas26, she’s worked so hard on Waterloo Road and I’ve absolutely loved watching her portrayal of Izzy.
She kicked off her acting career in Waterloo Road – one of several shows that made her uncle, Adam Thomas, a household name
Fans of the teen actress were shocked to discover that she hadn’t sat her milestone GCSEs and many questioned why she chose not to get any qualifications
Scarlett has previously hit back at those who have criticised her for taking acting opportunities at such a young age
‘Wonderful to see her talent recognised by @tvtimesmagazine as she’s been nominated for an award.’
With Scarlett making waves not only in her role on BBC’s Waterloo Road but on social media too, industry experts told the publication that she could make ‘at least £2million before she’s even 18.’
She has amassed over 165k followers on the site, with a further 138k fans over on Instagram – with both accounts launched when she turned 16 in October.
As well as her own, she regularly appears on her parents’ social medias, with the Thomas family also having their own account.
This includes her famous uncles, actor Adam and Love Island star Scott, as well as Ryan’s former TOWIE star fiancée Lucy Mecklenburgh.
