As Hollyoaks celebrates its 30th anniversary, we caught up with rising star Anya Lawrence, who plays Vicky Grant in the long-running Channel 4 soap. Having joined the cast at just 17, Anya has grown up both on screen and off. In this quick Q&A, she talks about stepping into complex storylines, the return of iconic characters, and how the experience has helped shape who she is today and how she continues growing as actor and personally. Anya spoke to Joy Coker at the Hope Street hotel in Liverpool ahead of the big 30th party.
ALT: You’re part of a show packed with interwoven storylines right now. Where does your character Vicky Grant fit into the drama at the moment?
Anya: We’ve got Laters, which is huge and really exciting — lots of family drama, and always a bit of friend drama as well. Vicky’s in the thick of it emotionally, but also finding her strength.
ALT: Hollyoaks has reached 30 years — an incredible run. What do you think are some of the ingredients that keep it going this long?
Anya: I’ve been here for about three and a half, maybe four years now, and what really stands out to me is how Hollyoaks takes risks. They go for the brave storylines that a lot of other shows shy away from. It’s also an incredible platform for working-class actors to come into the industry and learn on the job. I joined when I was 17 — I’m 21 now — and it’s honestly shaped so much of who I am.
ALT: With iconic characters like Jamie Lomas returning for the anniversary, how does that feel for someone who joined the show more recently?
Anya: It’s amazing — so special to be working on something that’s bringing back so many legends. James Redmond is another example. I wasn’t even born when the show first started, so I’ve had to do my research! But honestly, who wouldn’t want to see those characters back?
ALT: Hollyoaks often tackles difficult real-world issues, like sex trafficking in recent storylines. What kind of impact do you think that has, especially for your generation?
Anya: Awareness is everything. Without it, how can anything change? That’s the power of the platform — it sheds light on topics people often avoid. The show works with incredible charities too, so it’s not just raising awareness — it’s helping point people to support. These aren’t made-up problems. They’re based on real life, and that matters.
ALT: Thinking about your time on the show — how has Vicky grown as a character?
Anya: She’s definitely come into her own. When she first arrived, she was very shy, very vulnerable. Those traits are still part of her, but she’s built herself up. She’s more confident, more self-assured. Like most people in the Hollyoaks village, she’s been through a lot — but I think she’s in a much stronger place now.
ALT: One of Vicky’s biggest early storylines involved her father, Donny Young. How has that relationship changed over time?
Anya: It’s gone full circle in a way. At first, there was a lot of hesitation — Vicky wanted that connection but wasn’t ready to accept it. There was betrayal, then a period where they really bonded, and now, unfortunately, we might be back to that feeling of betrayal again. It’s been a complicated journey.
ALT: And for you personally — how has being part of Hollyoaks changed you as an actor and as a person?
Anya: It’s made me a lot more confident. I was pretty shy before I started. In some ways, the job has actually made me more reserved — but in other ways, it’s made me much stronger. I’ve learned so much, about acting and about myself. I really feel like I’m exactly where I need to be right now.
With Hollyoaks celebrating 30 years of high-stakes storylines, brave social commentary, and launching the careers of dozens of UK talents, young stars like Anya Lawrence are the future for another 30 years and more………..
The Hope Street Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter.
