Dawn Hope is a British actress, singer, and theatre performer with a career spanning decades across stage and screen. Beginning as a child actor, she has worked extensively in television, film, and musical theatre, earning a reputation for her emotional performances and commanding stage presence. More recently, she has won over audiences as Pearl Anderson in Hollyoaks, bringing warmth, wisdom, humour, and authenticity to one of the show’s most beloved characters. In this interview, Hope reflects on creating Pearl, the importance of mature romance on television, her lifelong passion for acting, and the future of the entertainment industry.
ALT A REVIEW: Let’s begin by talking about Dawn Hope and the character you play, Pearl. This is the first time we’ve spoken, which surprises me. How do you relate to Pearl, if at all? What do you enjoy most about playing her, and is there anything you dislike?
Dawn Hope: That’s a big question with several parts.
The last soap I appeared in was Coronation Street, where I played Kirsty’s mother, a very vulnerable woman who spent much of her time crying. In theatre, people even call me “the crier” because I can bring an audience along emotionally. Pearl was completely different. She needed to be fun, and originally she was going to be paired with Walter, which immediately appealed to me.
As I looked at the other characters, I realised there was something missing. I wasn’t hearing the Windrush generation represented through its authentic accent. As the first generation child of Windrush parents, I decided to embrace that part of my identity. Women of my age often have a work voice, but when they are with their community, their Caribbean accent naturally comes through.
I was born in Sheffield, and when I’m with my brothers and sisters, my Yorkshire accent comes back straight away. I can’t use it professionally, but it’s there with family. I wanted Pearl to feel slightly older and rooted in that community, and the producers embraced the idea.
Pearl is a matriarch, and I wanted to keep her firmly in that role. Matriarchs and patriarchs carry life experience and wisdom. In a show like Hollyoaks, younger characters often find themselves in difficult situations, and sometimes even their parents struggle to guide them. It takes someone with real life experience to step in and offer perspective. I loved being able to play that wise, supportive figure and interact with so many different characters.
ALT: Can we talk about Pearl’s love interest? Soaps don’t usually focus much on romance for characters over 40.
Dawn Hope: How rude! People should appreciate how rich life becomes as you get older. Sixty is the new forty.
When they told me these two characters were going to be together, I immediately understood it because I’ve seen relationships like that in real life. Different cultures come together beautifully, especially in cities like London, where you often see older couples still deeply in love, holding hands and enjoying each other’s company.
I told the writers that the relationship would only work if there was genuine chivalry. In certain communities, that hasn’t disappeared. Opening doors, standing while someone sits down, showing respect. Those small gestures matter.
What attracts Pearl is the gentleman she sees in him. She’s a woman who fully owns who she is, and that creates a mature romance built on companionship. At that stage of life, you’re looking forward to travelling together, ticking off your bucket list, and simply enjoying each other’s company.
I loved that it was a slow burn. Eventually Pearl reaches the point where she asks, “What are we doing here?” Both characters feel the same way but are trying to express it in a shy and conservative way.
Hollyoaks often has passionate romances, but for these characters everything develops over a simple coffee and conversation. The younger characters play a trick on us, and then we turn it back on them before deciding to go for a drink together. It was simple, sweet, and believable.
I’m really pleased that the show demonstrates there is romance after fifty and sixty. Life certainly doesn’t stop.
ALT: As an actor, what do you prefer: stage, television, or film?
Dawn Hope: I started as a child actor and made my first film when I was ten. That experience was wonderful because there was so much improvisation, and it taught me a great deal about acting.
At the same time, Shirley MacLaine was one of my biggest inspirations because she could do everything. I wanted to become that kind of triple threat performer.
Here’s a little secret. When I was fourteen, I used to skip school to attend auditions in London’s West End. The producers would spot me waiting outside and bring me in quickly. I’d perform what I had prepared, and afterwards they’d tell me to get back home before anyone discovered I’d missed school.
Those experiences taught me exactly what producers were looking for before I was old enough to work professionally. By the time I turned sixteen, I already understood what I needed to bring into an audition.
I love theatre because it’s exciting and challenging. It keeps you sharp. If you’re expected to sing and dance, you can’t simply decide to do it one day. You have to stay in training and constantly work on your craft.
ALT: Last year Hollyoaks celebrated its 30th anniversary. With so many soaps disappearing, what do you think has kept it going?
Dawn Hope: Soaps are incredibly important because they reflect the lives of ordinary people across the country.
Life in the East End isn’t exactly the same as life in Cheshire or Manchester. The people are fundamentally the same, but their communities, cultures, and ways of expressing themselves are different.
We all experience rising living costs, families, work, moving home, and everyday challenges. Those experiences connect us, but each region tells those stories in its own unique way.
That’s why soaps matter. They reflect real life through different cultural perspectives while reminding us how much we all have in common.
ALT: What kinds of roles do you most enjoy playing?
Dawn Hope: Villains.
I’m actually preparing one at the moment.
Not because I want to be evil, but because I enjoy characters who have the confidence to say exactly what they think. They are completely focused on achieving their goals, and there’s something wonderfully entertaining about that.
The character I’m working on isn’t evil. She’s simply very selfish, and I find that hilarious.
I’ve spent so much of my career playing nurturing, supportive, encouraging women that it’s exciting to play someone completely different.
When I was younger, I loved watching Mr. Magoo. He created complete chaos without ever realising the destruction he left behind. There’s something similar in this role. She’s selfish rather than malicious, and that’s what makes her fun to play.
ALT: With technology advancing so quickly and artificial intelligence becoming more capable, how do you feel about the future of acting?
Dawn Hope: The technology exists now, and there’s no putting it back in the box.
Some people will use it responsibly, while others will simply see it as a cheaper option. They may decide they don’t need actors’ voices or likenesses anymore.
But how do you persuade audiences to visit the cinema if there are no real people to connect with?
There’s only one Brad Pitt. There’s only one Viola Davis. There’s only one Angela Bassett. Audiences want to experience the humanity those performers bring to their work.
That human connection is irreplaceable.
As for theatre, I don’t see an avatar getting on a train, turning up at a theatre, and performing live every night. That’s one reason I’m continuing to invest my time in theatre. It’s where people and performers connect directly, and I believe there will always be a place for that.
ALT A REVIEW: Dawn Hope, thank you so much for speaking with us today.
Dawn Hope: Thank you very much. It’s been a pleasure. And thank you on such a hot day.
📺 Hollyoaks is available to stream from 7am, Monday to Wednesday, on @channel4, or watch live on @e4grams at 7pm.
