Brooke Vincent joins Hollyoaks after Coronation Street exit

Brooke Vincent, best known for playing Sophie Webster on Coronation Street, has joined the cast of Hollyoaks for a new role. The 33-year-old actress left Coronation Street in 2019 for maternity leave. According to multiple reports, Vincent will play a brand new character in the soap. She announced the news on social media, writing: "So excited to be joining the cast of Hollyoaks for such a powerful storyline!!" She added: "I am so grateful for this opportunity to be back on screen playing a brand new character plus my family will be happy I'm back in a full time job Haha."

Vincent gave birth to son Mexx with partner Kean Bryan on October 23, 2019, and son Monroe in May 2021. Her return to acting comes after a break to focus on her family.

Co-stars from both soaps have welcomed the news. Sue Devaney, who played Debbie Webster on Coronation Street, commented: "Love this our Brooke! You'll be fabulous as ever! Love yer Auntie Debbie." Ellie Leach, who played Faye Windass on Coronation Street, wrote: "eeeeekkk so excited." Hollyoaks stars Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes McQueen) and Nadine Mulkerrin (Cleo McQueen) also expressed excitement, with Metcalfe saying "gunna love" and Mulkerrin writing "Yaaay." Vincent previously competed on Dancing On Ice in 2018, finishing in second place.