
Oh my God. I've been following Amy Walsh's career since her early Emmerdale days, and this latest news just made my day. The soap queen is branching out in teh most unexpected way - and dragging her equally talented husband along for the ride!
Remember when soap stars just did panto during their off-season? Not anymore.
From Dales to Drama Teacher (Who Saw That Coming?)
Tracy Robinson is trading the Emmerdale set for the classroom! Amy Walsh, who's been killing it on the Yorkshire-based soap, just announced she's opening a drama school with her EastEnders villain husband, Toby Alexander Smith. The pair shared the news on Instagram, and I nearly spilled my morning coffee when I saw it pop up on my feed.
The Walsh Academy North (cute name, right?) is set to open June 2nd next year, offering speech and drama classes for kids aged 7-16. And get this - Amy and Toby themselves will be the acting coaches! My sister's kids are in that age range, and I've already texted her about signing them up. Her response: "They barely sit through dinner, let alone drama class." Fair point.

Sister Act
Turns out, this isn't exactly a brand new venture for the Walsh clan. Amy's sister Sally Sheppard Walsh established The Walsh Academy in London back in 2021, and it's apparently been thriving. Makes sense to expand northward, especially with Amy's connections in that part of the country.
I love that they're not promising to turn every kid into the next big star (though with their genetics, who knows what might happen). Instead, they're creating a safe space for self-expression and friendship. As someone who was painfully shy as a kid, I wish I'd had something like this growing up in the 90s!
Wait... How Do They Have Time For This???
Just 7 months ago, Amy was on Lorraine (well, with Christine Lampard hosting) admitting that married life has been TOUGH due to their crazy schedules. "I've barely seen him since we got married," she confessed. They were literally passing ships - her diving into a massive Emmerdale storyline while he flew off to Bulgaria for a film.
And now they're adding "drama school owners" to their resume?

These two are either superhuman or completely insane. Maybe both.
Their Whirlwind Romance (It's Actually Adorable)
For those who don't obsessively follow soap star relationships like I do... Amy and Toby first locked eyes in 2019 while sitting in the audience of Strictly Come Dancing. Talk about a meet-cute! They moved in together just before covid hit (imagine that pressure cooker situation), had their daughter Bonnie Mae in December 2021, got engaged in Ibiza in August 2023, and tied the knot in Montenegro a month later.
I still remember scrolling through those wedding photos and feeling unreasonably jealous of their venue choice - a 17th century villa at the foot of a mountain range? My wedding was in my cousin's backyard. In November. It rained.
The ceremony sounded incredible though. Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh (Amy's sister, in case you forgot) performed, along with EastEnders' Shona McGarty who did a duet with that TikTok guy Sonny Tennet. And Amy's dad, who's battling terminal cancer, walked her down the aisle in what Toby described as a "poignant" moment.

From Villain to... Drama Teacher?
Let's not forget that Toby played one of EastEnders' most twisted villains - Gray Atkins. The man murdered multiple people and was a domestic abuser before finally getting caught and imprisoned. And now he'll be teaching kids drama! I spent $4K on acting classes in 2018, and none of my teachers had that kind of screen experience.
Listen. I'm actually really impressed by this power couple. Between soap filming schedules, raising a toddler, and maintaining a relatively new marriage, they're now embarking on this passion project together.
Good luck to them... they're gonna need it.
The Walsh Empire Grows
With Kimberley in Girls Aloud, Amy in Emmerdale, and now this drama school expansion, the Walsh sisters are quietly building an entertainment empire. I've always thought there was something special about that family (and I'm not just saying that because I once stood behind Kimberley in line at Pret and she was lovely to the staff).

I wonder if little Bonnie will follow in her parents' footsteps? With those genes and now access to her own family's drama school... seems inevitable.
Adn speaking of Bonnie - she's three now! How did that happen so fast? I still remember those first baby photos they shared. Time flies when you're watching other people's children grow up on Instagram...
I'll be watching this space to see how The Walsh Academy North develops. Who knows, maybe they'll discover the next generation of soap stars right there in their classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there international adaptations of UK soap operas?
Yes, some UK soap operas have inspired international adaptations. For example, "Coronation Street" has been adapted in various countries, showcasing the show's universal themes and appeal.
What is the format of a typical episode of a UK soap opera?
A typical episode of a UK soap opera runs for about 30 minutes and features multiple interwoven storylines focusing on different characters. This format allows for a dynamic viewing experience and keeps audiences engaged.
What themes are commonly explored in UK soap operas?
UK soap operas often explore themes such as family dynamics, love, betrayal, social issues, and personal struggles. They reflect real-life situations and societal challenges, making them relatable to viewers.
Statistics
- Soap operas have been shown to influence public opinion on social issues, with studies indicating a correlation between storylines and changes in viewer attitudes.
- Over 100 characters have been killed off in "Coronation Street" since its inception, showcasing the dramatic nature of the storylines.
- Approximately 15% of the viewership for UK soap operas comes from overseas audiences, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.
- "Coronation Street" holds the record as the longest-running soap opera in the UK, having first aired in 1960.
- The British Soap Awards, held annually, attract millions of viewers and celebrate the best in soap opera performances and storylines.
- Hollyoaks, which premiered in 1995, has introduced several high-profile actors who have gone on to have successful careers in television and film.
- Research indicates that viewers of soap operas are more likely to discuss social issues with friends and family, demonstrating the genre's impact on social discourse.
- The average viewership for "EastEnders" is approximately 5 million viewers per episode.
External Links
How To
How To Watch Classic Episodes of UK Soap Operas
If you're interested in watching classic episodes of UK soap operas, several platforms provide access to archived content. Begin by checking the official websites of the respective shows, as they may have sections dedicated to classic episodes. Streaming services like BritBox or ITV Hub often feature classic episodes or special collections. You can also explore DVD collections available for purchase, which may include significant episodes from the show's history. Online platforms like YouTube may contain fan-uploaded classic episodes or clips, allowing you to revisit iconic moments from your favorite soaps.