Jamelia quits role as Sharon Bailey in Hollyoaks

Jamelia has quit her role as role as Sharon Bailey in Hollyoaks.

The singer and actress – best known for hits including Superstar, Thank You and See it in a Boy’s Eyes – made a guest appearance in the show in 2021 before becoming a full time cast member in 2023. Her character has largely been a supporting presence on the beleaguered saga, which is dropping down to three episodes a week with 135 job losses.

Jamelia is part of the cast of new ITVBe reality series Drama Queens and a blurb from the show mentions her impending exit from Hollyoaks.

“Jamelia embarks on a transformative journey, prioritising her own well-being and family over the glitz of Hollyoaks. As she prepares to bid farewell to the show, we witness her emotional transition,” it notes.

Produced by Lime Pictures, Drama Queens will follow the day to day lives of a line-up of popular soap actresses.

Joining Jamelia in the series will be former EastEnders star Rita Simons, Hollyoaks‘ Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen), Coronation Street’s Ellie Leach (Faye Windass), Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) and Lucy Fallon (Bethany Platt), and Emmerdale’s Amy Walsh (Tracy Robinson), Laura Norton (Kerry Wyatt) and Roxy Shahidi (Leyla Harding).

Hollyoaks currently airs Monday-Friday at 7pm on E4 with first look episodes on Channel 4 streaming.