Hollyoaks actress Isabelle Smith has opened up about the challenges of breaking into the acting industry as a working-class woman,
calling for greater support for aspiring performers from less privileged backgrounds.
Smith, who plays Frankie Osborne in the Channel 4 soap, spoke candidly
about the financial burdens actors face and the barriers that prevent working-class talent from getting a fair chance in the industry.
Her comments came as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy visited the Hollyoaks set in Childwall, Liverpool, where discussions about arts funding and accessibility were at the forefront.
Smith used the opportunity to highlight the struggles faced by many young actors, particularly those who do not come from wealth or privilege.
A Tough Road for Working-Class Actors
After graduating from drama school, Smith admitted she felt uncertain about her next steps in the industry. While she was fortunate to land a role on Hollyoaks, she acknowledged that many aspiring actors struggle to secure work.
“It’s not very easy to get a job… especially in an arts industry,” she explained. Even after securing a role, the financial strain remains overwhelming, as she detailed how much of her income goes towards repaying her student and maintenance loans.
“Now I’m in a position where most of my money goes to pay off my maintenance loan and my student loan, and that comes with a very high level of interest that is placed on top of the extortionate amount of money that I already owe.”
Her words highlight a harsh reality—many young actors, especially those from working-class backgrounds, find themselves burdened with debt while trying to establish their careers in an industry where opportunities can be scarce.
Lack of Financial Support in the Arts
Smith also expressed concerns about the dwindling financial support available for aspiring actors. She pointed out that scholarship schemes are underfunded and that grants, which previously helped students from lower-income families pursue acting, are no longer widely available.
“There’s no grants really in place any more, the scholarship scheme is very underfunded, and I just think it’s already hard enough for a working-class female to get into this industry, as the first person in my family to go into an arts industry, and then you have this added cost weighing over your head.”
Her frustration is shared by many working-class actors who feel that the industry remains inaccessible to those without financial backing. Without grants, scholarships, or other financial aid, many aspiring performers simply cannot afford drama school or the unpaid opportunities that often serve as stepping stones to bigger roles.
Debunking the Myth of Wealthy Actors
One of the most significant points Smith raised was the misconception that actors are automatically well-paid. While some high-profile stars earn significant salaries, many actors struggle with inconsistent work, long periods between jobs, and the costs associated with auditions and training.
She described acting as an “elitist industry” and emphasized that the government should provide more support for working-class actors.
“People have paid to go to private school, or to RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts), whatever. You’re constantly having to prove yourself in every room that you’re going into because you’ve maybe not had the same education as other people that you are sat next to.”
This highlights the structural inequalities that exist in the industry. Many top drama schools, such as RADA and LAMDA, have historically been attended by students from privileged backgrounds, often because their families can afford the tuition fees, living costs, and additional acting workshops. Meanwhile, those from working-class backgrounds must overcome financial obstacles just to compete on the same level.
A Call for Change in the Industry
Smith’s words reflect a growing movement within the entertainment industry, where actors from working-class backgrounds are pushing for change. The issue of elitism in acting has been raised by several well-known stars, including James McAvoy, Jodie Comer, and Christopher Eccleston, who have all spoken about the increasing difficulty of breaking into acting without financial privilege.
With government funding cuts to the arts and fewer scholarships available, the path for working-class talent is becoming even narrower. Smith’s call for more support serves as a reminder that acting should be an industry based on talent and hard work, not financial privilege.
Her comments come at a crucial time, as policymakers and industry leaders are being urged to create more inclusive opportunities for aspiring actors. Whether through increased arts funding, more accessible drama training, or financial aid for those in need, change is necessary to ensure that the acting industry reflects talent from all walks of life.
The Future of Acting for Working-Class Talent
As Hollyoaks continues to showcase fresh talent on screen, Smith’s words are a powerful reminder that many actors face unseen struggles behind the scenes. While she is grateful for the opportunities she has had, she wants to see a future where financial background is not a barrier to success.
The entertainment industry thrives on diversity, and ensuring that talented individuals from all backgrounds have a fair shot is vital. As conversations around accessibility in the arts continue, voices like Isabelle Smith’s are crucial in driving change for future generations of actors.
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