Pregnant former Hollyoaks actress Frankie Julia Hough has died in a car crash, aged 38. She was travelling with her two sons and nephew.
Frankie, who starred as Jess Holt in the Channel 4 soap, stopped on the hard shoulder of the M66 when she was reportedly struck by a vehicle. She and her two sons, Tommy, nine and Rocky, two, and nephew Tobias, four, were all taken to hospital via air ambulance. Tommy and Tobias are understood to have been put into induced comas.
Frankie appeared in Hollyoaks from 2000 to 2001 and went on to other roles in Merseybeat, Heartbeat, Where the Heart Is and Wire in the Blood. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.
Her former co-star Paul Danan has paid tribute to Frankie on his Instagram. Posting a picture of a smiling Frankie and snippets of their time together on the Channel 4 soap, Paul said: "I just heard the most shocking upsetting news I've heard in such a long time. Another good good friend who was such a special person has sadly passed away while carrying her unborn baby and her 2 little boys and nephew who were in the car too. They had a terrible car accident."
Paul added: "Here is a link to donate some money for these poor little boys she has left behind who are currently fighting for their lives and will be slowly realising that their mummy isnt alive anymore. Just incomprehensible."
Co-star Helen Noble, who played Abby Davies in Hollyoaks, also wrote: "I’m so sad and sorry we’ve lost Franki. I remember joining the cast and I was involved in her exit storyline, you guys were an amazing pair together and Franki was an absolute diamond.
"I adored her. I’ll never forget the night I spent partying with her which I think was your leaving party. I can’t believe she is gone. She was such a special person. Sending love to you xxx"
The crash happened on Saturday, May 14 and Frankie and her unborn baby were laid to rest on Friday, June 9. Her family have set up a GoFundMe page with a target of raising £60,000 for the young boys' recoveries and to "help build back our family in memory of our angel".
Adil Iqbal, 22, has pleaded guilty to causing her death, he also admitted to causing serious injuries to Frankie's son, Tommy. Iqbal, of Accrington, Lancashire, will face sentencing on Wednesday, July 19 as The Mirror reports.
