Former Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn has told how she felt 'uncomfortable' tackling the issue of racism in her latest hard-hitting soap storyline.
Katie, who plays Becky Quentin in Hollyoaks, features in a story exploring sinophobia - anti-Chinese and anti-East Asian racism - in a new story featuring newcomer Serena Chen-Williams played by Emma Lau.
Rochdale actress Katie, 28, who played the late Sinead Osbourne in Coronation Street from 2013 to 2019, took to Instagram to speak about the role saying it was important to highlight following the rise of sinophobia.
In the storyline Becky became aggressive after spotting Serena with a parcel received from China, and linked her vile outburst to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Katie, who joined the Channel Four soap last summer, typed: "This week @hollyoaksofficial, Becky is involved in a Sinophobia racism storyline.
"We felt it was an important story to highlight given the huge rise of Sinophobia!
"I love playing characters that are completely different to me, but this actually made me feel a bit uncomfortable if I’m honest!
"Unfortunately, Becky’s character is one that does exist in the real world and although it’s certainly not one whose views I agree with at all, it’s an issue that needs to be highlighted and called out for what it really is… racism!"
The star added: "Please remember that what Becky says and does onscreen is no way reflecting my personal views and if you have been affected by the issues raised in any way, for help and support please visit: www.channel4.com/4viewers/help-support."
Co-star Emma replied to say that she was a 'dream to work with.'
Becky arrived in Hollyoaks Village as a friend of Diane Hutchinson and her beliefs in conspiracies surrounding 5G and the COVID-19 pandemic sparked concern with Diane's loved-ones.
Diane became worried about her son Henry's health and threatened to call social services if Becky did not take him to hospital.
And when Becky was told Henry had meningitis, which had caused profound deafness, she threatened to sue for negligence and returned to trash the hospital pharmacy store room.
