After finding their feet in soapland - many stars decide they want bigger roles and try to crack Hollywood. We often see the announcement being made that an actor is leaving a soap for "exciting new opportunities" or to "have more diverse roles".
Many try to break into America and some manage to become huge names - with the likes of Margot Robbie, Chris Hemsworth and Anna Friel all starting out on soaps. In recent years, we've seen EastEnders lads Rob Kaplinsky, Himesh Patel and Ben Hardy get blockbuster movie roles.
While Hollyoaks is flying the flag in Hollywood with Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel, heartthrob Ricky Whittle and Oscar winner Rachel Shenton. But for every success story there are dozens who fail to make it and return to the UK with their tail between their legs.
