Bedfordshire student becomes Hollyoaks star

“When I came to the University of Bedfordshire I already had a lot of experience, but I wanted to pursue an education and grab as much knowledge as I could. I wanted to take my skillset to the next level. It has been great to work in the Uni’s TV Studios and learn from the lecturers. The key thing for me was to balance my studies with work experience."

Duayne Boachie, student, BA (Hons) Media Performance for Film, TV and Theatre

A University of Bedfordshire student has landed a role in one of the nation’s favourite TV soaps, Hollyoaks. A second year Media Performance for Film, TV and Theatre undergraduate, Duayne Boachie will arrive on our screens this month as promising footballer Zack – a part of the new family ‘The Lovedays’ – a close-knit threesome looking for a fresh start.

Duayne from Wood Green, North London has been acting for many years – having recently worked on a feature film 'A Hundred Streets' alongside Idris Elba and Gemma Arterton – and said it was “a dream become reality” when he secured his place on Hollyoaks in November.

“I’ve been working towards this for a long time,” explained Duayne, who is putting his degree at the Luton campus on hold for the meanwhile.

“When I came to the University of Bedfordshire I already had a lot of experience, but I wanted to pursue an education and grab as much knowledge as I could. I wanted to take my skillset to the next level.

“It has been great to work in the Uni’s TV Studios and learn from the lecturers. The key thing for me was to balance my studies with work experience. The highlight was working on A Hundred Streets: being in the same film as Idris Elba who is an incredible actor.”

He added: “I’m so excited to be part of the Hollyoaks team – I already love the cast, the crew and even the food in the canteen! I just can’t wait to bring Zack Loveday to life.”

Duayne’s CV also reads an appearance in TV show 'All About The Mckenzies', as well as being one half of north London comedy duo Don N Bowaa.

Whilst in the immediate future he is putting his degree on hold, Duayne said he plans to finish his studies and eventually become a renowned movie actor.

Professor Alexis Weedon, Head of Department Journalism and Communications at the University, said: “We are really excited that Duayne has joined the cast of Hollyoaks. Congratulations to him!

“He is a credit to the staff team, practitioners themselves, who prepare students for the world of TV, teaching acting before the camera and industry practices.”