Hollyoaks star unrecognisable 13 years after soap exit and heartbreaking anorexia storyline

A HOLLYOAKS favourite looked unrecognisable as she headed to a swanky bash in London.

Former soap star Emma Rigby, 33, who played Hannah Ashworth in the Channel 4 series for five years, made a sparkling appearance at the Mr Controversial private view.

Emma, who quit Hollyoaks in 2010, previously exclusively told The Celeb Report how she quit the series for Hollywood after British TV chiefs shunned her over her soap past.

Now she has dazzled back on home turf at the glitzy event at the S&P Gallery, in an equally stunning mirror disk dress.

Emma opted for the strapless bodycon in a pink shade, paired with a white dress.

Clearly excited to be back in the UK, Emma flashed a huge smile for the camera.

She made sure her natural make-up and winged eyeliner was spot on and styled her blonde hair into a sleek high-pony.

During her time on Hollyoaks, Emma gained critical praise for her portrayal of anorexia and bulimia.

The storyline also saw her best friend in the soap, Melissa, pass away from the condition.

Emma’s other storylines included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.

Yet despite high praise, she told how she struggled to make it through the door of auditions after she quit in 2010.

Among her famous pals, she now counts legend Sir Ben Kingsley and James Franco.

She told The Celeb Report on Sunday: “When I left Hollyoaks I could barely get any interviews for months. Casting directors wouldn’t let me in the door.

“They would just see ‘Hollyoaks’ and say no.

“So when I came to America, it was incredibly liberating to be given the chance to prove what I could do, and that I could transform for roles.”

“Now I often have to pinch myself when I think about the things I’m doing.

“I’ve become good friends with Ben Kingsley, and when we went for dinner the other day he dropped into his character from Sexy Beast.

“He was also telling me stories about Martin Scorcese, who is my favourite director ever, and I was sitting there thinking: ‘I can’t believe this.’”

Emma added: “I have definitely had to sacrifice relationships – and some friendships – for my career.

“But I am ambitious, and I do I want to put my career first at the moment. Maybe when I’m a bit further along I’ll settle down and have kids.

Emma, who also starred in BBC hit Prisoners’ Wives, made the decision to move Stateside in 2012.

Back in 2020, she was accused of breaking lockdown rules in the UK by heading to a party during the time coronavirus restrictions were imposed.