Former Emmerdale actress, Kelli Hollis, has opened up about her father’s past as a convicted drug kingpin who was sentenced to 17 years in prison. The actress, known for her role as Ali Spencer on the ITV soap from 2011-2015, had kept this part of her life private until now, despite it haunting her thoughts for years and attempts by some social media users to expose her.
Now ready to share her personal story, she spoke exclusively to the Manchester Evening News, determined to tell her tale once and for all before moving forward with her life.
The 49-year-old actress, who previously relocated to Thailand for a significant career shift, started the exclusive chat with her usual warm smile. However, she quickly made it clear just how apprehensive she felt about revealing such personal family details.
That being said, it’s important to highlight that she expressed no shame regarding her father’s past. Her father, Gwynne Thomas Hollis, is no longer a part of her life, but this wasn’t always the case.
“My dad was my world,” Kelli confided. “I will be honest, we haven’t spoken in almost ten years, but that is other normal family stuff. That is not because he has gone to prison. I absolutely adored my dad… massively. He used to joke and say I was the son he always wanted as I’m the only girl and the oldest and I have his personality and confidence.
“I loved him with all my heart. He is my dad at the end of the day.”
Kelli’s parents separated when she was just three, but her father Gwynne, a career criminal, remained a constant presence. However, from an early age, she began to understand that her dad was different and involved in criminal activities, specifically drug dealing.
“I have always known all my life what he does,” said Kelli, who once broke down in tears in court when her father was sent to prison earlier in his life.
“But where I am from, this isn’t me saying it is OK because it is not, but I am from Beeston in Leeds. Everyone can relate to Shameless and the lifestyle and the council estate thing. So I suppose you just get on with it.
As Kelli’s star rose, she remained acutely aware that her father’s criminal past could potentially resurface to damage her reputation. This fear materialised in June 2023 when Gwynne was convicted of conspiring to supply class A drugs.
He formed part of a major drug manufacturing and distribution network operating in and around York. Nevertheless, he failed to appear in court before police eventually tracked him down.
“Everybody loved him and he was a good guy who would do anything for anybody. For instance, there was a lovely lady who ran the local pub and she lost her husband. She was going to lose the pub, so a few of them chipped in to make sure she could stay afloat and not lose her home and her business.
