Soap stars often become like family after spending years working together on the same show, but some actors are actually related in real life – here are some of the most famous soap star siblings
Soap actors often forge strong connections while working on long-standing shows, frequently referring to each other as family. However, what many dedicated fans may not realise is that several stars have genuine familial ties off-screen.
Famed soaps like Emmerdale, Coronation Street, and EastEnders boast numerous real-life relatives either collaborating on the same show or appearing on rival programmes while cheering each other on. Let’s delve into the soap stars who are actually siblings, kicking off with the Swash and Thomas brothers.
Isabella, Amelia and William Flanagan
The Flanagan clan is one of the most prominent and recognisable real-life soap families. Isabella and William Flanagan are bona fide twins, although they portray cousins Hope Stape and Joseph Brown on Coronation Street.
Their elder sister, Amelia Flanagan, takes on the role of April Windsor in Emmerdale. The gifted acting trio’s proud parents regularly sing their praises on social media, offering a peek into their lives beyond the soap world, reports Lancs Live.
Joe and Shana Swash
Ex-I’m A Celebrity winner, Joe Swash, first made a name for himself on Albert Square. He was renowned for his portrayal of Mickey Miller from 2005 to 2011 on EastEnders, where he shared screen time with his actual sister Shana, who played his on-screen sibling Demi.
Nick and John Pickard
In the soap opera world, Nick and John Pickard shine as a brotherly pair. The former has portrayed the enduring character Tony Hutchinson on Hollyoaks, whilst his brother John brought Tony’s on-screen sibling Dom to life from 2005 until 2010.
Sebastian and Gabrielle Dowling
Sebastian and Gabrielle Dowling left their impression playing Emmerdale twins Cathy and Heath Hope, the offspring of Viv and Bob Hope, who first graced screens in 2007.
Sebastian’s character Heath sadly perished in a heart-wrenching New Year car crash storyline earlier this year, though Gabrielle’s Cathy continues to be woven into the soap’s narrative.
Amy, Sally and Kimberly Walsh
Emmerdale star Amy Walsh is widely recognised for her portrayal of Tracy Metcalfe since 2014, yet she’s not the sole gifted member of her clan. Her sister Sally embodied Lyn Hutchinson from 1997 to 2000, and they’re also connected to former Girls Aloud member Kimberly Walsh, alongside their brother Adam.
Will and Peter Ash
Coronation Street’s Peter Ash, who brings Paul Foreman to life, shares family connections with his cousin Will Ash in the soap universe, who depicts Caleb Milligan in Emmerdale.
After learning of Will’s Emmerdale casting in 2022, Peter shared his excitement on Twitter: “Yes! This is my cousin, Will! He’s an absolutely fantastic actor, and was one of my big inspirations for getting into acting myself! Can’t wait to see him do his stuff in #Emmerdale!”
Ryan Thomas and Adam Thomas
Ryan Thomas was just a lad when he made his debut on Coronation Street as Jason Grimshaw on Christmas Day in 2000. He bid farewell to the beloved ITV soap in 2016.
His younger brother Adam Thomas joined Emmerdale as Adam Barton in 2009, a role he played until 2018. The brothers also have another famous sibling, Scott Thomas, who graced our screens on Love Island in 2016 and 2025.
Brooke Vincent and Ellie Leach
Brooke Vincent, fondly remembered as Sophie Webster, was a mainstay on Coronation Street from 2004 until her exit in 2019.
In 2011, Brooke was thrilled when her younger cousin Ellie Leach joined the Coronation Street cast as Faye Windass, a role she played until 2023. Ellie clinched the Strictly Come Dancing title in 2023 with partner Vito Coppola.
Charley Webb and Jamie Lomas
Charley Webb brought the unforgettable character Debbie Dingle to life from 2002 until 2021. She has since featured in several shows, including The Long Shadow.
But she’s not the only soap star in her family. Her real-life brother Jamie Lomas has been playing Hollyoaks legend Warren Fox since 2006, although he left the Channel 4 soap earlier this year.