Soap favourites Amy Walsh and Toby-Alexander Smith have revealed their new project away from the TV world.
Amy, 38, is best known for her portrayal of Tracy Robinson on ITV’s Emmerdale, while husband Toby-Alexander, 34, played wicked Gray Atkins in BBC flagship serial drama EastEnders.
The couple were married in 2023 after meeting in the audience of a Strictly Come Dancing episode, and share daughter Bonnie-Mae together.
Now they’ve turned their attentions away from soapland to launch a new business venture in Leeds.
Amy’s sister Sally established The Walsh Academy in London four years ago, and now it’s heading North with classes led by the pair.
Taking to Instagram to make the announcement, Toby revealed that the school, which opened earlier this month, will ‘provide speech and drama classes for children aged from 7 to 16.’
Amy added that they’d both be acting coaches, and that they want to inspire youngsters to express themselves and make friends, rather than to thrust them into the spotlight.
Following their first session, Amy returned to social media to share her delight with how successful it had been.
‘What an amazing first session and launch at @thewalshacademynorth’, she wrote.
‘Thank you to all the wonderful and brave students who threw themselves completely into.
‘A lot of fun was had and plenty of smiles all round. We can’t wait to meet more of you next week!’
Her co-star Beth Cordingly added her support, writing: ‘This looks AWESOME. So exciting. Thrilled for you and very proud X.’
Ash Palmisciano echoed Beth’s words, saying: ‘Amazing, well done, guys.’
Karen Taylor actress Lorraine Stanley, who worked alongside Toby for years commented: ‘This is AMAZING!!!! Well done guys!!!’
Corrie’s Natalie Anderson wrote: ‘Brilliant Amy!’
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