Hollyoaks’ Kelle Bryan says she’s been called a ‘coconut’ since soap race storm and had ‘difficult’ talks with bosses

HOLLYOAKS star Kelle Bryan has revealed she has been called a "coconut" and a "clown" since the soap was accused of racism.

The 45-year-old Martine Deveraux actress opened up on Loose Women today about a controversy that was sparked when her co-star Rachel Adedeji called out the show for a Black Lives Matter video that Kelle appeared in.

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The Lisa Loveday star reacted to the film by making a string of shocking claims about the soap that have since led to an internal investigation at the Channel 4 hit.

Speaking today, Kelle opened up about the abuse she had received over the weekend, saying: "It's been really difficult.

"I've been seen as an Uncle Tom, a coconut, a clown, a puppet to be used. My voice, I've used my voice, very forthrightly, way before Black Lives Matter."

She added: "It's been a difficult weekend, and for the whole of the black cast of Hollyoaks, we've been dealing with our own personal journey and with the tragedy of George Floyd. It's hurtful. I'm a real person."

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She added that she had been instrumental in setting up a forum for the black cast by having "difficult" conversations with her bosses.

Kelle said: "Way before the Black Lives Matter movement took place I was able to articulate my grievances and concerns within Hollyoaks.

"I had taken them through the HR procedures, and said what my feeling were and making sure those changes are implemented, not just heard but implemented."

She added: "There are changes that are happening. I'm really grateful that our voices are finally being heard."

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Rachel, 28, posted on Saturday slamming Hollyoaks over its "disappointing" stance over the Black Lives Matter movement when Kelle took part in a video for Hollyoaks, which revealed it was launching a podcast to discuss issues around race.

She shared a message reading: "Did Black Lives Matter when I was told 'You’re all the same' by a make up artist you employed, and remains in employment til this day?

“Did Black Lives Matter when a number of female black actors were forced to drastically change their hair, because if not, the viewers ‘would not be able to tell them apart.’?

“Do Black Lives really matter to you if over the last four years at Hollyoaks, I have only worked with one black director?”

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Rachel added: "Having a black cast member speak on behalf of Hollyoaks to show that the work is being done is not as progressive as they think. As a matter of fact, very little is being done behind the scenes.

“Putting out a podcast on racism and asking your black cast members to teach you how to tackle these issues is the bare minimum. THINK. DO BETTER."

She was later backed up by Amanda Clapham, who played Holly Cunningham, in speaking out against the soap.

The show issued a statement saying: "Hollyoaks has zero tolerance on racism. We are taking Rachel Adedeji's comments extremely seriously and are investigating."

Kelle said on Loose Women today: "Myself and Rachel have spoken and we have shared our feelings. We remain speaking to each other. I’m supporting her and she’s reached out to me also. We’ll just work through this, hopefully, internally."