Cupar actor lands starring role in Hollyoaks

Rory Douglas Speed, who graduated from drama school only two years ago is playing character Joel Dexter in Channel 4’s hit-soap Hollyoaks.

Starring alongside stalwart characters including Warren Fox, Rory plays the part of his reformed son, who finds himself and religion before returning to the village as a trainee priest.

The 24-year-old plied his trade locally before taking his new role, most recently playing the part of Sick Boy in the theatre production of Trainspotting before he took up his first on-screen part.

And with heads already turning on set at the character’s return, the transition from stage to screen is one that Rory is loving so far.

He said: “I’m having such a blast already, I’m extremely happy to have landed a role in Hollyoaks.

“It’s very much a learning curve as I have never shot any TV before, so every day is very much a school day at the moment. However, I could not be working with a better bunch of people down at Lime Pictures – everyone from cast and crew to the canteen staff are amazing! I’m very happy with the way everything is going at the moment: I’m just so happy to be here.

“Studying at Edinburgh Napier played a big part in me landing this role. The course was fantastic and the team of lecturers were tremendous. They really try and get the best out of you, not only as a student but as a working, professional actor. It’s not easy. Constantly seeking work and knowing how to get it is very tough but the team tell you how it is and how to approach it. They give you the tools and you know exactly what to do with them when you leave.”

Launched in 2010, Edinburgh Napier’s BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen degree is delivered in partnership with Queen Margaret University and provides contemporary vocational actor training that focuses on the craft and practice of performance.

Dr Donna Soto-Morettini, senior lecturer, said: “We’re incredibly proud of all our graduates and it’s great to see such a high level of student success permeate throughout the summer. From sold out Fringe shows to Rory landing his role in Hollyoaks and others touring the country in various plays and musicals, it’s been a great run for our graduates.

“When we launched this course, we hoped to prove that we could train actors to industry standard, and it’s great to see the industry responding to our work. We like to think that our course is a great foundation for all kinds of careers in the entertainment industry, as well as in education. Every student success helps all of us, and we hope the university will join us in celebrating their achievements.”