From Hollyoaks to Hollywood! Emma Rigby gets a makeunder as she takes on her first major movie role
By SARAH BULL
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There have been countless soap stars in the UK who have left the small screens in the hope of making a name for themselves in movies.
But where hundreds have failed, it seems former Hollyoaks actress Emma Rigby has succeeded.
The 22-year-old star, who played Hannah Ashworth in the Channel 4 soap, has switched her blonde hair for brunette curls to take on the female lead in upcoming independent film The Physician.
She's come a long way from Chester! Former Hollyoaks star Emma Rigby has been cast in her first Hollywood movie in The Physician
Emma stars alongside an esteemed cast including Ben Kingsley, Stellan Skarsgard, and Oliver Martinez, with the feature marking her first foray onto the silver screen.
The Physician, based on the book by Noah Gordon, tells the story of a surgeon's Jewish apprentice in Persia during the 11th Century who attempts to disguise himself in a bid to study at a school which doesn't admit Christians.
Emma stars as a married nurse called Rebecca who falls for the healer in the love story.
All star cast: Emma yesterday posed with castmates Tom Payne, Olivier Martinez and Elyas M Barek on the set of the film in Cologne, Germany
All smiles: Emma appeared more than excited about taking on the female lead in the film
Filming for the movie began in Germany earlier this week, and the cast will also shoot scenes in Morocco.
In pictures from the set yesterday, Emma is seen wearing a long patterned red gown as she poses alongside her castmates.
Emma quit Hollyoaks in 2008 after nearly four years on the show in a bid to break into the movie world.
Esteemed castmates: The movie also stars much-respected actors Stellan Skarsgard and Ben Kingsley
She said at the time: 'I've been on Hollyoaks since I was 15 and I've grown up on the show. I'm so very fortunate to be given the opportunity to learn my craft in such a fantastic environment.
'I just feel that the time is right to move on and hopefully get into dramas and films as I love to play different roles.'
Since leaving the Oaks, Emma has starred in projects including BBC series Prisoner's Wives, and British movie Demons Never Die.
However, The Physician marks the first big Hollywood movie for Emma and the chance to succeed where other soap stars have failed.
Back in the day: Emma as Hannah Ashworth in Hollyoaks with Andrew Moss as her brother Rhys
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2179844/Ex-Hollyoaks-star-Emma-Rigby-gets-makeover-Hollywood-movie-role.html#ixzz22s7l8bRK