Hollyoaks Jennifer Metcalfe's forgotten Emmerdale role years before Mercedes McQueen

Jennifer Metcalfe, famed for her role as Mercedes McQueen in Hollyoaks, first graced the Channel 4 soap in 2006.

Her portrayal of Mercedes was so well-received that she reprised the also appeared in spin-off series Hollyoaks Later from 2008 to 2020.

Interestingly, Jennifer was initially considered for the role of Clare Devine, now played by Gemma Bissix, before Mercedes was created.

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She took a brief hiatus from Hollyoaks in 2014 when her character appeared to be killed off, only to make a triumphant return the following year.

Before her stint on Hollyoaks, Jennifer had roles in several television programmes, including children's series My Parents Are Aliens and ITV dramas Where The Heart Is, At Home with the Braithwaites and Emmerdale, reports the Daily Star.

In 2022, she made a guest appearance in rival soap opera as school girl Jade Nicholls, alongside Sammy Windward who portrayed Katie Sugden.

Next week promises to be an emotional rollercoaster for Mercedes as she prepares for the funeral of her son Bobby Costello, played by Zak Sutcliffe.

The McQueens are set to bid their final farewell to the teenager, with the service being livestreamed for those unable to attend, attracting a large virtual audience from the village.

Seeking comfort, Mercedes asks Tony Hutchinson, played by Nick Pickard, to accompany her to the funeral, to which he agrees.

It's a heart-wrenching scene as Mercedes stands before a small gathering of loved ones, sharing heartfelt words about Bobby.

However, a showdown at the funeral is broadcast live to the village, leaving one local feeling rather pleased with themselves.

Earlier this year, Jennifer made her first appearance in the fresh comedy drama, Just Act Normal.

The six-part series, inspired by the award-winning play Three Birds by Janice Okoh, showcased Jennifer in a new light.

The storyline centred around three siblings concealing a horrifying family secret.

When their mother vanishes, Tiana, Tionne, and Tanika are desperate to keep the truth under wraps to preserve their family's unity.

Ivanno Jeremiah, recognised from Humans, takes on the role of the jovial father-of-three Leo, with Jennifer making a guest appearance as Leo's new partner, Candy.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am