Hannah Ashworth

Emma Rigby (pictured) said it was a real honour to take part in such a "good" storyline.

Hannah Ashworth is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, portrayed by actress Emma Rigby. The character first appeared on screen in 2005 and became one of the show's central characters until Rigby's departure in 2010. Hannah's storylines have been notable for addressing serious issues such as anorexia, bulimia, and the impact of these eating disorders on her and her family. Her portrayal of anorexia in particular was widely praised for its sensitivity and accuracy, and it brought significant attention to the issue of eating disorders among young people.

Character Development

Hannah Ashworth's character was introduced as part of the Ashworth family, a new family moving into the Hollyoaks village. She was initially portrayed as a typical teenage girl, dealing with common adolescent issues. However, the character's complexity grew as the writers explored deeper themes. One of the most significant storylines was her battle with anorexia and bulimia, which was a central focus for the character over several years. This storyline was developed in consultation with eating disorder charities to ensure it was portrayed accurately and sensitively.

Storylines

Throughout her time on Hollyoaks, Hannah was involved in numerous high-profile storylines, including her relationships with other characters such as John Paul McQueen and Justin Burton. However, it was her struggle with eating disorders that left the most significant impact on viewers. The storyline depicted not only the physical and psychological effects of the disorder on Hannah but also its impact on her family, particularly her parents, Sue and Neville Ashworth, and her brother Rhys Ashworth.

Hannah's journey included her initial denial of the problem, the realization of her disorder, the struggle with recovery, and several relapses, reflecting the real-life challenges faced by those dealing with similar conditions. Her storyline concluded with a message of hope as Hannah began to take steps towards recovery, emphasizing the importance of support from friends and family in overcoming eating disorders.

Reception

Emma Rigby's portrayal of Hannah Ashworth received critical acclaim, earning her several awards, including Best Actress at the British Soap Awards. The eating disorder storyline was praised for raising awareness about anorexia and bulimia, encouraging young people to seek help, and starting conversations about eating disorders, which are often considered taboo subjects.

Legacy

Hannah Ashworth's storyline on Hollyoaks has been credited with helping to change public perceptions of eating disorders and improving understanding of the complexities involved in such conditions. The character's impact has been lasting, with many viewers and critics citing the storyline as one of the most powerful and important ever featured in the soap.