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Marie Louise McConville: Famous faces have a responsibility as role models

Actress Sarah Jayne Dunn was dropped by Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks after she joined adult subscription service, OnlyFans
Actress Sarah Jayne Dunn was dropped by Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks after she joined adult subscription service, OnlyFans Actress Sarah Jayne Dunn was dropped by Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks after she joined adult subscription service, OnlyFans

I just don't understand how they can be so naive?

Whether it be pop stars, TV presenters or soap actors, each are bound to know they have a responsibility as role models and are therefore, expected to act appropriately.

To be honest, when they fail to do this and find themselves in hot water, I have very little sympathy for them.

This week, I found myself lacking in empathy for Hollyoaks actress, Sarah Jayne Dunn, who is leaving the soap after joining adult subscription service, OnlyFans.

The 40-year-old, who had played Mandy Richardson on and off since 1996, was dropped from her £120k a year job after she refused to ditch the account.

Having only joined recently, the mother-of-one said signing up to the site - where she earned £7,200 in a week - had made her feel "empowered and confident".

However, Hollyoaks bosses failed to share her enthusiasm stating that they take their "responsibility to our young audience very seriously and therefore the show does not allow any Hollyoaks cast members to be active on certain 18+ websites".

Now, no-one likes to see someone lose their job, especially those with a family, but come on Sarah Jayne, what did you expect was going to happen?

Hollyoaks is a teen soap, watched by millions of young people (and me), which tackles some really tough issues, did you really think signing up to an adult social media platform, where you post racy photos, was going to be ok?

I have to say, I'm with Hollyoaks on this one.

I think they made the right choice here as they do indeed have a responsibility to younger viewers and I think stars such as Sarah Jayne Dunn get paid more than enough to know that.

Of course, she did well in the aftermath of the controversy as reports claim the ex-soap star made more than £121,000 in just 48 hours after her subscribers on OnlyFans doubled overnight.

However, it seems what happened to Sarah Jayne has prompted other soaps to lay down some new ground rules.

Both Coronation Street and Emmerdale have apparently issued new guidelines to their stars.

While they will be allowed to cash in on their fame, they will not be permitted to sign up for `adult entertainment' which could bring the channel into disrepute.

I think this is again to be welcomed as many of these shows' stars are adored by fans, many much younger and I think maintaining a certain standard can do no harm.

At the end of the day, the stars are only in their privileged position because people are tuning in to watch their show and if that stops, because people are put off by their actions off screen, then they will really find themselves in need of a new job.

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OK people, listen up, I have BIG news.

Yes, it's only 42 sleeps until Christmas but I've heard something even better - the Christmas Chip is returning to Ashvale Farm Shop and Tearooms near Lisburn on November 26.

Last year, I became obsessed with this invention, consisting of chips, turkey, ham, festive stuffing, home-made cranberry sauce, home-grown brussels sprouts and rich gravy.

And even better, this `Christmas in your mouth' creation can be enjoyed this year in Ashvale's newly-opened Orangery - a gorgeous new room full of class and comfort.

Get the date in your diaries people - I already have.

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