Emmerdale’s Colleen King star’s life away from soap with famous son

After the death of Colleen King on Emmerdale last week, fans and villagers were left shocked as she was a popular character who'd been part of the show for years.

The character, played by Melanie Ash, was last seen on-screen in 2010 and died of a heart attack according to her on-screen son Tom. Colleen was the former wife of soap baddie Carl King.

Outside of Emmerdale, Melanie is a mother-of-one, to a son that has followed her into the industry. She's also appeared in other shows, from Casualty to Ackley Bridge.

Here, we take a closer look at her life off-screen, from her drama school to other acting work and motherhood….

Alongside Casualty, Emmerdale and Ackley Bridge, Melanie's also been in Coronation Street, where she played the role of Sue Hodgkins.

Her character played a role in sabotaging the relationship between Leanne Battersby and Kal Nazir. She was also in The Bay in 2012, starring as Sophie Blezzard.

Melanie also has her own theatre school which she set up in 2005 which is called Meladrama. It's based in Bolton and helps train up numerous young kids who are pursuing a future in acting.

Many soap stars who've appeared in everything from Coronation Street to Hollyoaks have attended the school too, proving just how successful it is. Melanie also loves music and has performed as a violinist and saxophonist in her local area.

Previously speaking about her performing arts school, Melanie told the Bolton News: "I'm really passionate about giving kids like me opportunities.

"It's such a hard industry anyway – but even tougher for kids from the north, which is wrong as the areas we have classes – Preston, Chorley, Warrington, and now Bolton, are absolutely screaming with raw talent."

Melanie's son Leo has also decided to go into acting, just like his mother. The 15-year-old played Prince Aemond Targaryen in Game of Thrones and recently enjoyed a stint in the BBC 's Red Rose.

He's also been in a number of other shows including Doctors and The Bad- and has even spoke about wanting to play James Bond. He said on Instagram recently: "Was a dream to get to @WBSleavesdon [Warner Bros studios in Leavesdon] filming last year.

"Always wanted to play James Bond since I was like three, Yea mum let me watch James Bond as a toddler .. So blame her if I’m a psycho in @houseofthedragonhbo.”

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