Teenagers often face pressure when it comes to exams, and decisions about education rarely escape public debate. Now, one young star from a famous Coronation Street family has found herself at the centre of that very discussion.
The Background Leading Up to the Debate
Scarlett Thomas, the 16-year-old daughter of former Corrie stars Ryan Thomas and Tina O’Brien, has been carving out her own path in the entertainment industry. Despite her age, she already boasts an impressive résumé. Viewers saw her take on the role of Izzy in BBC’s Waterloo Road, where she acted alongside her real-life uncle Adam Thomas. Beyond television, she has become a social media sensation with over 204,000 TikTok followers.
Her rising career has placed her firmly in the public eye, but it has also left her open to scrutiny. Scarlett recently posted a TikTok clip reflecting on exam season, captioned with a line admitting she would always wonder how she might have done if she had taken her GCSEs. That post soon sparked a lot of criticism, and some online voices even argued it was “unacceptable” for a 16-year-old to avoid sitting exams.
Coronation Street Actor Ryan Thomas Steps In
The backlash didn’t go unnoticed by her family. Ryan Thomas, quickly jumped in to shield his daughter from the criticism. In response to detractors, he questioned whether Scarlett’s academic decisions were anyone else’s concern. Scarlett, for her part, hasn’t shied away from addressing the negativity.
In the past, when accused of benefitting from her family name in acting, she reminded critics that she was simply taking the opportunities available to her, asking why it should be wrong for a teenager to do so. Ryan himself had previously defended her budding career in an interview with The Sun. He stressed that Scarlett worked hard to secure her role on Waterloo Road and went through the same audition process as anyone else.
Legally, Scarlett’s choice falls within her rights. In England, under the Education Act of 1996, students can leave formal education at 16 to pursue other avenues, whether in work or alternative qualifications. And, Scarlett has made it clear she intends to follow her family’s well-trodden path into stardom. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest news, updates, and drama from your favourite soaps.