Soap Stars Beyond the Screen

Two familiar faces from ITV’s biggest soaps have proven their talents go far beyond the cobbles and the Dales. Amelia Flanagan, who has played April Windsor in Emmerdale since 2014, and her younger sister Isabella Flanagan, known to Coronation Street fans as Hope Dobbs, proudly announced “we did it” after completing an inspiring challenge together.

The duo, both rising stars in their own right, are already fan favourites. Amelia has earned multiple accolades for her portrayal of April, recently adding Best Young Performer at the 2025 Inside Soap Awards to her collection. Isabella, meanwhile, has been winning hearts in Weatherfield since 2017 as part of the iconic Dobbs family.

Family Ties and Shared Passions

Despite working on different soaps, the sisters have always shared a close bond. In a previous interview, Isabella admitted it was Amelia who inspired her to pursue acting. “I’ve wanted to be on TV for a long time. My sister has been in Emmerdale since she was five and I love watching her,” she said.

Her audition for Corrie was a turning point. “It was a really fun script and I was so excited when Ology rang my mum to give us the good news I got the role,” she recalled.

Now, years later, the two have found another way to inspire fans—through real-life courage and compassion.

Climbing for a Cause

Over the weekend, Amelia and Isabella joined ‘Team Lewis’ to scale Mount Snowdon in aid of Alder Hey Children’s Charity. The climb was no small feat, especially for Lewis, a young man who has already undergone 21 surgeries and countless hospital visits. Determined to give back to the hospital that has supported him throughout his life, Lewis set his sights on conquering the Welsh peak.

The sisters threw their support behind him, trekking alongside friends and family to help Lewis achieve his dream. Photos shared on Instagram showed their pride as they reached the summit together.

An Inspirational Journey

On the charity’s JustGiving page, supporters were reminded of the challenge’s deeper meaning: “Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is a truly inspirational place with amazing surgeons, nurses and staff who have always made us all feel so welcome and cared so well for Lewis over the years.”

By completing the climb, the Flanagan sisters not only raised vital funds but also showed the same determination and heart that make their on-screen characters so beloved. Their achievement is a reminder that some of the most powerful stories happen away from the cameras.