Former Emmerdale Star Rachael Gill-Davis Inspires Next Generation: “You Never Stop Learning”
Life After the Dales
Former Emmerdale favourite Rachael Gill-Davis, best known for her role as Gail Loman, has opened up about life after leaving the ITV soap and her passion for helping young actors find their voice. The actress, who bid farewell to the Dales earlier this year, is now shaping the next generation of screen talent — and her message is simple: “You never stop learning.”
Rachael joined Emmerdale in 2019 as Gail, the love interest of Ryan Stocks (James Moore). She quickly became a fan favourite for her warmth, humour, and chemistry with the Dingle clan before departing in early 2025. Since leaving the soap, Rachael has thrown herself into both stage and teaching work, balancing a busy creative life with an inspiring new mission.
From Soap Star to Stage and Studio
Over the summer, Rachael took on one of her most challenging roles yet — Joan of Arc — describing the experience as “demanding but transformative.” But her artistic journey didn’t stop at performing. She’s now a tutor at MetFilm School Leeds, where she helps aspiring actors not only master their craft but understand the entire filmmaking process.
“The big thing is belief in themselves,” Rachael explained. “Some drama schools can knock actors down. MetFilm encourages them. It lifts people up and helps them discover their own voices. That is why I love it.”
The former soap star describes the school’s energy as “electric.”
“You walk in and it feels alive,” she said. “Students are carrying booms and cameras down the corridors. You can tell things are being created in every room.”
Preparing Students for the Real Industry
Rachael’s teaching approach blends creativity with practicality. Students don’t just act; they learn how a film set operates, how scripts are developed, and how to work collaboratively with crews behind the camera.
“Actors need to be storytellers,” she said, “but they also need to understand the business they’re going into. At MetFilm, they see how lighting, sound, and camera work shape performance. It makes them better collaborators and more prepared for real-world jobs.”
The school’s location gives her students a unique advantage — its campus at Prime Studios in Leeds sits right next door to ITV’s Emmerdale production base. “They’re surrounded by the industry,” Rachael said. “It’s inspiring to know that just outside those doors, real productions are happening.”
Teaching as a Two-Way Street
For Rachael, education isn’t just about giving — it’s about growing.
“You never stop learning,” she reflected. “Some of the most beautiful work I saw last term came from the students. They ask questions that make me stop and think, and that’s brilliant. It keeps me sharp and shows they’re finding their own voices.”
She also draws on her own professional experiences, from the pressure of soap filming to the thrill of live theatre. “When students see that you’ve just come from a production, they know what you’re teaching comes from real life,” she said.
“Come With an Open Mind”
As a new term begins, Rachael is eager to welcome the next wave of students — and her advice to them is full of encouragement.
“Come with an open mind, be ready to work hard, and believe in yourself,” she urged. “The rest we’ll discover together.”
From her days in Emmerdale to her current work mentoring young talent, Rachael Gill-Davis continues to inspire — proving that whether on set or in the classroom, storytelling never stops, and neither does learning.