Suzanne shouts at Frankie in Hollyoaks
Isabelle Smith plays Frankie Osbourne on the soap (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Hollyoaks actress Isabelle Smith revealed how he deals with her painful illness while filming.

The 22-year-old, who joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap earlier this year as Frankie Osborne, opened up about her endometriosis struggles.

Endometriosis is where endometrial tissue – tissue similar to the lining of the uterus – grows outside the uterus. 

During an Instagram Q&A a fan asked her what it was like filming with the disease.

‘Sometimes it can be challenging if I’m having a flare up, but I make sure to tell people I’m struggling and I just take it at my own pace.

‘I never let it stop me from doing anything but I also have to remember to listen to my body, and if it needs a rest then that’s what I’ll do.’

Isabelle Smith
‘Sometimes it can be challenging.’ (Picture: Instagram)

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She concluded:’I also have a hot water bottle with me at all times even if it’s hot haha! x.’

Isabelle’s portrayal of Frankie – who has been sexually abused by twin brother JJ (Ryan Mulvey) since she was just nine years old – recently earned her a nod for the Caroline Aherne prize for Best Breakthrough Talent at the Royal Television Society Awards North West, as well as being named on the long list for Best Newcomer at the TV Choice Awards.

Celebrating the news on her Instagram Stories, Isabelle wrote: ‘I’m so honoured to have been nominated for best breakthrough talent at this year’s @royaltelevisionsocietynw awards alongside such amazing women! Thank you so much.’

Reacting to the TV Choice Awards nomination, she added: “Can’t believe this!! I’ve also been long listed for best newcomer at @tvchoicemagazine awards! Please get voting all these Hollyoaks (and me if you fancy).”

After years of torment, recent Hollyoaks scenes saw Frankie bravely open up to dad Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson) about JJ’s abuse.

While JJ was subsequently banished from the Osborne family, their mother  Suzanne Ashworth (Suzanne Hall) believed his lies – that is, until the events of stunt week, which saw her share a heart-to-heart with daughter Frankie, confirming that she believed her.

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