Rakie Ayola

Rakie Ayola is a Welsh actress known for her work in theatre and television. Born in May 1968, Ayola has made appearances in various television shows including Black Mirror, Noughts + Crosses, Doctor Who, Silent Witness, and EastEnders. She has also starred in a number of Shakespearean theatrical performances and feature films such as Great Moments in Aviation, The i Inside, and Sahara. Ayola gained recognition for her portrayal of Kyla Tyson in the BBC medical drama Holby City. Notable achievements include taking over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and winning a Best Female Actor in a Play award at the Black British Theatre Awards for her performance in On Bear Ridge. In 2021, she received a BAFTA for her role in the BBC One drama Anthony. Ayola is also a strong advocate for increased ethnic representation in the entertainment industry and founded her own production company in 2001.