Soap star Poppy turns teacher
A SOAP star is opening her own performing arts academy.
Poppy Rush Eastenders actress and daughter of Corrie star Debbie - will teach youngsters the tricks of her trade from her new venture at Bamford Academy, where she used to teach drama.
Heywood resident Poppy, 25, recently returned home after six months filming the BBC soap, starring as Sophie Dodd - the best friend of troubled Stacey Slater’s secret brother, Kyle.
She has also appeared in Emmerdale and rose to fame as a teenager in Grange Hill - but says teaching is one of her main passions.
“I really enjoy working with children and young people.” she said. “It’s really exciting sharing my experience with others.
“There are so many talented young people out there and teaching is something that’s really important to me.”
Debbie, who has played Coronation Street’s Anna Windass since 2008, has signed up as a patron of the school and will join her daughter at a launch event this weekend.
“It’s been really funny being on Eastenders,” said Poppy.
“Obviously, it’s mum’s rival soap, so everyone was joking about it when I got a part asking if we were going to fall out over it.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in London, but it’s nice to be home. I’m definitely a home bird.”
The Rush family is something of a Heywood celebrity story, with Poppy’s brother, Will, starring in shows such as Waterloo Road and Shameless, as well as appearing on this year’s X Factor.
The siblings are the grandchildren of long-serving Heywood councillor Peter Rush, whose son, Andrew, is married to Debbie.
Poppy has also appeared in Reece Shearsmith’s cult dark BBC comedy Inside No 9, family sit-com Jinx, Sky Living comedy Love Matters and comedy drama Mount Pleasant.
The Rush Performing Arts School, for students aged between three and 16, opens today (Saturday, November 5) with a free taster day.
It offers training in acting, singing, and dancing, with Poppy and other industry professionals.
“I’m really excited about the school,” added Poppy. “It will be lovely to go back to Bamford, as I have spent time teaching there before and really enjoyed it.” To book a place on the taster day, email info@ rushperformingarts. co.uk or call 07531 342244.