Soap actors often forge strong connections while working on long-standing shows, frequently referring to each other as family. However,

what many dedicated fans may not realise is that several stars have genuine familial ties off-screen.

Famed soaps like Emmerdale, Coronation Street, and EastEnders boast numerous real-life relatives either collaborating on the same show

or appearing on rival programmes while cheering each other on. Let’s delve into the soap stars who are actually siblings, kicking off with the Swash and Thomas brothers.

The Flanagan clan is one of the most prominent and recognisable real-life soap families. Isabella and William Flanagan are bona fide twins, although they portray cousins Hope Stape and Joseph Brown on Coronation Street.

Their elder sister, Amelia Flanagan, takes on the role of April Windsor in Emmerdale. The gifted acting trio’s proud parents regularly sing their praises on social media, offering a peek into their lives beyond the soap world, reports Lancs Live.

Ex-I’m A Celebrity winner, Joe Swash, first made a name for himself on Albert Square. He was renowned for his portrayal of Mickey Miller from 2005 to 2011 on EastEnders, where he shared screen time with his actual sister Shana, who played his on-screen sibling Demi.

Ex-I’m A Celebrity winner, Joe Swash, first made a name for himself on Albert Square. He was renowned for his portrayal of Mickey Miller from 2005 to 2011 on EastEnders, where he shared screen time with his actual sister Shana, who played his on-screen sibling Demi.

In the soap opera world, Nick and John Pickard shine as a brotherly pair. The former has portrayed the enduring character Tony Hutchinson on Hollyoaks, whilst his brother John brought Tony’s on-screen sibling Dom to life from 2005 until 2010.

Sebastian and Gabrielle Dowling left their impression playing Emmerdale twins Cathy and Heath Hope, the offspring of Viv and Bob Hope, who first graced screens in 2007.

Sebastian’s character Heath sadly perished in a heart-wrenching New Year car crash storyline earlier this year, though Gabrielle’s Cathy continues to be woven into the soap’s narrative.

Emmerdale star Amy Walsh is widely recognised for her portrayal of Tracy Metcalfe since 2014, yet she’s not the sole gifted member of her clan. Her sister Sally embodied Lyn Hutchinson from 1997 to 2000, and they’re also connected to former Girls Aloud member Kimberly Walsh, alongside their brother Adam.

Coronation Street’s Peter Ash, who brings Paul Foreman to life, shares family connections with his cousin Will Ash in the soap universe, who depicts Caleb Milligan in Emmerdale.

After learning of Will’s Emmerdale casting in 2022, Peter shared his excitement on Twitter: “Yes! This is my cousin, Will! He’s an absolutely fantastic actor, and was one of my big inspirations for getting into acting myself! Can’t wait to see him do his stuff in #Emmerdale!”