Hollyoaks newcomer Ellie Henry will see her character Freya suffer ‘life-changing injuries’ in crash

Hollyoaks newcomer Ellie Henry will be at the heart of a horrifying storyline this week as her character Freya suffers life-changing injuries in a minibus crash. 

A school trip ends in disaster when teacher John Paul (James Sutton) crashes the vehicle as a result of his alcohol dependency – and the Channel 4 soap has announced the consequences for Freya will be grave. 

The young girl – Lexi (Nataline Anderson)’s daughter – will not make a full recovery from the injuries which will see her using a wheelchair for the foreseeable future.    

Immediately after the crash, student Mason (Frank Kauer) realises that Freya is still in the van and tries to help her, but to no avail as she is stuck between the luggage and reveals she can’t feel her legs. 

When the paramedics arrive, Freya is rushed to hospital, whilst the police breathalyse John Paul.  

Talking about joining the Channel 4 soap, Ellie said: ‘To join the cast of Hollyoaks and be thrown straight into filming a stunt has been incredible, and unlike anything I could’ve imagined. 

Accident: A school trip ends in disaster when teacher John Paul (James Sutton pictured facing) crashes the vehicle as a result of his alcohol dependency

Ordeal: The young girl – Lexi (Nataline Anderson)’s daughter – will not make a full recovery from the injuries which will see her using a wheelchair for the foreseeable future

Attempts: Immediately after the crash, student Mason (Frank Kauer pictured) realises that Freya is still in the van and tries to help her, but to no avail as she is stuck between the luggage

Unfolding: When the paramedics arrive, Freya is rushed to hospital, whilst the police breathalyse John Paul

‘Freya has so much to come to terms with after the crash and, as a disabled actor, I feel privileged to be able to tell her story. 

‘I’ve had a wonderful time filming so far and have already learnt a great deal from other actors who I’ve been fortunate enough to work closely with. I am beyond excited for you all to see what we’ve been working on.’ 

Ellie’s Instagram bio references ‘visablepeople’. Louise Dyson at the helm, VisABLE People agency is the world’s first to supply disabled actors, presenters and models to the advertising industry, television and film companies, radio and theatre.  

Brave: Ellie said: ‘Freya has so much to come to terms with after the crash and, as a disabled actor, I feel privileged to be able to tell her story’

Platform: The budding soap star often uses her online presence to raise awareness and speak out about disability in broad terms. She suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and epilepsy

In 1994, Louise began integrating disabled actors, presenters and models into mainstream advertising and media campaigns.   

Budding soap star Ellie often uses her online presence to raise awareness and speak out about disability in broad terms. 

She suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – a group of conditions that cause very flexible joints and stretchy and fragile skin – and epilepsy, a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures.