Hollyoaks fans have been left wondering about the future of one of the soap’s much-loved characters, Pearl Anderson, following reports that actress Dawn Hope could be stepping down from her regular role.
Dawn has played Pearl since 2021, becoming a familiar face around the village and an important part of the Hollyoaks community.
Is Pearl leaving Hollyoaks?
Reports published in July 2026 claimed that Dawn Hope was planning to leave Hollyoaks as a full-time cast member after five years on the show.
According to those reports, Dawn was looking to return to her theatre roots and pursue more stage work. The reports also suggested that the door would remain open for Pearl to return to the soap for occasional guest appearances.
However, there is an important twist.
Dawn Hope responds to the reports
Following the reports, Dawn Hope appeared to push back against the idea that Pearl was leaving Hollyoaks.
The actress spoke about the situation on social media, saying that she loves working on Hollyoaks and describing the cast and crew as a family.
She also explained that working on other theatre projects or attending auditions does not necessarily mean that she is leaving the soap.
This has left fans with some uncertainty over exactly what the future holds for Pearl.
Pearl’s relationship with Jack Osborne
Pearl has also been at the centre of an important storyline with Jack Osborne, with the pair becoming one of the village’s established couples.
The couple became engaged after Jack proposed, although Hollyoaks executive producer Hannah Cheers has indicated that their wedding isn’t necessarily happening immediately.
With Pearl still having connections and storylines within the village, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what happens next.
Could Pearl return even if Dawn steps down?
Even if Dawn eventually moves away from being a regular cast member, reports have suggested that the door could remain open for Pearl to make guest appearances.
That would mean viewers potentially haven’t seen the last of Pearl, even if Dawn decides to concentrate more on theatre work.
For now, though, the situation remains somewhat unclear because reports of an exit have been followed by Dawn herself publicly disputing the suggestion that she is leaving.
What happens next?
Pearl Anderson has been part of Hollyoaks since 2021, and Dawn Hope has clearly made an impression on viewers during her time in the soap.
Whether Pearl remains a regular, appears occasionally as a guest, or continues on the show as Dawn pursues other projects, fans will have to wait for further confirmation.
But we’ve still got Jack and Pearls wedding to come!
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