Ela-May Demircan

{{Infobox person

| name = Ela-May Demircan

| birth_place = Crewe, Cheshire, England

| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|2006}}

| occupation = Actress

| years_active = 2011–

| television = Hollyoaks

| agent = Lime Management

}}

Elá-May Melek Demircan (born 2006) is a British actress. She began portraying Leah Barnes on the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks in 2011 when she was four years old. She has been nominated for several awards for the role, including at the British Soap Awards and the Inside Soap Awards. In 2024, it was reported that she would depart the soap to explore other acting roles.

Life and career

Elá-May Melek Demircan was born in 2006 in Crewe, Cheshire.{{cite web |title=Ela-May Demircan |url=http://limemanagement.tv/talent/ela-may-demircan/ |website=Lime Management |access-date=9 August 2024 |archive-date=9 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809154442/http://limemanagement.tv/talent/ela-may-demircan/ |url-status=live }} She is of Turkish descent.{{cite web |title=Turkish actress Ela-May Demircan, says goodbye to the Hollyoaks |url=https://londragazete.com/english/280120/turkish-actress-ela-may-demircan-says-goodbye-to-the-hollyoaks/ |website=London Turkish Gazette |access-date=4 September 2024 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906071921/https://londragazete.com/english/280120/turkish-actress-ela-may-demircan-says-goodbye-to-the-hollyoaks/ |url-status=live }} Demircan trained at the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy. When she was four years old in 2011, she was cast as Leah Barnes in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.{{cite web |last1=Palin |first1=Leanne |title=Crewe youngster nominated for soap awards |url=https://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/news/crewe-youngster-nominated-soap-awards-13041931 |website=Crewe Chronicle |publisher=Reach plc |date=17 May 2017 |access-date=9 August 2024 |archive-date=9 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809154442/https://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/news/crewe-youngster-nominated-soap-awards-13041931 |url-status=live }} She had no previous acting experience and won the role after her first audition. Since Demircan debuted on Hollyoaks, Leah's storylines have included the murder of her mother, Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies), her relationship with her adoptive father Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) and her stepfather Ryan Knight (Duncan James), finding out that they are having an affair, almost dying after drinking too much alcohol, going through her "rebellious teenage years" and becoming a teenage mother, among others.{{cite web |last1=Denby |first1=Laura |title=Hollyoaks airs multiple tragedies after shock stunt and killer discovery |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/hollyoaks/hollyoaks-multiple-tragedies-stunt-newsupdate/ |website=Radio Times |publisher=Immediate Media Company |access-date=4 September 2024 |date=15 January 2024 |archive-date=16 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816134116/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/hollyoaks/hollyoaks-multiple-tragedies-stunt-newsupdate/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine|title=Ste & Ryan A Laughing Stock!|magazine=Soaplife |date=4–17 November 2017 |issue=419 |page=32}}{{cite magazine|title=Killer Ryan: Exposed!|last1=Hughes|first1=Johnathon|magazine=Soaplife |date=24–30 March 2018 |issue=432 |page=30}}{{cite web |last1=Laurie |first1=Dan |title=Hollyoaks Leah Barnes' baby daddy 'rumbled' as Channel 4 soap fans spot subtle clue |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/tv/hollyoaks-leah-barnes-baby-daddy-29942770 |website=Liverpool Echo |publisher=Reach plc |access-date=16 September 2024 |date=16 September 2024 |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916163239/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/tv/hollyoaks-leah-barnes-baby-daddy-29942770 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Laurie |first1=Dan |title=Hollyoaks fans 'work out' who got Leah pregnant - and it's someone close to home |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/hollyoaks-fans-work-out-who-29942865 |website=Manchester Evening News |publisher=Reach plc |access-date=16 September 2024 |date=16 September 2024 |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916092331/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/hollyoaks-fans-work-out-who-29942865 |url-status=live }} During busy periods of filming, Demircan was schooled on set. Demircan's mother explained that her filming schedule differed each week, such as when she had to sit school exams, and that Demircan liked working with Richardson and James as they looked after her. Demircan said that her plans for the future were to write for television or become a media lawyer. It was also reported in 2017 that she likes to read. The following year, Demircan that her friends thought that it was "very cool" that she acted in Hollyoaks, which she believed was partly because they noticed her missing school and did not realise that she received tuition on set too.{{cite magazine |last1=Ellis |first1=Sarah |title=Child's Play |magazine=Inside Soap |date=17–23 March 2018 |issue=11 |pages=50–51}} The actress also revealed that she wanted to carry on acting.

{{multiple image

| align = left

| width1 = 113

| image1 = Kieron Richardson 2019.jpg

| width2 = 100

| image2 = Duncan James 2011 cropped.jpg

| footer_align = center

| footer = Demircan enjoyed working with Kieron Richardson (right) and Duncan James (left), who portrayed her character's adoptive father and stepfather, respectively.

}}

In 2017, Demircan was shortlisted for "Best Young Actor" at the 2017 British Soap Awards for her role as Leah.{{cite web |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=British Soap Awards 2017 winners: Find out which of your favourite shows and stars won a trophy |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/a829869/british-soap-awards-2017-winners-results/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Communications |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=3 June 2017 |archive-date=22 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422101216/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/a829869/british-soap-awards-2017-winners-results/ |url-status=live }} Her mother told Crewe Chronicle that Demircan had found that she was nominated on her birthday and that it was the best day of her life, adding, "She cried when the producer told her. It meant everything to her as she puts her heart and soul into it. She’s really looking forward to the awards night and has had her dress made especially by a friend of mine who is a fashion designer". Later that year, she was nominated for the same award at the 2017 Inside Soap Awards.{{cite web |last1=McGrath |first1=Rachel |title=Inside Soap Awards 2017: 'EastEnders', 'Emmerdale', 'Coronation Street' And 'Hollyoaks' Set For Battle As Longlist Nominations Are Revealed |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/inside-soap-awards-2017-nominations-list_uk_599c1811e4b04c532f444815 |website=HuffPost |publisher=BuzzFeed |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=22 August 2017 |archive-date=27 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927101902/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/inside-soap-awards-2017-nominations-list_uk_599c1811e4b04c532f444815 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Inside Soap Awards 2017 shortlist revealed – which Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks stars are up for prizes? |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a841879/inside-soap-awards-2017-shortlist/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Communications |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=31 October 2017 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221024839/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a841879/inside-soap-awards-2017-shortlist/ |url-status=live }} The following year, she was shortlisted for "Best Young Actor" at the 2018 British Soap Awards.{{cite web |last1=Shepherd |first1=Jack |title=British Soap Awards 2018 winners list in full: Coronation Street named best soap |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/british-soap-awards-2018-winners-list-coronation-street-eastenders-a8381081.html |website=The Independent |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=3 June 2018 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219222102/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/british-soap-awards-2018-winners-list-coronation-street-eastenders-a8381081.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Palin |first1=Leanne |title=Young Crewe starlet up for TV soap award |url=https://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/news/young-crewe-starlet-up-tv-14600238 |website=Crewe Chronicle |publisher=Reach plc |access-date=5 September 2024 |date=4 May 2018}} In 2022, Demircan told Inside Soap that she was enjoying exploring more mature themes and found it exciting, explaining, "I've grown up alongside Leah, and getting to act out this new, rebellious side of her is so much fun. I'm excited every time I read the scripts".{{cite web |last1=Rowan |first1=Iona |title=Hollyoaks star Ela-May Demircan addresses change in Leah's storylines |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hollyoaks/a42185341/hollyoaks-ela-may-leah-storyline-change/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Communications |access-date=4 September 2024 |date=8 December 2022 |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907025122/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hollyoaks/a42185341/hollyoaks-ela-may-leah-storyline-change/ |url-status=live }} In 2023, she was longlisted for "Best Young Performer" at the 2023 Inside Soap Awards for her Hollyoaks role.{{cite web |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Inside Soap Awards 2023 announces full list of nominees |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a44420530/inside-soap-awards-2023-nominations/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Communications |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=4 July 2023 |archive-date=4 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704202303/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a44420530/inside-soap-awards-2023-nominations/ |url-status=live }} The following year, she was nominated for the same award at the first Radio Times Soap Awards.{{cite web |last1=Cremona |first1=Patrick |title=RadioTimes.com Soap Awards winners: Full list revealed |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/radiotimes-com-soap-awards-2024-winners-full-list-exclusive-newsupdate/ |website=Radio Times |publisher=Immediate Media Company |access-date=9 August 2024 |date=13 July 2024 |archive-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713220144/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/radiotimes-com-soap-awards-2024-winners-full-list-exclusive-newsupdate/ |url-status=live }} That same year, when Good Morning Britain presenter Katy Rickitt guest-starred on the soap, she praised Demircan, calling her "nothing short of a little diamond" and "real pro who's submerged herself in her role since practically the moment she was born. I was learning from the best".{{cite web |title=GMB presenter Katy Rickitt to make appearance at Hollyoaks High for GCSE results |url=https://www.irvinetimes.com/leisure/national/23740900.gmb-presenter-katy-rickitt-make-appearance-hollyoaks-high-gcse-results/ |website=Irvine Times |access-date=4 September 2024 |date=23 August 2023}}

In August 2024, it was reported that Demircan would leave her role as Leah in Hollyoaks after 13 years.{{cite web |last1=Warner |first1=Sam |title=Hollyoaks star Ela-May Demircan tipped for exit as Leah Barnes |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hollyoaks/a61834268/hollyoaks-ela-may-demircan-exit-leah-barnes/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Communications |access-date=4 September 2024 |date=9 August 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Lucy |title=Legendary soap star 'quits' 13 years after starring on programme since they were a child |url=https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/hollyoaks-star-exit-13-years-33426418 |website=OK! |publisher=Reach plc |access-date=4 September 2024 |date=8 August 2024 |archive-date=1 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901075927/https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/hollyoaks-star-exit-13-years-33426418 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Hollyoaks star Ela-May Demircan quits after more than a decade on the soap |url=https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/tv/news/hollyoaks-star-ela-may-demircan-quits-after-decade-soap-1404319.html |website=Female First |publisher=Hearst Communications |access-date=4 September 2024 |date=9 August 2024 |archive-date=8 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908203839/https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/tv/news/hollyoaks-star-ela-may-demircan-quits-after-decade-soap-1404319.html |url-status=live }} It was reported that Demircan was looking to move on and play other roles, although the actress did not confirm the news. The news came months after the announcement that several cast members would be axed from the soap due to Hollyoaks having to reduce the number and duration of their weekly episodes. Demircan's final episode as Leah aired on 24 September of that year.{{cite web |last1=Harp |first1=Justin |title=Hollyoaks airs tribute to dead character in Leah Barnes exit |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hollyoaks/a62353512/hollyoaks-spoilers-leah-exit-dead-character-exit/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Communications |access-date=6 November 2024 |date=24 September 2024 |archive-date=26 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126060245/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hollyoaks/a62353512/hollyoaks-spoilers-leah-exit-dead-character-exit/ |url-status=live }}