Mandip Gill

Mandip Gill, honestly, has one of those stories that actually feels relatable, you know? She kicked things off studying BA Hons Acting at the University of Central Lancashire—UCLan for short—in Preston. I mean, Preston, not exactly the glitziest place to start, but hey, everyone’s gotta begin somewhere. While she was there, she didn’t just sit in classrooms all day. She got out, met all sorts of directors and theatre folks, really soaking up whatever she could about acting. It’s the classic “make your own luck” thing, right? Networking, grinding, just getting your face out there. Anyway, after graduation, she landed a spot on the British soap Hollyoaks. That’s a pretty big deal, considering Hollyoaks is basically a rite of passage for UK actors. The show’s set in Chester—so, still in the North, still keeping it real. Mandip didn’t just pop in for a one-off; she became a regular. And honestly, that’s where things really kicked off for her. For a lot of people, Hollyoaks is just background TV, but for Mandip, it was the launchpad she needed. She got to work with different directors, try out all sorts of storylines, and really sharpen her craft in front of millions. Not a bad way to make a name for yourself, right? From UCLan to the big(ish) screen, she just kept hustling.