Roxanne McKee
Roxanne McKee (born 10 August 1980) is a British actress and model. She is best known for playing Louise Summers in the British soap opera Hollyoaks (2005–2008), Lou Foster in the British drama series Lip Service (2010), Doreah in the British-American fantasy drama series Game of Thrones (2011–2012) and Lady Claire Riesen in the American apocalyptic supernatural series Dominion (2014–2015). She has also starred in films including Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines (2012), Vendetta (2013) and The Legend of Hercules (2014).
Roxanne McKee | |
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McKee at Collectormania in 2012 | |
Born | Roxanne McKee 10 August 1980 |
Occupation | Actress |
Years active | 2005–present |
Early life and education
McKee was born in Canada to Irish parents[1] and completed a BA degree in Social Policy & Political Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London in 2005.[2]
Career
Hollyoaks
McKee auditioned for the role of Hollyoaks character Louise Summers in 2004 as part of Hollyoaks: On the Pull, a nationwide search to find a new actor.[3] After being chosen from over 35,000 applicants, McKee began portraying Louise, who was introduced by series producer David Hanson in 2005.
In 2008, McKee hinted at a possible exit for her character, despite refusing claims that she wanted to leave.[4] She told Look magazine: "I'm not going to be there forever. I don't mind the long hours but I'll have been doing that for four years in October when my contract ends."[5] After her contract ended in October 2008, McKee decided to leave the show in order to focus on other projects, mainly theatre.[6] Several months after her final on-screen appearance, tabloid newspapers began to speculate that McKee would reprise the role to coincide with the exit of Jamie Lomas's character, Warren.[7] McKee had previously told Digital Spy: "Well, Louise might not be dead! That's the exciting twist in the future....On screen, you'll feel like she's dead but depending on me and whether I want to come back for an episode in March — I might be back. I filmed an extra scene showing that I'm still alive. There are flashbacks which show me being killed, but then there's a flashback which viewers won't see for a while, that will be used if I choose to come back for the episode. I kind of want to come back and finish off Louise's storyline, but at the moment, I might be doing something else. It would be really good, though — I'd be going back to kill a few people off."[7]
Following McKee's decision to leave, she said: "I have enjoyed my time at Hollyoaks immensely and I'm going to really miss everyone at Lime Pictures. I have learned so much and will take away with me many happy memories — not just from everyone I have worked with but from Liverpool as a city too, which has become my second home. I know I will shed a few tears on the day I leave but I am so excited about what the future holds."[8] Hollyoaks series producer Bryan Kirkwood commented on her departure, stating: "As well as being the nation's sexiest soap star for two years running, Roxanne has worked incredibly hard to prove herself as a talented actress. She has been at the centre of one of our biggest storylines for the past two years and her exit scenes will be a fitting climax. Roxanne is a real star in the making and I'm sure this won't be the last that we hear of her."[8] McKeecKee won the award 'Sexiest Female' at The British Soap Awards in 2007 and 2008, an award she had been nominated for in 2006 and 2009.[9][10] McKee was also won 'Sexiest Female' at the Inside Soap Awards in 2007 and 2008.[11] In 2008 she was also nominated for 'Best Actress'.
Virgin Media profiled some of Hollyoaks' "hottest females" in their opinion, of Louise they stated: "It's no surprise that sultry Roxanne McKee was voted sexiest soap star for two years running at the British Soap Awards. She's so foxy that even on-screen fiancé Warren was sad he had to finish her off."[12]
Subsequent roles
In 2008, McKee appeared in the Taio Cruz music video for "She's like a Star". The following year, McKee filmed parts in Johannes Roberts' hooligan horror film F and BBC Two's The Persuasionists.
In July 2009, McKee became the face of Clothes Show Live, stating: "I've always watched it on TV and wanted to go, so I'm very flattered to be part of such a huge event".[13] In 2010, she was cast in a small role in on-line drama EastEnders: E20, playing bisexual character Pippa.[14]
After modern lesbian drama Lip Service for BBC Three set in Glasgow, McKee played the part of Doreah in Game of Thrones,[15] an HBO series based on the best-selling epic fantasy series of novels written by George RR Martin.[16]
In May 2012, McKee was announced as being part of horror sequel Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines.[17]
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2010 | F | Nicky Wright | |
2012 | Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines | Lita | |
2013 | Vendetta | Morgan Vickers | |
2014 | The Legend of Hercules | Queen Alcmene | |
2014 | Ironclad: Battle for Blood | Blanche | |
2019 | Inside Man: Most Wanted | Ariella Barash | |
2020 | Picture Perfect Royal Christmas | Amanda Eastman | imdb |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2005 | Hollyoaks: No Going Back | Louise Summers | Main role |
2005–2008 | Hollyoaks | Louise Summers | Main role, 278 episodes |
2010 | The Persuasionists | Christine / Agency Worker | Episode: "Cockney Cheese", "The Handsomeness" |
2010 | EastEnders: E20 | Pippa | Episode #2.2 |
2010 | Lip Service | Lou Foster | 4 episodes |
2012 | Lewis | Briony Keagan | Episode: "Generation of Vipers" |
2011–2012 | Game of Thrones | Doreah | Recurring role (seasons 1–2), 11 episodes |
2014 | Alt | Suzy | Television film |
2014–2015 | Dominion | Claire Riesen | Main role |
2016 | Crossfire | Samantha "Sam" Harrison | Television film |
2017–2018 | Strike Back: Retribution | Captain Natalie Reynolds | Main role (season 6) |
2019 | A Paris Romance | Lacey | Television film |
2020 | Pandora | Eve | Recurring role (season 2) |
Awards and nominations
2006
- No. 91 in the FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World.
2007
- Won at British Soap Awards in category of Sexiest Female for her role in Hollyoaks.
- Won at Inside Soap Award in category of Sexiest Female for her role in Hollyoaks.
- No. 42 in the FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World.
2008
- Won at Digital Spy Soap Awards in category of Sexiest Female for her role in Hollyoaks.
- No. 97 in the FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World.
- Won at British Soap Awards in category of Sexiest Female for her role in Hollyoaks.[18]
References
- https://twitter.com/Roxanne_Mckee/status/745513273961775104?lang=en
- Christie, Janet (28 June 2015). "Roxanne McKee keeps it real in fantasy drama". The Scotsman. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
- "Hollyoaks: Desperately Seeking - History". E4. (Channel 4 Television Corporation). 2009. Retrieved 6 December 2010.
- Green, Kris (27 February 2008). "Louise sticking with the 'Oaks". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 17 October 2010.
- Fletcher, Alex (28 May 2008). "McKee hints at Hollyoaks departure". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 17 October 2010.
- "Roxanne McKee quits 'Oaks". What's On TV. (IPC Media). 28 October 2008. Retrieved 6 July 2009.
- Green, Kris (17 March 2009). "McKee to return to Hollyoaks". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 17 October 2010.
- Green, Kris (28 October 2008). "McKee to leave Hollyoaks at Xmas". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 17 October 2010.
- Kris Green and Daniel Kilkelly (10 May 2009). "The British Soap Awards 2009". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 6 July 2009.
- Green, Kris (27 May 2007). "The British Soap Awards 2007". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 6 July 2009.
- Green, Kris (3 July 2007). "The Inside Soap Awards 2007". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 6 July 2009.
- "Louise Summers (Roxanne McKee) - Hollyoaks hall of babes". Virginmedia.com. (Virgin Media Inc.). Retrieved 15 December 2010.
- Daniel Kilkelly. "'McKee fronts Clothes Show Live campaign". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 July 2009.
- Kilkelly, Daniel (29 July 2010). "'EastEnders' announces new 'E20' cast". Digital Spy. London. Retrieved 28 July 2010.
- "Exclusive: Wrong Turn 5 Wraps, Extensive Photo Gallery and Update!". 8 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- Morgan Jeffery (25 January 2011). "McKee 'excited by Game of Thrones role'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 April 2012.
- Full Cast For Now-Filming 'Wrong Turn 5'!, Bloody-disgusting.com, 2 May 2012; retrieved 28 November 2015.
- "Hollyoaks scoops six soap awards". BBC News. 4 May 2008.