Hollyoaks star offers tips after struggling with lockdown mental health

Hollyoaks star Richard Linnell has reached out to those who may be struggling with lockdown life after admitting his won mental health has taken a hit during the coronavirus measures.

The star, most famous for playing Alfie Nightingale in the soap, has been keeping himself busy to try and adjust to the situation and has offered tips on what has been working for him.

He said: ‘If I’m honest, I have not been coping amazingly. I found it really hard to keep motivated, and not let my mental health slip while being stuck at home. So here are a few things that have helped me stay sane(ish).

‘Cleaning your space has an incredible effect on you’re mood. Keeping a routine of exercise and meditation has really helped me actually get out of bed, and be able to do at least something with my day. I’ve also started volunteering for a local food bank, delivering parcels to vulnerable people who are isolating.

‘It’s been a brilliant way to give back to the community, and it means I can get out of the house every now and again, and feel like I’ve accomplished something – it helps my mental health too. I’ve started a BSL course online as well. I’ve always struggled with languages, so really trying to nail this one. Always good to learn new skills in your downtime. Oh, and juggling. Lots of juggling.’

Speaking of juggling, since leaving the soap, Richard has had a variety of projects on his plate from kids shows to overseas filming – as well as some amazing wildlife care.

He enthused: ‘I’ve been working on a few bits and bobs. I spent most of last summer in Germany, filming a new TV show called ‘Pan Tau’. It’s a reboot of a beloved kids TV show from Germany in the ’70s.

‘It was loads of fun and I’m really looking forward to seeing it come out. Other than that, I had a whistle-stop visit to South Africa in December for something I’m not too sure if I can tell you… All I’ll say is you’ve likely seen me on TV earlier this year, but I highly doubt you knew it was me.

‘Outside of the acting world, I’ve been trying to keep busy. I’ve started volunteering for Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire, as an animal rescuer. It’s the largest wildlife hospital in Europe, and they do incredible work, nursing all kinds of animals back to health.

‘From baby hedgehogs to full-grown deer, and everything fluffy, feathered or otherwise in between. I’m incredibly proud to be able to help them in any way I can.’

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Hollyoaks is about to re-air the school explosion drama as part of its Favourites episodes and Richard admitted to having a blast doing it. But what were his favourite ever Hollyoaks storylines?

He grinned: ‘Tom’s turtle club. 100%… just kidding, it’s got to be Alfie and Jade. Their story is a truly touching one, of how love transcends. It was so powerful, and touched so many people, that it was a real honour to be a part of. Plus, Kassius [Nelson, who played Jade Albright] will kill me if I don’t say it.

‘I try to keep in touch with the Nightingale clan, both living and dead (#RIPNathan&Rach) as much as possible, with us all being spread up and down the country. When it comes to the kids, we’ve never really stopped. I’m still up in Liverpool every few months to see Ellis [Hollins, who plays Tom], Ruby [O’Donnell, who plays Peri], and Lauren [McQueen, who played Lily]. The whole gang still talk all the time. Missing those guys a lot right now being stuck at home.’

On his overall Hollyoaks experience, Richaerd added: ‘It was, and I know this phrase is used far too often, but honestly life-changing. In three years, I got the chance to portray some incredibly powerful stories, with some insanely talented people, and help to drive the national conversation on mental health, and teenage cancer.

‘I jumped out of a plane, had a car crash, got blown up and abseiled off a building dressed as rocket racoon for work… But most amazingly, I found a group of people I’m proud to call my family. So I wouldn’t have changed a second of it.’

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