BLACKBURN-born Hollyoaks star, Rhiannon Clements, has sent a message of support to students at her former drama school after it closed down without warning.

The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA), which is based in London but also has a site in Wigan, closed suddenly on Monday (4 April), announcing it is “no longer able to continue to teach students” and that it would help students to find “alternative courses”.

Rhiannon, known for portraying Summer Ranger in Hollyoaks, attended ALRA North, in Wigan.

A statement on the school's website said: "ALRA went through a restructure in spring 2021 that was designed to stabilise finances.

"But the losses made in the 2020-21 academic year and the lack of any significant new income streams in 2021-22 meant the organisation was not financially viable."

Rhiannon said the news is “gutting” and encouraged students to reach out for her if they needed to.

She said: “The most gutting news about ALRA for those training, working and flourishing within it.

“I couldn’t have afforded to train, enter the industry, or trust who I am if it wasn’t for the Northern campus of the drama school and most of the people there.

“It is heartbreaking that so many have lost the opportunity to do so.

“The abrupt and unfair ending to the school is s****y and support is desperately needed for everyone affected by this.

“I’m not sure how I can be of help but my DMS are always there if anyone needs anything – a brew, a chat, a rant, admin help, a retweet or sharing of anything I learned whilst training that may be of help you now.

“You aren’t alone, ALRA squad.”