Lincoln Actor's Hollyoaks Debut: Hearing Aids as a Cool Character Accessory!

Indigo Kamal-Poole, a 22-year-old actor from Lincoln, has made his debut on the popular Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, playing the character Xander. Indigo, who wears hearing aids, landed the role after attending a special audition for actors with visible disabilities. He described the experience as 'kind of mental' and admitted that he had doubts about whether he was good enough for the part. However, once he started filming, his nerves disappeared and he became excited about his new role. Indigo's first scene aired on August 26 on E4 and Channel 4 streaming, marking a significant milestone in his acting career.

Indigo explained that his character Xander is emotionally driven and very family-oriented. He described Xander as a 'lost lad looking for answers,' which makes the role both challenging and interesting. Indigo said that being on Hollyoaks is always exciting and dramatic, and he feels that the show suits him well. He also shared that he has received many positive responses from viewers, which has made the experience even more rewarding. One aspect that Indigo appreciates is that his hearing aids are not mentioned in the storyline. He believes that the hearing aids should be seen as an accessory rather than the main focus of his character. Indigo hopes that the writers will continue to treat his hearing aids as just a normal part of his appearance, rather than making them the center of his character's story.

Indigo was diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at the age of four, which means his hearing ranges from mild to severe. The condition was caused by damage to his inner ear or the nerve that carries sound signals to the brain. Indigo's first experience with acting was at age 11 in The Starring Lincoln Theatre Company, directed by his father. He recalled that he initially refused to wear his hearing aids, even throwing them across a shop because he didn't want to use them. Eventually, he began to accept them and even customized them to make them his own. Indigo is proud that his hearing aids are not the main point of his character on Hollyoaks. Crystal Rolfe, director at the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, praised the show for not focusing on the hearing aids, saying that it sends a powerful message to young people with hearing loss that they can achieve their dreams. Indigo's journey is inspiring for others who may feel self-conscious about their differences, and he hopes to continue acting and encouraging others to follow their dreams.

Indigo's story highlights the importance of representation in media. By showing characters with hearing aids as part of everyday life, Hollyoaks is helping to break down barriers and promote inclusivity. Indigo is excited for what the future holds and hopes to keep inspiring others through his work on the show. His role on Hollyoaks is a big step forward in his career, and he is ready for all the challenges and opportunities that come with being on television. The positive response from viewers and the support from organizations like the Royal National Institute for Deaf People show that Indigo's presence on the show is making a difference. Hollyoaks continues to be a platform for diverse stories, and Indigo's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-acceptance.