Hayley Soraya Tamaddon, an accomplished actress and performer, is best known for her roles in the ITV soap operas Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Born on January 24, 1977, in Bispham, Blackpool, to an Iranian father and English mother, she grew up in a vibrant cultural environment that inspired her creative pursuits. Tamaddon attended Montgomery High School in Blackpool and honed her skills in dance at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks and Laine Theatre Arts, laying the foundation for her versatile career. Tamaddon gained significant recognition in Emmerdale as Delilah “Del” Dingle, a role she played from 2005 to 2007. Her tenure on the show showcased her ability to bring depth to complex characters, making Del Dingle a memorable addition to the soap. In 2013, she joined the cast of Coronation Street as Andrea Beckett, a friend of Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and rival to Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh). Tamaddon portrayed Andrea until 2015, leaving the show alongside Craig Charles, who played her on-screen partner Lloyd Mullaney.
Beyond her television roles, Tamaddon has made a mark in the world of musical theatre and entertainment. She has starred in notable productions such as Grease, A Chorus Line, The Rocky Horror Show, and Spamalot. In 2016, she embarked on a UK tour of Chicago, playing the iconic role of Roxie Hart, and in 2018, she starred as Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Her role as Miss Hedge in the West End musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie further cemented her reputation as a versatile stage actress. Tamaddon achieved widespread fame by winning the fifth series of Dancing on Ice in 2010, partnered with professional skater Daniel Whiston, a childhood friend. Their performances, including the iconic Jai Ho routine, captivated audiences, and she claimed victory with over 80% of the public vote. She returned to the show for its all-stars series in 2014.
Her charity work and competitive spirit have also been highlighted in appearances on shows like Soapstar Superstar, where she was the runner-up, raising £25,000 for Brian House Children’s Hospice. She also won Soapstar Superchef alongside Emmerdale co-star Mathew Bose. In addition to her acting and performing career, Tamaddon has appeared in productions such as The Royal, Waterloo Road, Shameless, and the feature film Eaten by Lions (2017). Her commitment to road safety awareness led her to appear in a short film in 2008 promoting safe driving among young people.
Tamaddon’s multifaceted career reflects her talent, determination, and passion for entertainment, whether on screen, stage, or ice. From her early days in Blackpool to her rise as a celebrated performer, she continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances.
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