Cupar actor Rory Douglas-Speed is to star in TV soap Hollyoaks as returning character Joel Dexter.
Rory, 24, studied acting at Napier University before landing the role in the hit Channel 4 show.
Previously played by Andrew Still, Joel returns to the village as a trainee priest.
“It’s very much a learning curve as I have never shot any TV before, so every day is very much a school day at the moment,” said Rory.
Starring alongside stalwart characters including Warren Fox, Rory plays the part of his reformed son, who found himself and religion before returning to the village as a seminarian.
Before his Hollyoaks small screen debut, his previous roles included playing Sick Boy in the production of Trainspotting at London’s King’s Head Theatre.
Rory added: “I could not be working with a better bunch of people down at Lime Pictures. Everyone from cast and crew to the canteen staff are amazing. I’m very happy with the way everything is going at the moment. I’m just so happy to be here.
“Studying at Edinburgh Napier played a big part in me landing this role. The course was fantastic and the team of lecturers were tremendous.
“They really try and get the best out of you, not only as a student but as a working, professional actor.
“It’s not easy. Constantly seeking work and knowing how to get it is very tough but the team tell you how it is and how to approach it. They give you the tools and you know exactly what to do with them when you leave.”
University lecturer Dr Donna Soto-Morettini said: “We’re incredibly proud of all our graduates and it’s great to see such a high level of student success permeate throughout the summer.
“From sold out Fringe shows to Rory landing his role in Hollyoaks and others touring the country in various plays and musicals, it’s been a great run for our graduates.
“When we launched this course, we hoped to prove that we could train actors to industry standard, and it’s great to see the industry responding to our work.
“Every student success helps all of us, and we hope the university will join us in celebrating their achievements.”
