"Probably been one of the biggest transitions in my life."

Hollyoaks star Talia Grant has come out as non-binary. The actor, who plays Brooke Hathaway on the Channel 4 soap, said this week that coming out has been "probably the biggest achievement." In a video featuring other members of the Hollyoaks cast, Talia was asked the same question they had been asked one year previous. "Coming out to people has probably been the biggest achievement, coming out as non-binary," they said. "That's probably been one of the biggest transitions in my life and and also the biggest achievement." Talia was cast as Brooke in the soap in 2018. The character entered as a schoolchild and the new foster child of the Osbornes. Brooke, like Talia, has autism. Producers worked alongside the UK's National Autistic Society and a theatre company providing training to support the inclusion of actors with autism and other disabilities. The group oversaw the auditioning and casting process, which included 150 actors. Peter Hunt, casting director, said at the time: "It became apparent by going through the normal methods of casting that we would have a very small pool to meet for the role, for a number of reasons." [caption id="attachment_515701" align="aligncenter" width="723"] Talia and mother, Carrie Grant[/caption] Producer Bryan Kirkwood added that he was "delighted" with the casting. "[They] experience the world a hundred times more intensely than other people," he said, "Every light shines brighter, every smell is stronger – and every word [they] take to heart that little bit more." Talia recently spoke about their experience of autism in school, saying that it can be incredibly isolating. "I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to share some of my experiences. I know it’s not only me who’s struggled at school, but when you are experiencing it, it can feel extremely isolating," they said. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIjM5vnlUy9/ "It’s a blessing to be able to give advice to those who are going through similar situations," they went on. "Thank you to everyone involved. Sending love to those finding school difficult and to anyone who simply wants sum love!!"