Izuka Hoyle

Source: Peter Searle / Screen International

Izuka Hoyle

”It’s just about having a play,” says Izuka Hoyle, “and I’ve worked in some pretty fantastic playgrounds.”

The proudly Celtic actress speaks of her recent discovery in learning “the power of letting go”, while filming Matt Charman’s upcoming Sky series Prisoner. She undertook most stunts, all while being handcuffed to her co-lead Tahar Rahim, who she describes as a “wizard”. Hoyle plays Amber, a prison officer and new mother grappling with redemption and morality as she escorts Rahim’s high-value prisoner. “It poses the questions of what happens when you link up, literally and figuratively,” she explains.

Hoyle says her approach is grounded in singing, which “goes straight to my root — if something’s not quite working, I’ve gone home and sang stuff out”.

She left school at 16 to study musical theatre at ArtsEd in Chiswick, London and originated the role of Catherine Parr in West End musical Six, before making her film debut in 2019’s Mary Queen Of Scots starring Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan.

Hoyle’s musical ear has helped her span a diverse range of accents, from an American in Dinner With The Parents to a French chef on Boiling Point (film and TV versions, winning her a Scottish Bafta in 2022 for the former). Last year, she appeared alongside Ronan again in The Outrun. “Anytime Saoirse calls, I will do it.”

Hoyle says she would love to work with Guillermo del Toro: “Pan’s Labyrinth has been my favourite film since I was very young. His work is tangible — like you can reach into the screen and touch it.

“I’m proud of the growth that I can slowly see in myself and the way I’m moulding,” she adds. “I can feel myself getting braver.”

Contact: David Lazenby, CvGG

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