On Monday, March 31, 2025, Hattie Dynevor, a rising star from the BBC's beloved high school drama Waterloo Road, made a memorable appearance on the ITV panel show Loose Women. At just 21 years old, Hattie portrays Libby Guthrie in the series, but her connections to the world of British soaps run deep, spanning generations.
During her visit, the conversation naturally turned towards her family ties to Coronation Street, one of the UK's longest-running television dramas. Hattie's mother, Sally Dynevor, is well-known for her role as Sally Metcalfe on the show, a character she has played since 1986. Her father, Tim Dynevor, is a scriptwriter for Emmerdale. Yet, as Hattie revealed, her family's soap connections extend even further.
Panellist Sue Cleaver, recognized for her portrayal of Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street, highlighted Hattie's impressive lineage during the show. "Not only did you grow up with Corrie, if I get this right, your grandfather was a director on Corrie, your grandmother acted in Corrie and was also a floor manager and then your mum!" she remarked. Hattie confirmed this rich family history, stating, "Yeah, my grandma and grandpa met on Corrie!" This prompted further inquiries from Sue, who asked, "Didn't your mum and dad meet on Corrie?" to which Hattie replied, "Yeah through my grandma!"
Hattie elaborated on her grandmother's role in the family saga, sharing, "My grandma was like a runner, a floor runner, then she met my grandpa and then my mum met my dad through my grandma." She recounted a charming family anecdote: "She had invited her over for dinner. She was like, 'You have to meet Tim,' and they all had a dinner party, that's how they met!"
Hattie's father, Tim, is the son of Shirley and Gerard Dynevor. Shirley not only worked as a stage manager on Coronation Street but also acted in various television roles, while Gerard directed episodes of the soap in the 1960s. This impressive family background has undoubtedly influenced Hattie's acting career.
When asked if she would consider stepping onto the cobbles of Coronation Street herself, Hattie expressed her openness to the idea. "I would never rule it out! But I'm just focusing on Waterloo Road at the moment!" she said, indicating her commitment to her current role.
Hattie isn't the only one in her family making waves in the acting world. Her elder sister, Phoebe Dynevor, gained widespread recognition for her role as Daphne in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, which premiered in 2020. Phoebe, now 29, also began her acting journey on Waterloo Road, where she played Siobhan Mailey from 2009 to 2010. It seems that the Dynevor family has a knack for captivating audiences.
In a heartfelt Instagram post from 2023, Sally Dynevor expressed her pride in Hattie's achievements, writing, "So proud of you @hattiedynevorr joining @waterlooroad playing Libby Guthrie. Such a fabulous cast and crew. @revolutiontalent_" accompanied by a heart emoji. This sentiment reflects the strong familial bonds and support that continue to inspire Hattie in her career.
As Hattie navigates her role in Waterloo Road, she is also tackling a challenging storyline where her character becomes a victim of coercive control from her first boyfriend. This plot development adds a layer of depth to her performance and showcases her ability to handle complex themes.
Fans of Loose Women will be able to catch future episodes airing on weekdays at 12:30 PM on ITV and ITV X, where discussions often delve into the lives and careers of notable figures in the entertainment industry. Hattie's appearance on the show not only highlighted her family legacy but also provided a glimpse into her aspirations and current endeavors.
In a world where family connections often pave the way for success, Hattie Dynevor's story is a testament to the power of heritage and the impact of supportive relationships. With her talent and determination, she is poised to carve out her own path in the competitive landscape of television.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, audiences can look forward to watching Hattie Dynevor grow as an actress while keeping an eye on the enduring legacy of the Dynevor family in British soap operas.
