Soap star gets casting call as a barrister

SOAP star Sonny Flood has swapped the small screen for the courtroom – and he could not be happier.

Hollyoaks fans will be more familiar with the fresh-faced Flood as his alter ego Josh Ashworth, whose infamous storylines included attempted murder, drinking and joyriding.

But away from the Channel Four cameras, Flood’s burning ambition for centre stage has led him towards a budding career as a barrister.

The 26-year-old has just started his Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) at BPP University Law School’s site in Manchester – a career he has dreamed of pursuing alongside his talent for acting.

“I always wanted to study history first at undergraduate level and then pursue the Graduate Diploma in Law,” said Flood, a former litigation paralegal with Squire Patton Boggs.

“But because I didn’t go to university until I was 22 due to my acting jobs, I decided that now was the right time to pursue law completely.

“I like the complexity, intricacy and detail of law. I like solving problems and thinking of ways through them.

“Couple those aspects with the soft skills that the law requires as well as the ‘theatrical’ side of being a barrister, I see it as a really fulfilling and rewarding profession.

“I’m really enjoying it at BPP University Law School. I’ve learnt a lot since starting in September and I definitely know this is the right career direction for me.”

Mark Keith, BPTC programme leader for BPP University Law School in Manchester, said: “I first met Sonny when I, along with a colleague, undertook a mock interview with him prior to him starting the course.

“Sonny struck me as someone who had the potential to be an excellent barrister. He not only has the intellect but also combines it with a commercial edge which is necessary at the Bar these days.

“Sonny is committed, hard-working and personable so is great to have on the course. I am sure he will do very well on the course and at the Bar thereafter.”

Flood, who has also starred in Cold Feet, Doctors, Casualty and Heartbeat, is in good company too when it comes to television personalities boasting a legal background.

The likes of comedy legend John Cleese, chat show host Jerry Springer and funnyman Bob Mortimer all have law degrees and varying experience.

And Blackpool-born barrister-to-be Flood, who has been acting since the age of 10, can see exactly why entertainers find comfort from the legal profession.

“Acting and the law both require a certain amount of confidence. In both professions you have to be present, portray and provoke emotions and reactions,” Flood said.