Brooke Vincent's return to television on the soap opera Hollyoaks has reportedly instilled a significant boost in her confidence, a development that comes as she navigates a personal transition following a rumored end to her engagement with footballer Kean Bryan.
Vincent, 34, who previously starred on Coronation Street, joined the cast of Hollyoaks in July, portraying the character Abigail Matthews. This new role has provided what sources describe as a "new lease of life" for the actress. The professional engagement reportedly helped Vincent counter feelings of boredom she experienced when not actively working. Prior to her Hollyoaks role, Vincent had stepped away from Coronation Street in 2019.
Reports surfaced on Monday that Vincent and former Sheffield United footballer Kean Bryan, 29, had quietly ended their engagement earlier this year. The couple, who share two sons, Mexx and Monroe, became engaged in 2022. Vincent had previously spoken about her tendency to seek out activities at home when not working, noting, "If I’m not working, I’m constantly looking for something to do and saying to Kean: 'Shall we decorate?'" The decision for her to take on the Hollyoaks role was made jointly by the couple.
Sources close to Vincent told The Sun that the Hollyoaks opportunity played a key role in bolstering her self-assurance. "It made her see she’s not just a mum but also a star still – and part of that new found confidence made her look at her relationship," a source stated. The same source indicated that while Kean's career was not necessarily viewed as overshadowing, it often felt like the priority. "In the end, it felt almost like the relationship was holding her back and Kean wasn’t being the cheerleader she wanted," the source added.
Vincent, widely recognized for her role as Sophie Webster on Coronation Street from 2004 to 2019, announced her excitement about joining Hollyoaks in April via Instagram. She shared images from the Hollyoaks village, captioning them: "So excited to be joining the cast of Hollyoaks for such a powerful storyline!! I am so grateful for this opportunity to be back on screen playing a brand new character plus my family will be happy I’m back in a full time job Haha."
The actress also shared a cryptic social media message over the weekend, coinciding with the rumors of the split. Accompanying glamorous photos from a night out with friends, she posted, "August… somehow an ending and a beginning all at once."
A source confirmed to The Sun that Vincent and Bryan are co-parenting their sons and that the decision to separate was difficult. "They are both trying to navigate this new path together," the source said. "Brooke has thrown herself into work, as well as spending time with her friends and Kean is doing the same." The source also noted the adjustment period after a decade together, emphasizing that their sons' well-being and maintaining normality for them are the primary focus.
Representatives for both Brooke Vincent and Kean Bryan have been approached for comment by the Daily Mail.