ITV Emmerdale star unrecognisable as she launches unlikely career as a potter

03 January 2024 , 23:15

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Sian Reese-Williams has undergone an unusual change in career (Image: ITV)

A former Emmerdale actress has made a somewhat unusual career move by retraining as a potter a decade on from exiting the ITV soap.

Sian Reese-Williams rose to fame as Gennie Walker in the Dales - a role which spanned from 2008 to 2013. The 42-year-old's most memorable storylines saw her embark on a one-night stand with Bob Hope, meet her biological father Shadrach Dingle for the first time, and find love with Nikhil Sharma.

Gennie was eventually killed off, however, falling foul of Cameron Murray, who also murdered Carl King and Alex Moss. Sian went on to star in further hit shows including Line of Duty and Holby City - but it's her new passion that is the most intriguing.

Sian has shared scores of her stunning designs to her Instagram account (sianypots/Instagram)

Sian spent five years on Emmerdale before her Gennie Walker character was killed off (sianypots/Instagram)

Announcing the career move on X (formerly Twitter) last week, she wrote: "Hello. I make pottery now. I’ll be selling these from next Friday so if you fancy a one-off piece of loveliness to brighten your January, head over to my insta. Ta x." The Welsh star included a link to an Instagram reel that showcased her talent in the form of a series of stunning ceramic vases. Her followers were clearly impressed by her work, meanwhile, with one responding: "Mesmerised by each video you post of these."

Another added: "Absolutely beautiful Sian!!!! Love the textures!! All the shapes and sizes!! So talented!! Happy, peaceful, prosperous New Year!" A third declared: "They are spectacular." And a fourth said: "These are gorgeous Sian. Lucky you getting your hands on the clay. Can't wait for the studio to open."

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Last year, Sian penned an essay in which she discussed taking career risks, and not being afraid to say no to a role. She wrote: "It’s virtually impossible to control anything that comes your way. So the little things that you can control become precious. Never be afraid to say no to something that doesn’t feel right.

"The world will not end; your agent won’t drop you. In fact, whenever you have said no to something, the two of you have been on exactly the same page, and this has further strengthened your working relationship. It’s empowering and liberating, and it makes you feel like a boss. Hold onto those moments, because they’ll be rare."

Multi-talented Sian has also competed in the BBC Christmas University Challenge final. Representing the University of Hull where she studied drama, she impressed viewers with her wealth of knowledge and her ability to speak fluently in Welsh.

Alan Johnson