Five Fast Facts About British Soap Star Ashley Taylor Dawson

Ashley Taylor Dawson is a British actor who is best known for playing Darren Osborne in Hollyoaks for nearly two decades.

Along with his career as an actor on a British soap, Dawson is also an accomplished musician. From where he was born and raised to being a part of a pop band, here are five fast facts about the actor.

Who Is Ashley Taylor Dawson?

Dawson was born on January 11 in Manchester, England, but he was raised in Wilmslow, Chesire, England. He attended both Ashdene Primary School and Altrincham Grammar School for Boys. He started performing at a young age after joining a local drama group.

Soap Career
Dawson was cast as Darren Osborne in Hollyoaks back in 1999. Adam Booth actually played the character originally, but he left the role in 1997. Dawson also left the role in 2000 to pursue a music career, but he re-joined the show in 2003 and has been a part of it ever since.

Pop Star Dreams
Dawson auditioned to be a member of the U.K. pop band allSTARS* in the very early 2000s. His college best friend, Sam Bloom, was able to get him an audition and he made it into the group. The band performed on a number of shows, including Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Stars in Their Eyes. Though they only lasted for a couple of years, they did have four Top 20 singles.

Reality Show Star

Along with his career as an actor and a musician, Dawson also competed on the reality show Strictly Come Dancing back in 2013. He was partnered with Ola Jordan, and they ended up being voted out in the quarterfinals.

Getting Personal With Ashley Taylor Dawson
Dawson and his long-term partner, Karen McKay, welcomed their first child, son Buddy, on March 23, 2011. They then welcomed their second son, Mason, on October 1, 2013.