'Oaks actress did pole dance research

Melissa Walton has revealed that she prepared for her role in Hollyoaks by having a pole installed in her living room.

Walton's character Loretta Jones was working as a pole dancer when she was introduced in spinoff Hollyoaks Later, inspiring the actress to learn the skill for herself.

Speaking on Live From Studio Five, the soap star explained: "They didn't ask me to, but I did, definitely. I went and I had pole dancing classes. I had a pole put up in my living room."

She added: "I loved it. It's really good exercise. It's really good for toning."

Walton filmed her final Hollyoaks scenes earlier this week, leaving on the same day as co-stars Kevin Sacre (Jake Dean) and Gerard McCarthy (Kris Fisher).

A number of other cast members are due to depart the teen drama in the months ahead following the arrival of new producer Paul Marquess.