Barlow: 'Shoot will shock Hollyoaks cast'

Alice Barlow has predicted that her decision to strip off for a magazine will come as a surprise to her Hollyoaks colleagues.

The 19-year-old actress - who plays Rae Wilson in the Channel 4 soap - appears in her underwear in the latest edition of lads' mag Zoo.

Discussing the revealing photoshoot, Barlow explained: "They see me as 'Little Alice' at work so it will certainly be a shock. I'm excited to hear what they say and maybe it will give them a different perspective of me. I don't want to be naïve 'Little Alice' forever, do I?

"My view is that underwear is the same as a bikini. When I'm on a beach anyone can see me in a bikini so why can't anyone see me in my underwear? It's the same thing, isn't it?"

Barlow confirmed that Gemma Merna (Carmel Valentine) and Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen) were among the Hollyoaks cast members who were already aware of her plans before the magazine went on shelf.

She said: "I did the Hollyoaks calendar and really enjoyed it so I thought I'd give this a go. Gemma Merna and Jorgie Porter just told me to relax and enjoy it, so I did. But then that's easy for them to say - they're gorgeous all the time!"

Barlow's Hollyoaks character is currently expecting a baby with boyfriend Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson), but happiness turns to heartbreak next week when she discovers the truth about the barman's sexuality.

> Barlow: 'Shock twist ahead on Hollyoaks'
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