Kelly Brook, who once graced Hollywood screens in films such as Piranha 3D and the TV series Smallville, has spoken openly about her struggles with the British acting scene since returning from the US. Despite being represented by the same agency as Keira Knightley, Brook has found it difficult to land significant acting roles in the UK, attributing her difficulties to what she perceives as “classism” within the industry.
Speaking to the Daily Mail’s Weekend magazine, Brook described her experience: “I had to sort of start over because I was in LA and in London everything had moved on in our industry. I signed with Keira Knightley’s agency, then my accountant said, ‘Oh my God, you need to get a job,’ but I couldn’t find work as an actress in the UK.”
The Heart FM presenter explained the hurdles she faces: “For me, it’s a closed door. I’m too famous. Or I’m too famous for who I am.”
She announced that after discussions with her agent, it became clear that her options were limited to soap operas.
Brook elaborated on the subject, explaining: “We’re very classist in the UK. I can either do EastEnders or Corrie and that’s it. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with soaps, but these kinds of shows require a huge commitment.”
Earlier this year, Brook told the Daily Star of her decision not to pursue further opportunities in Hollywood, preferring to live the comfortable life at home in the UK with her husband, model Jeremy Parisi: “I’m going to give up acting. I don’t like being away from home for too long.”
“I like sleeping in my own bed and having to take care of my dog. I was a terrible actress. I find it quite exhausting.”
The star also explained that her contented married life made the idea of playing someone else’s romantic partner on screen unimaginable for her.
She confessed: “I can’t imagine turning around to Jeremy and saying, ‘I have six weeks off and I’m going to pretend to be Ryan Reynolds’ mistress, is that okay?’
“I don’t think that would be a good sign. I don’t think my husband would agree to that.”
Looking back on her past, she added: “It was definitely a good time in my life. But you have to give up a lot of your life, I can’t just run away and continue being an actress.”
