TV soap stars go Instagram official as they announce they’re dating in real life

| Freelance Soaps Reporter Published July 23, 2026 9:20am Updated July 23, 2026 9:20am Sometimes Hollyoaks love stories spill off camera! (Picture: Lime Pictures/Metro) In the world of soap, it’s always interesting to see characters to have the most tension on screen, end up coupling up behind the scenes. That certainly seems to be the case for Hollyoaks stars Anya Lawrence and Lewis Walton, who are now dating in real life after they confirmed the news with some gorgeous holiday snaps on social media. The pair, who play headstrong tearaway Vicky Grant and newcomer Caleb Keane respectively, officially came out as a couple on Tuesday evening. Anya took the plunge by sharing a carousel post on Instagram from their stunning getaway, with the caption: ‘Last few weeks in a few different places.’ Anya shared sizzling holiday snaps online. (Picture: Instagram/Anya Lawrence) The reel included pictures of the actors in exotic locations, including Lewis taking a dip in the crystal blue sea. Hollyoaks star Lewis Walton takes a dip in the sea. (Picture: Instagram/Anya Lawrence) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. But the telltale post that revealed their relationship was an intimate selfie of the couple posing in front of the mirror, with only the bottom half of their faces in view, as Lewis placed a hand on Anya’s thigh. The post that made Anya and Lewis official.(Picture: Instagram/Anya Lawrence) This dramatic reveal worthy of Hollyoaks set the comment section ablaze, with their fellow co-stars coming out in force to congratulate them. Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes McQueen penned: ‘Ohhhh,’ with a red heart eyes emoji. Nadine Mulkerrin, who plays gushed: ‘You young sexy people!!’ Isabelle Smith, who plays Lewis’ character’s onscreen love interest Frankie Osborne, commented: “Jaw to the floor,” while Tisha Merry, who plays Vicky Grant’s scheming half-sister Gemma Johnson added a flame fire emoji. Anya and Lewis fuelled rumours of a real-life romance after leaving flirty comments under one another’s posts over the last few weeks. On one of Lewis’ recent posts, Anya went for the direct approaching, posting a simple: ‘I fancy u,’ while Lewis left love hearts under many of her posts. While the young couple’s love life may be blossoming, things are far more complicated onscreen for their characters Vicky and Caleb, who have recently been caught in a tortured love-triangle with Frankie Osborne. Vicky’s love life is far more complicated than Anya’s. (Picture: Lime Pictures) Caleb’s been stuck in the middle between two women ever since Vicky misread an intimate moment between them and leaned in for a kiss. Mortified, Caleb ultimately rejected the advance, which ultimately drove him to mkde things official with Frankie. However, the attempted kiss has left some lingering sexual tension between Caleb and Vicky, a ticking time bomb that could blow up their friendship group at any moment. Anya joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2022 as Scott Drinkwell’s foster daughter, while Lewis made his onscreen debut in April this year as part of the new Keane family, where he was caught up in a car crash with lifechanging consequences. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Arrow MORE: EastEnders fans are ‘counting down the days’ until big Shona McGarty development Arrow MORE: Chris Packham issues come and get me to EastEnders – and he knows the role he wants Arrow MORE: Emmerdale’s Lucy Pargeter ‘expecting triplets’ as she makes unexpected announcement The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.