Holly Rivers became a familiar face on children's television in the late 1990s thanks to her role in the hit ITV series The Worst Witch.
The Welsh former actress starred alongside Felicity Jones and Jessica Fox in the beloved show, which aired between 1998 and 2001.
Based on Jill Murphy's popular book series, the show followed a group of young witches training at Cackle's Academy. Holly portrayed Drusilla Paddock, the best friend and sidekick of snobbish Ethel Hallow (Felicity Jones) – the main rival to protagonist Mildred Hubble (Georgina Sherrington). More than two decades after the series finale, Holly looks worlds away from her iconic character.
Now a successful author, Holly recently launched a nostalgia podcast re-examining the cult classic alongside her former castmates.
Keep reading to find out all we know about Holly's life after fame.
Who is Holly Rivers?
Holly is best remembered for her 38-episode run as Drusilla Paddock in The Worst Witch. Following her breakout role, she went on to make guest appearances in the children's comedy-drama Sadie J and CBeebies series Twirlywoos.
© Instagram / Holly RiversHolly's life after acting
Holly eventually transitioned from acting to writing, publishing three children's books: Demelza & the Spectre Detectors (2020), The Boy in the Post (2022), and its sequel The Sundae Delivery Service (2023).
Reflecting on her career change, Holly revealed that her time on The Worst Witch influenced her path as an author. "As a teenager I spent three years playing the role of Drusilla Paddock in ITV's adaptation of The Worst Witch, so yes, I literally grew up within the pages of a magical children's story," she told Reading Zone. "It was a wonderful experience which inspired me no end, and I guess I've been a storyteller, in various guises, ever since. I've worked as a video journalist, performer, and drama facilitator, but when I discovered writing for children I knew that I'd found the thing that I wanted to do for the rest of my life."
In July, she launched Cackle's After Dark, a podcast revisiting the show through interviews with the original cast.
Oscar nominee Felicity Jones joined a recent episode to reflect on "Ethel's hereditary trauma, running up and down hotel corridors, Weirdsister College, and nights in Soho."
