Much more than Holly Valance’s little sister

Actor Olympia Valance earns her stripes in our navy and crimson fashion shoot.

Olympia Valance recently signed with California-based talent agency Roar. Picture: Cameron Grayson

OLYMPIA Valance has made a name for herself in her own right.

When she joined the cast of Neighbours as the feisty Paige Smith two years ago, she was known only as Holly Valance’s little sister.

“I haven’t seen an article with Holly’s name in it for a really long time,” she says. “I finally feel like it’s just Olympia Valance now, which is nice.”

As well as coming in to her own, Valance, 23, says she has learnt how to be a better actor since starting on the soapie.

“There is a world of difference between my first episode from where I’m at now,” she admits.

Olympia Valance photographed by Cameron Grayson in Melbourne.

The Neighbours star is no longer referred to as Holly’s sister.

Olympia is heading to the UK to begin auditions for pilot season.

So much so, that she signed with California-based talent agency Roar earlier this year and is about to head over to London to shoot a pilot.

The pilot will be the first time she’ll play a character who isn’t Paige, and she’s nervous at the prospect of it. “I want people to know that I can do something other than Paige. The pressure is a bit overwhelming,” she says.

Having only played the one role up until now, Valance says the biggest difference between herself and Paige is their love lives. “Paige hasn’t settled down with anyone. She’s a bit all over the place when it comes to boys. Unlike her, I’ve always been in long-term relationships,” admits Valance, who began dating retail manager Greg Cannell in late 2014.

“Greg is the most kind-hearted, genuine person. He loves me unconditionally,” she gushes. “He’s made me really love who I am, too. I love my body because he loves my body so much. He’s made me feel so worthy.” And worthy, she is.

Photography: Cameron Grayson

Styling: Marina Afonina

Hair & Make-up: Monica Gingold.

Originally published as Much more than Holly Valance’s little sister