Latest news with #Zoë
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I'm an ex-soap star & my voice is now world famous due to viral ads… but I'm terrified of being sacked
AN EX-soap star has spoken out after a catchphrase she recorded for a TV advert unexpectedly turned her into a global sensation . Many people might Advertisement 11 Zoë Lister met up with The Sun this week for an exclusive chat Credit: Louis Wood 11 Her voice over has gone viral on TikTok Credit: Instagram 11 Zoë appeared in Hollyoaks for four years until 2010 Credit: Channel 4 The voice actor started recording voice-overs for Jet2 in 2019, with commercials played between episodes of ITV series Love Island. But now her famous phrase, "Nothing beats a Jet2 Holiday " - from an advert first broadcast last year - is being clipped and used by hundreds of thousands of fans on TikTok and Instagram . Zoë has given an insight into a whirlwind few weeks after her lines from the popular commercial went viral on social media. The catchphrase has been described as the sound of the summer after social media users started dubbing the track over clips showing Brits brawling abroad and turbulent flights. Advertisement READ MORE NEWS The craze got to a point where Zoë believed it would spell the end of her Jet2 career. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the mum-of-two admitted she is still dumbfounded by her sudden fame. She joked: "It's all a bit silly, isn't it? "It was just a voiceover. I've done these voice overs for several years for Jet2, and this was just a new campaign. Advertisement Most read in Showbiz Exclusive Exclusive Exclusive "And it was the Nothing Beats a Jet2 holiday line. That was the slogan. "I'd never in a million years think that that this was going to be the thing to go viral." Watch the moment Jess Glynne finally meets Jet2 voiceover star after TikTok trend goes viral Zoë continued: "It's annoying me probably the same as everybody else right now. "My friends and family are just sending me videos all the time, but everyone's just along for the ride." Advertisement She said things "got super weird" when she was on a train last week and heard several people listening to the catchphrase on their phones. "But we're all just really enjoying it because it's just silly, it's stupid joy, and that's what we all need," Zoë said. "It's time limited, but for now, I'm just enjoying the ride. I'm having a really fun summer." My friends and family are just sending me videos all the time, but everyone's just along for the ride. Zoë Lister actress and voice over artist The sound even interrupted an important anniversary meal for Zoë and her husband, who overheard another table quoting it. Advertisement She added: "I was out for dinner with my husband because we were celebrating our 10-year anniversary. "But there was clearly some more dominant stuff going on at the time! "We were sat there and the next door table were doing their own video of Jet2 holidays, doing all the voices. 11 Zoë has been doing voice overs for Jet2 since 2019 Credit: Alamy Advertisement 11 Zoë feared the worst when her voice suddenly went viral Credit: Louis Wood 11 She was delighted when Jet2 renewed her contract Credit: Louis Wood "And my husband was like, 'do you want to meet the woman that has the voice?'. "He's leaning into it now. It was really funny. It was a good moment for all of us," said Zoë. Advertisement Referring to the catchphrase suddenly going viral, she continued: "Things started to get weird last year. People would send me videos of terrible turbulence with my really happy voiceover over the top. "It was really funny, but I was really certain that Jet2 were going to rebrand. I didn't know what they were thinking about the viral stuff. "I'm not joking, two weeks ago, I was crying to my husband about the direction of my life. "I didn't know where they (Jet2) were going. I was hoping they had a sense of humour," she said. Advertisement "And then it's just gone really positive and joyful. And I'm all about the joy. "I went to Leeds Pride with them at the weekend and performed on stage. It was great." Jess Glynne Popstar Earlier this week, Advertisement The pair had previously never met, despite the 2015 hit being the theme song for Jet2 for a decade. In a video posted to Instagram, Jordan was so excited that he squealed it was "finally happening" ahead of the two women meeting. "It's happening! It's happening!" he screamed, as Zoë entered the studio and gave Jess a hug. While in the studio, Zoë gave an impromptu live performance of her famous voice over while Hold My Hand played in the background. Advertisement Speaking on the experience, Zoë said: "I feel like the summer has been leading up to this point when Jess Glynne and I are in the same room. "(Capital) asked if I fancied coming on the breakfast show to talk about it. And I was like, all right. "Capital made it happen. I felt like I'd won a competition to be on there. "We met and it was hilarious. She's just a really cool popstar who didn't ask for any of this. Advertisement "I suggested that I was kind of in her band now, but I don't think she agreed! 11 Zoë met Jess Glynne this week on Capitol Credit: CapitalOfficial/Instagram 11 Glynne's music has been used in the Jet2 ads for years goes Credit: CapitalOfficial/Instagram 11 Glynne performing at the Isle of Wight Festival earlier this summer Credit: The Mega Agency Advertisement "Then on the show, Chris Stark said he was DJing that night and asked if I wanted to do a live performance of the Jet2 voiceover. "I was like, yes, let's go. I felt like a Spice Girl." Hitmaker Jess joked it was the "most amazing thing", before she recorded her own version of Zoë's famous voiceover. When quizzed on the origins of the slogan, she told The Sun: "We usually kind of work it a few times. Advertisement "Especially the line, um, that's £200 off for a family of four because it is kind of so ridiculous. "We're like, how do we say this without being really patronising? "Because my normal speaking voice is not quite my voiceover. "I'm not selling people holidays in my day to day interactions! Advertisement "I remember the sound engineer told me, 'you've just got to throw it away. Let them in on it like they're your friend'." Zoë is now looking at launching her own podcast on the back of her TikTok fame. She added: "I'm very grateful that Jet2 are going to re-sign my contract. "That was my number one priority. But I do other things, I'm a writer and an actor as well. Advertisement "I started to make silly comedy videos on TikTok last year because this is the "So I'll probably just keep putting videos out and see what emerges from that. "I haven't really done any acting for ages because I've had children. You just run out of time to be creative. "You don't have the time or energy to be able to do things in the hope that somebody might buy your script. Advertisement "But I've been working on a podcast idea for ages. I think maybe now's the time, especially now that people absolutely know my voice. "This moment has just been really fun. Whatever happens is just unexpected and joyful. It's great." 11 Zoë at the 2009 British Soap Awards Credit: PA:Press Association 11 Zoë, pictured in Hollyoaks with co-star Jennifer Bidall, was involved in some explosive storylines on the soap Credit: Channel 4 Advertisement
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm an ex-soap star & my voice is now world famous due to viral ads… but I'm terrified of being sacked
Zoë said she was crying to her husband two weeks ago about the direction of her life STAR VOICE I'm an ex-soap star & my voice is now world famous due to viral ads… but I'm terrified of being sacked Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN EX-soap star has spoken out after a catchphrase she recorded for a TV advert unexpectedly turned her into a global sensation. Many people might recognise actress Zoë Lister, 43, from her four-year stint on Hollyoaks until 2010 - but to millions more, she's the current voice behind an iconic airline ad campaign. 11 Zoë Lister met up with The Sun this week for an exclusive chat Credit: Louis Wood 11 Her voice over has gone viral on TikTok Credit: Instagram 11 Zoë appeared in Hollyoaks for four years until 2010 Credit: Channel 4 The voice actor started recording voice-overs for Jet2 in 2019, with commercials played between episodes of ITV series Love Island. But now her famous phrase, "Nothing beats a Jet2 Holiday" - from an advert first broadcast last year - is being clipped and used by hundreds of thousands of fans on TikTok and Instagram. Zoë has given an insight into a whirlwind few weeks after her lines from the popular commercial went viral on social media. The catchphrase has been described as the sound of the summer after social media users started dubbing the track over clips showing Brits brawling abroad and turbulent flights. The craze got to a point where Zoë believed it would spell the end of her Jet2 career. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the mum-of-two admitted she is still dumbfounded by her sudden fame. She joked: "It's all a bit silly, isn't it? "It was just a voiceover. I've done these voice overs for several years for Jet2, and this was just a new campaign. "And it was the Nothing Beats a Jet2 holiday line. That was the slogan. "I'd never in a million years think that that this was going to be the thing to go viral." Watch the moment Jess Glynne finally meets Jet2 voiceover star after TikTok trend goes viral Zoë continued: "It's annoying me probably the same as everybody else right now. "My friends and family are just sending me videos all the time, but everyone's just along for the ride." She said things "got super weird" when she was on a train last week and heard several people listening to the catchphrase on their phones. "But we're all just really enjoying it because it's just silly, it's stupid joy, and that's what we all need," Zoë said. "It's time limited, but for now, I'm just enjoying the ride. I'm having a really fun summer." My friends and family are just sending me videos all the time, but everyone's just along for the ride. Zoë Lister The sound even interrupted an important anniversary meal for Zoë and her husband, who overheard another table quoting it. She added: "I was out for dinner with my husband because we were celebrating our 10-year anniversary. "But there was clearly some more dominant stuff going on at the time! "We were sat there and the next door table were doing their own video of Jet2 holidays, doing all the voices. 11 Zoë has been doing voice overs for Jet2 since 2019 Credit: Alamy 11 Zoë feared the worst when her voice suddenly went viral Credit: Louis Wood 11 She was delighted when Jet2 renewed her contract Credit: Louis Wood "And my husband was like, 'do you want to meet the woman that has the voice?'. "He's leaning into it now. It was really funny. It was a good moment for all of us," said Zoë. Referring to the catchphrase suddenly going viral, she continued: "Things started to get weird last year. People would send me videos of terrible turbulence with my really happy voiceover over the top. "It was really funny, but I was really certain that Jet2 were going to rebrand. I didn't know what they were thinking about the viral stuff. "I'm not joking, two weeks ago, I was crying to my husband about the direction of my life. "I didn't know where they (Jet2) were going. I was hoping they had a sense of humour," she said. "And then it's just gone really positive and joyful. And I'm all about the joy. "I went to Leeds Pride with them at the weekend and performed on stage. It was great." Jess Glynne Popstar Jess Glynne, 35, sings the iconic Hold My Hand backing track for the proper advert. Earlier this week, Zoë was invited onto the Capital breakfast show, hosted by Jordan North, to link up with the singer for the first time. The pair had previously never met, despite the 2015 hit being the theme song for Jet2 for a decade. In a video posted to Instagram, Jordan was so excited that he squealed it was "finally happening" ahead of the two women meeting. "It's happening! It's happening!" he screamed, as Zoë entered the studio and gave Jess a hug. While in the studio, Zoë gave an impromptu live performance of her famous voice over while Hold My Hand played in the background. Speaking on the experience, Zoë said: "I feel like the summer has been leading up to this point when Jess Glynne and I are in the same room. "(Capital) asked if I fancied coming on the breakfast show to talk about it. And I was like, all right. "Capital made it happen. I felt like I'd won a competition to be on there. "We met and it was hilarious. She's just a really cool popstar who didn't ask for any of this. "I suggested that I was kind of in her band now, but I don't think she agreed! 11 Zoë met Jess Glynne this week on Capitol Credit: CapitalOfficial/Instagram 11 Glynne's music has been used in the Jet2 ads for years goes Credit: CapitalOfficial/Instagram 11 Glynne performing at the Isle of Wight Festival earlier this summer Credit: The Mega Agency "Then on the show, Chris Stark said he was DJing that night and asked if I wanted to do a live performance of the Jet2 voiceover. "I was like, yes, let's go. I felt like a Spice Girl." Hitmaker Jess joked it was the "most amazing thing", before she recorded her own version of Zoë's famous voiceover. When quizzed on the origins of the slogan, she told The Sun: "We usually kind of work it a few times. "Especially the line, um, that's £200 off for a family of four because it is kind of so ridiculous. "We're like, how do we say this without being really patronising? "Because my normal speaking voice is not quite my voiceover. "I'm not selling people holidays in my day to day interactions! "I remember the sound engineer told me, 'you've just got to throw it away. Let them in on it like they're your friend'." Zoë is now looking at launching her own podcast on the back of her TikTok fame. She added: "I'm very grateful that Jet2 are going to re-sign my contract. "That was my number one priority. But I do other things, I'm a writer and an actor as well. "I started to make silly comedy videos on TikTok last year because this is the future now. "So I'll probably just keep putting videos out and see what emerges from that. "I haven't really done any acting for ages because I've had children. You just run out of time to be creative. "You don't have the time or energy to be able to do things in the hope that somebody might buy your script. "But I've been working on a podcast idea for ages. I think maybe now's the time, especially now that people absolutely know my voice. "This moment has just been really fun. Whatever happens is just unexpected and joyful. It's great." 11 Zoë at the 2009 British Soap Awards Credit: PA:Press Association
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Woman behind viral Jet2 voiceover's rise to fame – from Butlins job to soaps role
A Jet2 advert audio has gone viral on TikTok with many users adding it to funny travel or holiday clips but people are only just learning who does the voice of the now global meme If you've been on social media in the last few weeks you've probably heard a certain Jet2holidays meme audio. It quickly went viral, largely due to a TikTok trend, and people are only just realising the familiar voice behind it. The voiceover star is Zoë Lister, who played the role of Zoe Carpenter in Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2010. After that she was a writer for Hollyoaks and some children's TV dramas for 10 years but today she is most recognisable for voicing a Jet2holidays advert that features the catchy line 'nothing beats a Jet2 holiday' with Jess Glynne's song Hold My Hand playing in the background. Zoë told Mirror she recorded this voiceover around 18 months ago but in the last few weeks it has 'just exploded around the world". A TikTok trend has dominated the platform and it involves short clips of travel blunders and funny holiday moments with the Jet2 campaign soundtrack. There are currently 1.4 million TikTok videos using the Jet2 jingle and more than 192,000 clips using the hashtag Jet2holidays. What's more mind-blowing is Jet2holidays is a UK operator that only flies to destinations across Europe but the voiceover has reached global online audiences. Zoë, who has worked on the Jet2holidays voiceovers for seven years, was completely taken by surprise when she noticed the audio had gone viral. She said she is 'permanently astonished' and has received messages from people across the world. The 43-year-old mum-of-two, who grew up in Redditch in the Midlands, added: 'TikTok is amazing because it reaches so many people and so many different kind of audiences are on it and responding to things and making really funny content with whatever they can find and you know I guess the voiceover because it's so relentlessly upbeat it lends itself well to parody videos.' Zoë has even been asked to perform the voiceover on stage at festivals in the UK and shared she thinks last year was 'Brat girl summer' and 'this year is like Jet2 girl summer". She explained she first started being sent videos in October of people using the Jet2holidays voiceover on funny travel videos and she saw a post on TikTok or Instagram of someone dressed as Jess Glynne for Halloween and someone else dressed as a flight attendant who did the voiceover. The funniest video Zoë has seen using the viral audio meme is one of a woman on a fast rollercoaster who gets hit in the chest by a flying seagull and then realises she needs to get the bird off her. Zoë explained: 'We (Brits) love to take the mickey out of things and finding everything funny basically but what has been surprising is the fact that the rest of the globe are in on it as well even though they don't know what a Jet2 holiday is.' The voiceover artist revealed that initially she was unsure how Jet2 felt about the viral nature of the meme and two weeks ago she was 'crying' to her husband as she was worried that Jet2 might rebrand. Luckily, she later found that Jet2 'have a great sense of humour' so she didn't need to worry as it has 'turned into the best ad campaign for years'. Zoë's career started as a singer and dancer for Butlins before she moved to London and became an actress, TV writer and began doing voiceovers. She first got involved with Jet2 when they sponsored Love Island and then she ended up doing the whole campaign. The mum-of-two has since done many different ad campaigns for Jet2 which has kept her busy and described it as 'quite a gift of a job.' Zoë also disclosed a new project she is working on inspired by the viral success of the Jet2 campaign: 'I am going to launch a podcast and I think it's going to be called Absurdly Camp Z Lister because I did ask Chat GPT what it was about the voiceover that people have so responded to and Chat GPT was like quite rude and said 'the absurdly camp delivery' and that phrase has really stuck with me and I'm like I'm just going to lean into this.'
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I was given 6 months to live after a ‘pulled muscle' in yoga class – just days after I gave birth
'I remember thinking I was going to die and I wasn't going to see Penelope grow up,' the mum said about the day she found out she might die TRAGIC DIAGNOSIS I was given 6 months to live after a 'pulled muscle' in yoga class – just days after I gave birth ZOE Handscomb-Edwards was shocked to learn a pain she thought was a pulled muscle was diagnosed as cancer. At 44, mere weeks after having her first baby, Penelope, the mum from Dorset faced a devastating prognosis - she had as little as six months left to live. 8 Zoë has been given as little as six months to live Credit: Kennedy News 8 The lump on the mum's right thigh that she initially believed to be a pulled muscle Credit: Kennedy News 8 The 44-year-old was pregnant when she discovered she had cancer Credit: Kennedy News 'It was the worst day of my life,' said Zoë, a digital marketing manager, as she remembered being told she had sarcoma, a type of cancer that starts in the bones and soft tissue. It's a fairly rare illness, with around 15 people diagnosed each day in the UK - adding up to roughly 5,500 cases annually. It all began in October 2022 when Zoë first spotted the lump on the back of her right thigh. She said: "I was in yoga with my friend, and I said 'what do you think this is?'. "The lump was bigger than a golf ball, it wasn't painful and I had no side effects from having it. "We both felt it and she said 'it feels like you've just pulled a muscle'." And then, Zoë found out she was pregnant. "It was incredible, we were so happy," she said. For "peace of mind" and so she could "focus on being a mum", Zoë decided to get the lump looked at by her GP in March. In May 2023, three months after her first doctor's appointment, Zoe was told she had PEComa, a very rare type of soft tissue sarcoma. The symptoms of sarcoma cancer including tummy pain "I was told the stats of PEComa is fewer than one in a million people worldwide each year," she said. "I remember walking out of the hospital and bursting into tears in the car park," she added. The mum was referred to the sarcoma clinic at Bournemouth Hospital in Bournemouth, Dorset, and then moved under the care of The Royal Marsden in Chelsea, London. The same month, while seven months pregnant with Penelope, Zoe underwent surgery to remove a 20cm tumour. A PET scan in August, just a month after her planned C-section, revealed the cancer had spread, defining her prognosis. "They told me I had between six months and two years to live," she said. 8 While seven months pregnant with Penelope, Zoe underwent surgery to remove a 20cm tumour Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 8 Her daughter was born via c-section in July 2023 Credit: Kennedy News "It was another worst day of my life," she added. "I remember thinking I was going to die and I wasn't going to see Penelope grow up. "The thought of not seeing her grow up is what always gets me, but it also keeps me going. "Every moment I have with Penelope and Rob, and my friends and family is precious." What is PEComa? PEComa is a very rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops from the cells lining the blood vessels. PEComa, also known as perivascular epithelioid cell tumour, is a very rare sarcoma that can occur anywhere throughout the body. But, it most often occurs in the uterus, skin, liver and gut. It's most commonly associated with young to middle-aged adults. It is also far more common in women. The cause of PEComa is unknown, but researchers think that PEComa is caused by errors in genes called TSC1 and TSC2. The mum was told her treatment options were limited as there is no reatment pathway for PEComa. "Radiotherapy gave me some more time," she explained. "I said I wanted to travel so we took Penelope at three months' old, while I was on maternity leave, and did a three-week trip around Europe, which was amazing. "I'm not trying to chase down a cure, obviously if my cancer went away that would be incredible but every doctor I've spoken to has said it's incurable. "In my mind I've thrown the prognosis out of the window and I'm just living, this August will be two years and I'm doing okay." After surgery on her leg and palliative radiotherapy, Zoë is now seeking 'experimental' treatments not available on the NHS. 8 The mum after her leg surgery Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 8 She is worried she won't see her daughter grow up Credit: Kennedy News Husband Rob Handscomb-Edwards, 37 and has launched a GoFundMe to raise money for them, to give Zoë as much time as possible with her family, including now, 23-month-old Penelope. Zoë said: "The radiotherapy bought me some time. This is how I've made peace with my cancer, we make a plan and do something that buys me more time. "Chemotherapy doesn't really help with PEComa. I've found other PEComa patients from around the world on Facebook and we share our information about what's helping them. "Unfortunately most of them are not covered on the NHS because they're considered experimental. "We're decided on a £40,000 goal for a year's worth of targeted treatment. "The outpouring of love from everybody keeps me going now it's a waiting game. It's been a really tough two years, but I've made my peace with it. "It's really important to raise awareness of rare cancers. It's so important to get any unusual lumps or bumps checked out as soon as possible." 8 Zoë and her husband Rob on their three-week trip around Europe Credit: Kennedy News
IOL News
04-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
R35,000 in 30 Minutes: The world rallies to help little Zoë hear for the first time
Tracy Olivari and her beautiful daughter Zoë Image: Supplied Just days after her heartfelt plea appeared in the Weekend Argus, Tracy Olivari from Goodwood received the kind of news that changes lives forever. In a bid to raise R35,000 for her daughter Zoë's hearing assessment and treatment — a crucial step before the young girl starts Grade 1 — Tracy never imagined how quickly help would come. Thanks to international support, including a powerful boost from American YouTuber Colonel Chris Wyatt, the full amount was raised in just 30 minutes. 'I'm still trying to wrap my head around it,' Tracy shared. 'I thought I'd be waiting months — I didn't expect this to happen in three days, let alone in under an hour. I'm completely overwhelmed.' Four-year-old Zoë's story of being born prematurely at just seven months, and was given only hours to live, touched many people, including Wyatt, a retired US Army colonel known for spotlighting South African stories. Wyatt, shared Zoë's story with his audience, who responded almost instantly — giving Zoë not only a chance to hear for the first time, but the opportunity to start school on equal footing with her peers. Tracy with a brave little Zoë Image: Supplied An appointment has already been booked with an audiologist for 17 June, just ahead of the new school term. It marks the beginning of a long-awaited journey for Zoë, who has never been able to hear since birth and in turn affected her speech. 'At least now, I can take her for proper assessments. That's something I couldn't do before,' Tracy said. 'It's going to be life-changing for her — and for us as a family.' The generosity didn't stop with donations. Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services also jumped into action to help make one of Zoë's dreams come true. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services, immediately reached out to the Weekend Argus after reading Zoë's story. He offered her a personal tour of the Goodwood Fire Station — her favourite place. 'Most of us in the Fire Service are parents, and we all know the daily struggles and joys our kids bring to our lives,' said Carelse. 'Sometimes, the little moments — like bringing your child to a fire station — become the big ones. And who doesn't want to be a firefighter? We will make Zoë's day extremely special. We also want to show appreciation to Tracy, who is a single parent, and still giving 200% to make memories each day.' Tracy said she wants to stay transparent and keep supporters updated, and has launched a YouTube channel where she will document Zoë's journey — from diagnosis to treatment, and hopefully to the moment she hears for the first time. 'I want people to see where the money is going. I want them to feel a part of this journey. It's their kindness that made it possible.' Tracy recalled the exact moment everything changed. 'I had just left the office, and the campaign had only hit R1,100. My faith was low. I told myself I wouldn't keep checking because I'd just stress myself out. Then I got a call from my mum. She said, 'Tracy, we made it. Go and look.' When I saw that we'd gone over the target, I just cried. I was laughing, crying, silent — everything at once.' Even Zoë's older sister, just eight years old, was moved to tears. 'She said she's so excited to finally hear her sister's voice. We just held each other and cried.' Zoe Olivari Image: Supplied For Tracy, the journey is about more than just hearing aids or doctor's appointments. It's about the everyday moments most take for granted. 'She doesn't know what a bird sounds like. She's never heard my voice. I can't call out to her when she runs off — I just have to follow. I can't wait to hear her say: 'I love you, Mommy'. To hear it — not just feel it — that will be everything '2025 — who would've thought this would be the year everything turned around? It's a reminder that God really does come through. And that there are still incredibly good people in the world.' 'To every single person who donated — from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You've done more than help my daughter hear. You've shown us love, hope, and humanity. 'Thank you for the prayers especially- there is really power in prayer =. To the Fire department, thank you for reaching out, I know Zoë is going to love experiencing the big fire trucks, she's always been fascinated with it. 'And to the Weekend Argus — thank you for helping us tell our story…Thank you for being the one publication who got back to me. You helped change our lives.' [email protected] Weekend Argus
