Former Emmerdale star Daisy Campbell has launched her own Pilates business eight months after leaving the soap opera. The 22-year-old actress, who played Amelia Spencer for 13 years, opened Pontefract's first reformer Pilates studio called "that.pilatesplace."
Campbell was written out of Emmerdale in 2024 against her choice, which initially came as a shock. Her character's storylines had run their course after family connections ended and her father left the show.
She said: "It wasn't my choice to leave Emmerdale and it was a shock at first. Being in Emmerdale is all I have ever known. I've spent the whole of my childhood growing up in the soap and it felt daunting."
Career transformation
Campbell explained her understanding of the decision, saying: "Once they explained, I totally got it. Amelia isn't part of the Dingles, her dad has left, Samson has gone now and she doesn't have any family. There is nowhere to take Amelia and I understand that." She added: "I feel incredibly lucky to have been in the soap for 13 years and to have been handed so many opportunities at such a young age."
Campbell completed a Level 3 mat and reformer Pilates certification course in spring 2024. She announced her business launch to her 86,000 Instagram followers, sharing her excitement about the entrepreneurial journey.
She said: "I'm so proud to say that I'm officially launching my first ever business @that.pilatesplace. This has been the hardest secret to keep. This year I am so proud of myself. I've pushed myself in so many ways. In ways, I never could've never imagined. My Pinterest 2025 vision board has come to life. The beginning of this year I had so much anxiety, after losing my job last winter, and really didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I always knew I wanted to run my own business one day but didn't know exactly where to begin. After I reflected on what I really wanted to do, I did a level 3 mat and reformer pilates course over the spring and I'm so proud of myself for passing. I realised that I want to help people with lifestyle and fitness, especially through pilates. I want to create a new community for so many people out there."
New chapter journey
Campbell embraced her fresh start by jetting off to New York for New Year's Eve last year to kickstart 2025 in style. This marked the beginning of her transition away from the fictional Yorkshire village where she had spent her entire childhood.
The studio is housed in a renovated old crown court building. Campbell spent eight weeks renovating the space with her 80-year-old grandfather, who taught her valuable skills during the renovation process.
She continued: "Me and my 80 year old grandad have been renovating this old crown court for 8 weeks now and he's taught me so much, and we've both worked so hard on this to get it to my dream. Every little detail is so special. So I would like to welcome you officially to Pontefract's first reformer Pilates studio. A place for everyone and a place to reform your own way! Eeekkk I'm so excited for you to come on this journey, so get following and updates will be on there way…! @that.pilatesplace."
Industry support
Former Emmerdale co-stars showed overwhelming support for Campbell's new venture. Roxy Shahidi, who plays Leyla Harding, added applause emojis to the announcement post, while Amelia Flanagan (April Windsor) wrote: "Congrats beautiful" with red love heart emojis.
Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, said: "You absolute can I please come for lessons!!! I'm so proud of you-you have always been the same-you put your mind to something and work so hard-your hard dedication pays off!! Business Woman." Katie Hill, who plays Sarah Sugden, said: "Ahhhh so exciting!! She's in her business woman era;)) can't wait for this amazing journey xx."
Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle) also added: "Angel girl so proud !!!!! This is only the beginning."
Sources used: "PA Media", "Liverpool Echo", "Manchester Evening News"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
