Holly Valance Sparks National Debate After Appearing With Tommy Robinson at ‘Unite the Kingdom’ Rally

Holly Valance has become the centre of a fierce national conversation after being photographed alongside activist Tommy Robinson at the massive “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration in London. The event, held on Saturday and attended by well over 100,000 people, led to numerous disturbances and more than two dozen arrests, thrusting Valance’s appearance firmly into the political spotlight.

The Australian-born actress and singer, best known for her breakout role as Felicity “Flick” Scully in Neighbours, was seen placing her arm around Robinson during the gathering. Wearing a “Make England Great Again” cap, she publicly praised what she described as Robinson’s “redemption,” a comment that immediately triggered heated debate online and across the media. Valance has increasingly aligned herself with Reform UK over the past few years, and her presence at the rally reinforced the perception that she has become an outspoken supporter of the party’s agenda.

This latest appearance comes at a time of personal transition for the 42-year-old star. Her estranged husband, billionaire property developer Nick Candy, recently assumed a financial role within Reform UK after walking away from the Conservative Party. The couple, who announced their separation after 13 years of marriage, have frequently been photographed at political events together in the past.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph Australia, Valance described the rally as a “historic moment” and said she believed it represented a clear shift in public sentiment. She spoke with enthusiasm about hearing the crowd sing Jerusalem, adding that in her view millions around the country had shown unity during the weekend’s demonstrations.

The protest was spread throughout central London, primarily around Parliament Square, and featured speeches, chants and a significant police operation designed to keep various groups apart. Estimates of attendance ranged between 110,000 and 150,000 people, making it one of the largest political gatherings of the year. At the same time, a nearby counter-protest — focused on promoting equality and combating discrimination — drew thousands of activists who voiced opposition to some of the messages associated with the main rally.

Tensions escalated in the afternoon when police attempted to block large groups of demonstrators from entering the counter-protest area. Officers reported that objects were thrown at them, forcing reinforcements — including dozens of helmeted police and mounted units — to intervene. A number of police officers were injured during the confrontations, and by the end of the day, authorities had detained 24 people for alleged public-order offences.

Political leaders were quick to respond. Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer criticised the use of the British flag in ways he said deepened social division, and condemned the violence directed at officers. He emphasised that the Government would not tolerate attacks on police or behaviour that inflamed tensions on the streets.

The event also attracted several high-profile international figures, adding to the spectacle and controversy. Among them was Elon Musk, whose presence surprised many observers. Musk not only addressed the crowd but later appeared on stage with Robinson for a lengthy conversation about politics, governance and the future of the UK. Their exchange, which quickly went viral online, intensified the scrutiny surrounding the rally.

Valance’s increasing political visibility is not new. She has been seen attending multiple Reform UK events and has also cultivated connections in the United States. In recent years she was photographed at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate alongside her husband, Donald Trump, Nigel Farage and others. She also appeared at a political fundraiser in London with Donald Trump Jr. in mid-2024. Her transformation from entertainer to politically outspoken public figure has been gradual but undeniable.

Despite her shift in public image, Valance remains widely recognised for her early career achievements. After leaving Neighbours, she released several charting singles and later competed on Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the semi-finals in 2011. Her celebrity status has long kept her in the public eye, but her evolving political involvement has brought a new level of scrutiny.

Saturday’s enormous demonstration — marked by high emotions, clashes, celebrity appearances and an unprecedented turnout — has reignited debate over the extent of political fragmentation in the UK. And Holly Valance, photographed at the centre of it all and unafraid to speak her mind, has once again found herself a key figure in that ongoing national conversation.