Ryan Thomas Asserts Daughter Scarlett, 16, Isn’t a ‘Nepo Baby’ Receiving ‘Free Ride’ Amid £2M Earnings Forecast

Ryan Thomas Defends Daughter Scarlett Against "Nepo Baby" Claims: "She’s Not Getting a Free Ride"

Ryan Thomas has hit back at claims his 16-year-old daughter Scarlett owes her rising fame to family connections, insisting she earned her success through hard work. The Coronation Street actor, 40, addressed "nepo baby" criticisms after Scarlett landed a role on BBC’s Waterloo Road and amassed a massive social media following.

Scarlett, whose mother is Coronation Street star Tina O’Brien, 41, and whose uncles include Emmerdale’s Adam Thomas and Love Island’s Scott Thomas, has been tipped for a £2 million payday as her career skyrockets. Despite her famous lineage, Ryan emphasized that Scarlett faced rigorous competition for her acting role. “Everyone thinks she gets a lift up from family, but she worked damn hard to get that job,” he told The Sun. “She’s a talented girl—she’s not getting a free ride.”

[Image: Ryan and Scarlett Thomas at an event. Caption: Ryan Thomas with daughter Scarlett, who he says earned her role through merit.]

Scarlett joined Waterloo Road at 14, playing Izzie Charles alongside her uncle Adam, who portrayed her on-screen father. Adam echoed Ryan’s sentiments, noting the casting process was competitive: “It wasn’t like, ‘This is a Thomas, she’s getting the job.’”

The teen has also faced online criticism, with trolls dismissing her achievements as nepotism. In a recent TikTok video lip-syncing to Easy by Commodores, Scarlett clapped back, captioning the clip: “God forbid a girl takes the chances she gets.” The post garnered nearly 3 million views, showcasing her growing influence.

[Image: Scarlett in her TikTok video. Caption: Scarlett responded to critics in a viral TikTok video.]

With over 165k TikTok followers and 138k on Instagram, Scarlett’s social media presence complements her acting career. PR expert Lynn Carratt predicts she could earn £2 million before turning 18, citing her “confidence, talent, and strategic family support.” The Thomas family frequently collaborates on content, blending humor and talent to engage their combined 1.3 million followers.

[Image: Scarlett on the set of Waterloo Road. Caption: Scarlett stars in BBC’s Waterloo Road alongside uncle Adam Thomas.]

Ryan and Tina, though no longer together, reportedly co-parent closely, with a source revealing they spend “hours” planning Scarlett’s career moves. Her cousin Teddy, 9 (Adam’s son), is also being groomed for stardom, appearing alongside her on Waterloo Road.

[Image: The Thomas family together. Caption: The Thomas family, including Ryan, Adam, and Scott, often collaborate on social media.]

Lynn Carratt praised the family’s savvy use of platforms like TikTok: “They leverage their personalities and talents to reach millions daily. Scarlett could even join a girl band someday.”

While Scarlett’s famous name opens doors, her drive and skill are proving she’s more than just a “nepo baby.” As Ryan put it: “People need to recognize her talent.”

[Image: Scarlett with mother Tina O’Brien. Caption: Scarlett with her mother, Coronation Street actress Tina O’Brien.]

MailOnline has contacted Scarlett’s representatives for comment.

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