Ryan Thomas announces that his 17-year-old daughter Scarlett is heading to Nashville to collaborate on music with renowned songwriter Julien Bunetta, following her recent record deal signing.
Exciting Record Deal Milestone
The former Coronation Street actor, aged 41, expressed immense pride earlier this month when Scarlett, whom he shares with ex-partner and fellow Coronation Street star Tina O’Brien, secured a deal with Big Family Music. Scarlett frequently showcases her vocal talents through singing videos on TikTok, highlighting her passion for music.
Two weeks ago, Ryan shared a heartfelt photo of himself and Scarlett at a restaurant where she signed the contract. He also posted a nostalgic video from five years prior, capturing 12-year-old Scarlett performing “A Million Dreams” in the same location. In the caption, Ryan wrote: “Today is one of the best days of my life. Watching my little girl sign a record deal is a moment I will cherish forever.”
Scarlett echoed the excitement in her own post, sharing a photo of herself signing the documents. She stated: “Wow what an experience I have had so far and what an experience I’m about to have, I am beyond grateful for this amazing opportunity. Today was a life changing moment for me, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes but I can now finally share it with you all. I can’t wait for what this year brings, hopefully some amazing music.”
Collaboration with Top Songwriter
Julien Bunetta first gained prominence in 2012 as a key songwriter for One Direction’s album Take Me Home. Since then, he has worked with artists including Sabrina Carpenter and Teddy Swims, establishing himself as a major force in the industry.
During Wednesday’s episode of the At Home With The Thomas Brothers podcast, Ryan detailed Scarlett’s upcoming trip. He explained: “What’s unbelievable about all this is the guy that she signed to, the boys that she signed to, have two other brothers who own the record label in the States – and this guy is called Julien Bunetta.”
Ryan continued: “In the music industry he’s probably the biggest thing right now. And Scarlett is now next month flying out to his house to record in his studio. And this is in Nashville. In Nashville, she’s staying there for a week.”
He added: “How crazy is that? And she said, ‘Dad I like to pinch myself, like, what is going on.’ And it’s just crazy to think that she’s going to be in that studio in Nashville, where music is basically originating from, where all the creative music people live, and she’s going to be in and around it, just living and breathing and potentially like a song that we’re all going to hear on the radio one day. Like, how proud are we as a family?”
Decision to Skip GCSEs
Scarlett, who made her TV debut in BBC’s Waterloo Road in 2023, recently opted out of sitting her GCSE exams to pursue her entertainment career. In a TikTok video, she reflected: “I’m watching everyone get their GCSE results today wondering if I could’ve had good results but I will forever wonder.”
The choice sparked online debate, with some criticizing the parental decision as unacceptable. Ryan responded in the comments of one such post, stating: “Is it even anyone’s business or concern though?”
Under the Education Act of 1996, GCSEs are not legally required in England. Students may pursue alternative qualifications or leave formal education at age 16. Scarlett aims to follow her parents into acting and singing, building on her early role in Waterloo Road, a series that also boosted her uncle Adam Thomas’s career.
