Exclusive: Julia Helbich, Monika Koudroglou Truong, Hayley Hughes, Rebecca Hanser, and Jemma Stretch are the latest actresses to join the cast of Ajay Tambe’s holiday audio drama series, ‘The Christmas Compass’. Representing talent from the Greece, Australia, the UK, and Germany, these international stars bring diverse perspectives and unique interpretations to the series, set to release Drop 2 episodes from December 18 to 21 on Spotify and over 50 platforms.

Monika Koudroglou Truong plays Lily in Episode 4, while Hayley Hughes, Rebecca Hanser, Jemma Stretch, and Julia Helbich join as narrators for Drop 2.

A Magical Holiday Journey Continues

In ‘The Christmas Compass‘, Emma Carter inherits a mysterious antique compass from her late Aunt Lou. Initially dismissing it as a quaint keepsake, she soon discovers the compass has a will of its own, guiding her to enchanting destinations—from hidden Christmas markets and ancient wishing trees to rivers that unlock treasured holiday memories. As she deciphers cryptic clues tied to her family’s legacy, Emma is propelled toward a monumental choice that could reshape her future.

Cast Share Their Excitement

Producer Ajay Tambe shared his excitement, saying, “This project is a celebration of diversity and creativity. I’m thrilled to have this incredible lineup of international actresses join us for Drop 2, adding depth and energy to the series. A heartfelt thank you to Enorama Talent Agency and Thanasis Psilopoulos for their instrumental role in making this happen.”

• Monika Koudroglou Truong (Philippines/Greece): Taking on the role of Lily in Episode 4, Monika Koudroglou Truong brings her experience as an action star and journalist to the project. Known for her roles in Buybust: The Undesirables and Best Served Cold, Monika balanced her recording sessions while traveling between Greece and the Philippines. She shared, “This has been a whirlwind, but being part of such a diverse, international project is an absolute honor. Playing Lily has been a memorable experience, and I’m thrilled for audiences to hear this story.”
  
• Hayley Hughes (Australia): Australian actress and singer-songwriter Hayley Hughes brings her talent to Drop 2 as a narrator. Known for her roles in Life of the Party and Oppressed Woman, and for her music featured on the Fifty Shades Freed Spotify playlist, Hayley expressed her joy at joining the cast. “This project has been such a rewarding experience. Working with Ajay and this international team has been inspiring, and I’m looking forward to future collaborations with Australian talent as Ajay explores native-focused projects.”
  
• Rebecca Hanser (UK): London-based actress Rebecca Hanser, known for her roles in The Witcher (Season 3) and Portal to the Abyss, joined the series as a narrator. Rebecca balanced a busy schedule during onboarding, completing a shoot in Japan before returning to London for recording. She said, “Despite the tight timeline, Ajay’s patience made the process seamless. I’m excited to bring my voice to this incredible story and be part of such a talented cast.”
  
• Jemma Stretch (UK): With over a decade of experience in film and TV, Jemma Stretch joined the cast last minute, thanks to a recommendation from fellow cast member Tina Kilberg. Known for her work on I Killed Diana Chen and Sunshine and Winds in the East, Jemma reflected on the opportunity: “It was such a surprise to join the cast, but I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to contribute to this fantastic project.”
  
• Julia Helbich from Germany, known for her background in acting, TV presenter, speaker, and modelling admitted she almost missed out on the opportunity after overlooking the audition notification from her agent. However, she is now happy to be part of the internationally star-studded cast, ready to bring her unique touch to the narration.

About the Cast

Julia Helbich

Julia Helbich is a German actress, television host, and voice-over artist with a background in journalism and global management. A graduate of Salem College and holder of an MBA in Global Management, Julia’s academic research focused on international cooperation networks, earning her summa cum laude honors.

Julia began her career as a model and commercial actor before transitioning to television and film. She has appeared in German TV dramas such as Tatort (Tote Männer) and Der Puppenspieler and has held roles in films like Haltet die Welt an. In addition to her screen work, Julia is an experienced voice-over artist, lending her talents to narrations, animated productions, and commercials. Her versatility, combined with her love for the arts and storytelling, makes her a standout talent in the entertainment industry.

Monika Koudroglou Truong

Monika Koudroglou Truong is a Greek-Vietnamese-Filipina actress, model, and journalist with a multifaceted career spanning acting, action choreography, and writing. Raised in Athens, she completed her BA in Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the UK before pursuing acting at RADA and earning a scholarship to study stunts and film at Nu Boyana Film Studios.

Monika has appeared in critically acclaimed films, including the action-packed Buybust: The Undesirables and the horror thriller Best Served Cold. Beyond acting, she is the first woman to hold the championship title in the Balisong Forms Competition for 2023 and 2024. As a journalist, she has written for esteemed publications like Forbes and Foreign Affairs and conducted interviews with government officials and CEOs. With her versatility and passion for storytelling, Monika continues to be a dynamic force in the entertainment industry.

Hayley Hughes

Australian actress and singer-songwriter Hayley Hughes is a versatile performer known for her compelling on-screen presence and musical talents. A graduate of Charles Sturt University, Hayley has starred in films like Life of the Party, which premiered on Amazon Prime and in cinemas across Sydney and Los Angeles, and the indie feature Oppressed Woman.

In addition to her acting, Hayley is a passionate musician, with her song “Downfall” featured on the Fifty Shades Freed Spotify playlist. She has also worked on several indie films and commercial voiceover projects, showcasing her dynamic range. Hayley’s grounded approach to her roles and dedication to the craft make her a rising star in both film and music.

Rebecca Hanser

Rebecca Hanser is a British actress with a diverse portfolio of work in film, television, and motion capture. Best known for her roles in Portal to the Abyss and Parasitus, Rebecca has also contributed to the BAFTA-winning Netflix series The Witcher (Season 3). With an academic background in International Business Management and Anthropology from Leiden University, she combines intellectual rigor with artistic expression.

Rebecca’s global perspective, gained through extensive travel and multilingual fluency, informs her performances on screen. She trained at the prestigious Drama Centre London and has worked across stage and screen, adding depth and nuance to every role she takes on.

Jemma Stretch

Jemma Stretch is a British actor and voice artist with over a decade of experience in film and television. She is currently working on the American crime series I Killed Diana Chen and the Cypriot feature film Sunshine and Winds in the East. Known for her versatility, Jemma brings a dynamic presence to every project she undertakes.

Outside of acting, Jemma has a deep passion for martial arts, training in kickboxing and taekwondo, and is the founder of Bensanz Biscuits, a natural dog treat company. Her dedication to both her craft and her personal ventures showcases her multifaceted talents and entrepreneurial spirit.

About Creative Audios.in Podcast

Creative Audios.in Podcast  is a diverse and engaging Podcast offering a wide range of audio content suitable for teens, kids, and adults. Created and produced by Ajay Tambe, the podcast features:

• Audio Dramas
• Feel-Good Stories
• Spiritual Narratives (Shiv Puran)
• Bedtime Stories
• Original Audio Series
• Interviews with Global Actors, Producers, Artists, and Authors

The podcast stands out for its commitment to storytelling that resonates with audiences, providing content in both English and Hindi. It covers a broad spectrum of themes such as romance, crime, mysteries, adventure, fantasy fiction, Christmas stories, history, mythology, and more.

Notable series include:

• “Sherlock Holmes”
• “The Knights of Avalon”
• “Arabian Nights”
• “Adventures of Sinbad”
• “The Dark Alley”
• The Actor’s Diary : Interviews with Global Actors, Directors, Filmmakers, Authors”

Listeners can enjoy the Creative Audios.in Podcast on various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Gaana, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and over 30 others. Stay updated by following on social media via Facebook and Instagram handles @podcastaudios.

Founder Ajay Tambe’s background in acting and stage theatre significantly contributes to the podcast’s success, enabling him to craft compelling stories and bring them to life through the power of sound.

Recognition and Reach:

The podcast has been featured among the Top 100 Podcasts in over 15 countries, a testament to its growing popularity. Available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and 50+ others, it has become a hub for immersive audio experiences.

Follow @podcastaudios on Instagram and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive previews.

About the Series

• Drop 1 (Dec 11–14): Featuring Yasmine Alice, Klara Landrat, Tina Kilberg, and Sophie as Emma Carter.
• Drop 2 (Dec 18–21): Starring Sabrina Culver, Katrina Chiovon, Holly Zuelle, Aisling Goodwin, Julia Helbich, Monika Koudroglou Truong, Hayley Hughes, Rebecca Hanser, and Jemma Stretch.

Celebrate the Season

This holiday season, let ‘The Christmas Compass’ guide you through a world of magic, mystery, and heartfelt storytelling. With talent from across the globe, this audio drama embodies the spirit of Christmas and the power of unity. Tune in and let the festivities begin!