Hollyoaks is a British soap opera set in and around the fictional Chester suburb of the same name and filmed mainly in nearby Liverpool, Hollyoaks was originally devised by Phil Redmond.. Who also devised shows such as: Brookside and Grange Hill.
Hollyoaks began on 23 October 1995. The soap is centred around a former 1950s technical college which is now a college of higher education called Hollyoaks Community College (often mistaken for the real-life University of Chester) with the characters and main target audience generally being in their late teens or early twenties. Produced by Mersey Television, the show currently broadcasts at 6:30pm every weekday on Channel 4 with an omnibus edition on Sundays. Channel 4's Welsh equivalent, S4C, broadcasts the Sunday omnibus only. Hollyoaks is known for launching the careers of Will Mellor, Gary Lucy, Jeremy Edwards and James Redmond.
Hollyoaks has received numerous awards over the years and raised awareness of issues such as teen pregnancy, abortion and male rape. Also it has recently been focusing on major concerns such as date rape.
Hollyoaks also shows in countries such as Canada on the BBC Kids channel.
Contents
- 1 Current characters
- 1.1 Taylor-Burton Family
- 1.2 Dean-Osborne Family
- 1.3 Ashworth/Fletcher Family Family
- 1.4 Owen Family
- 1.5 Hutchinson/Cunningham Family
- 1.6 Other Characters
- 1.7 Recently deceased
- 2 Air Times
- 3 Website
- 4 External links
|
Current characters
Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
Taylor-Burton Family
- Liz Taylor (nee Burton; obviously a reference to actress Elizabeth Taylor's marriages to actor Richard Burton) - Andree Bernard
Liz is the archetypal overwrought mother of teenagers and spends her life trying to maintain the peace between her and Richard's children. She often plays the role of mediator in the almost constant disputes and attempts to discipline the children, which only recently began to work. Liz recently found out Richard had cheated on her however forgave him. She has a difficult relationship with stepdaughter Darlene, made even more so when Darlene saw brother Ali knife school bully Macki but told everybody she had witnessed nothing and suspected Liz's son, her stepbrother, Justin. Darlene told a court this however changed her story and told them the truth, which may have contributed towards Justin being acquitted of killing Macki. Liz was grateful to Darlene for this and after Justin returned home, Liz chucked Richard out for his affair but said Darlene could stay with them.
- Justin Burton - Chris Fountain
A troubled teen, Justin began misbehaving and smoking cannabis after his father's death. He constantly hurt his family and hid behind Liz, who felt obliged to support him. However, after pushing step-sister Darlene through a plate glass window, Liz sent Justin off to boot camp. Since then, he has calmed considerably and recently reconciled with Darlene and Ali, becoming fast friends with his step-siblings. He was recently framed by new character Macki for blowing up the local high school but later proved his innocence (but Macki was never convicted). He and step brother Ali were bullied by Macki and his gang which dramatically ended with Ali stabbing Macki and running in front of a car. In his haste to cover up for his step-brother Justin lead the police to believe it was him who had stabbed Macki and he was sent to prison for murder. He was bullied in prison and then Justin escaped prison whilst on a trip to the dentist. He spent a month on the run but was eventually caught when the police followed his sister Mel as she brought him provisions. Justin was then back in prison awaiting trial. He would be visited in secret by Becca Dean with whom he suffers unrequited love. Justin was found not guilty and is now back with his family.
- Sophie Burton - Connie Powney
Sophie is quiet and introverted and often gets annoyed by her siblings' behaviour and lack of consideration for her needs. She and twin sister Mel were both drugged by Andy Holt, although Sophie wasn't raped her sister Mel was.
- Melanie Burton - Cassie Powney
Sophies's opposite, Mel is outgoing and speaks her mind. She and Sophie manage to get along despite irritating each other a lot of the time, and she shares her twin's ire at the lack of respect they get from the rest of the family. Liz often tries to make up for her lack of attention towards them with grand gestures.Mel has recently had alcohol problems but got her act together, when she had unprotected sex when she was drunk and then she feared she had an STI. Andy Holt raped Mel after drugging her and her sister Sophie.
- Darlene Taylor - Sarah Lawrence
Darlene is the daughter of Richard and the brother of the late Ali.
Justin scarred her by pushing her through a plate glass window while under the influence of drugs but after Justin got clean they became close. Darlene has had to cope with not only finding out Rcihard was cheating on stepmother Liz, but also witnessing Ali stab the racist school bully Macki then run out into the road and get run over and killed. She has a difficult relationship with Liz, made even more so when Darlene told everybody she suspected Liz's son, her stepbrother, Justin of knifing Macki as she didn't want people to think her late brother a murderer. Darlene recently admitted the truth in court, much to Liz'z joy. She is struggling to cope with life without her brother Ali. While her father was kicked out of the Taylor-Burton household, she decided to stay, which all the rest of the family were pleased about, except Richard.
Dean-Osborne Family
- Frankie Osborne (nee Dean) - Helen Pearson
Impulsive and slightly flaky, Frankie was hit hard by the departure of her husband Johnno, who left her to marry his pregnant 19 year old girlfriend. She is now married to Jack Osbourne (the owner of the local pub) and is now living there after being evicted from her home for failing to pay the bills. Frankie is the mother of Jake, Debbie, Steph and Craig.
- Jack Osborne - Jimmy McKenna
The proprietor of The Dog In The Pond public house, twice married Jack is typically a no-nonsense bloke who often clashes with his son Darren over his ill thought out plans and impulsive behaviours. Currently he is also providing a home for the Deans after their eviction from their home. He is also married to Frankie Dean.
- Darren Osborne - Ashley Taylor Dawson
Very impulsive and not blessed with a lot of forethought, Darren has a tendency to make enemies due to his headstrong nature and his arrogance. Darren also feels constantly hard done by and seeks to prove himself through get rich quick schemes and forcibly asserting his independence in order to try and win Jack's approval.
Fiercely protective of his family and friends since he was left devastated by the knowledge that his father was having an affair. Craig is intelligent and crafty and often willing to turn his hand to scams and manipulation to get his way.
Usually hard working, caring and honest, Jake has a habit of acting without thinking. This is notable in his affair with Lisa whilst he was going out with Becca (who he is now totally devoted to) , which jeopardised their relationship, but they are now married and he is determined to do the right thing by her no matter what it takes.
- Becca Dean (nee Hayton) - Ali Bastian
Caring, emotional and slightly naïve, Becca is also very clumsy. She is married to Jake and finishing her final year studying teacher training. Her and Jake have experienced tension in their relationship, most recently after Jake found out she had been visiting ex-student Justin, who has an unrequited crush on her, in prison. She is also known as being somewhat of a pushover and struggles to say "no" to anyone in trouble even if it means she puts herself in a difficult position, which it usually does.
Ali Bastian Fan Site
- Steph Dean - Carly Stenson
Flighty and extremely extrovert, Steph thinks very highly of herself and her own abilities. She tends to consider herself better than her peers and sometimes comes across as selfish, though she does try to help with other people's problems. This, however, usually leads to her simply annoying those who she talks to, as she will typically lecture them in a superior manner or bully them into doing something that she wants to do. She is also epilectic after an attack by Toby the serial killer.
Ashworth/Fletcher Family Family
- Rhys Ashworth - Andrew Moss
First arrived in Hollyoaks to inspect the new family home (previously owned by the Hunters). He had a very brief romance with Sarah Barnes until he discovered she is the same age as his little sister and a schoolgirl. He is best friends with Gilly. In real life his girlfriend is Jade James.
- Hannah Ashworth - Emma Rigby
After a difficult start in Hollyoaks, she has now made friends with Nancy and Sarah. While she gets on well with older brother Rhys she has no patience where her other bother Josh is concerned. Her new friends have given her fresh confidence but she is still not as outgoing and fiesty as Nancy. She is also a successful model and actress in real life.
- Josh Ashworth - Sonny Flood
When the family moved into the Hunters' old house, he got the smallest room and after that didn't appear for a while. Has been turned down by Nancy and Sarah and rumours exist that he may turn out to be gay.
- Jamie (Fletch) Fletcher - Sam Darbyshire
Best friends with Josh Ashworth (they are cousins). Currently at Hollyoaks Comp trying to pull any money making scam he and Josh can think of.
Owen Family
Warm and caring, Carrie feels deeply for her children and will go to great lengths to protect them even though her interfering can earn her little gratitude at times. Carrie is intelligent and will usually act as though she is naive or unaware of what is going on in her children's lives, whilst she is really picking up more than she lets on. She only becomes involved when she feels it is absolutely necessary and tends to let her views go unnoticed much of the time.
Carrie's estranged husband. He recently returned after finding out about Russ' cancer. Originally ostracised from the family because he refused to believe Sam's innocence when he was imprisoned, Rob returned after Russ warned him that he could be at risk from cancer, and after Nicole begged him to stay. Rob's return almost split the family again as Sam refused to accept him at first. He was forced to change his mind after Rob rescued him on a climbing trip when Sam was unable to scale the rock face on his own.
Not the most empathetic person, Sam is suspicious and sees persecution all around him where there is none. He feels let down by Rob for not believing in him and tries to lead a clean-cut lifestyle because he feels that he has something to prove. Despite being a bit self centred, Sam was a major help to Russ in getting over his cancer. He almost split the family up by threatening to walk out when his father returned.
- Nicole Owen - Ciara Janson
Chronically insecure, Nicole is easily led but still capable of sticking up for herself and her friends. She is also perceptive and intelligent like her mother. Almost went through with breast enlargement because of her insecurities. Went on the run with Justin after he escaped from prison and gave evidence in his favour at his trial. Considers herself Justin's girlfriend although she isn't. She has very strong views and has become a vegan, but is annoying her family by trying to push her beliefs onto them.
- Russell "Russ" Owen - Stuart Manning
Russ is easy-going and very at home with himself. He also exhibits a very mature nature when necessary. He is a popular ladies man and unafraid to make his views heard. Russ recently suffered from testicular cancer and had one testicle removed as a result. This left him depressed for a while, during which time, his brother Sam supported him.
Hutchinson/Cunningham Family
- Mandy Hutchinson - Sarah Dunn
Mandy survived domestic abuse by her father and a poisoning attempt from former best friend Laura Burnes. After the death of Mandy's mother and stepfather, Mandy gained guardianship of her half-brother Tom, however Tom now lives with Mandy's stepbrother Max. She is married to Tony Hutchinson who promised her late brother Lewis he'd look after Mandy. Mandy and Tony's relationship has been strained, after a miscarriage, Mandy started to hit Tony. However they both received counselling and have resolved their difficulties. They eloped to Rome to marry. Although Mandy always thought she would never have children, she and Tony have now got a baby daughter. She was born two months early and Mandy is suffering from post-natal depression.
- Tony Hutchinson - Nick Pickard
The only original character still in the show, Tony is married to Mandy. Their relationship has been a troubled one and Tony has suffered domestic violence from Mandy however the couple resolved their difficulties and married in Rome. After a miscarriage, Mandy has just given birth to a baby girl.
Born two months early to Mandy and Tony, their baby girl is named Antonia. She is doing very well, considering her premature birth, however mother Mandy is suffering from post natal depression.
- Max Cunningham - Matt Littler
Max has grown from a cheeky, carefree teenager to a caring young man. After his father's death, he took over the shop his father had owned. Max has got over unrequited love for his stepsister Mandy and a relationship with Anna that saw him take on a fatherly role towards her baby son, Charlie. Caring for Charlie helped prepare Max for looking after his half-brother Tom full time, which he has done since the death of his father and stepmother. Max's close friend OB helps him with this.
- Tom Cunningham - Ellis Hollins
Tom's short life has already been full of trauma. He is the only child his late parents had together, although they already had six adult children between them. His mother went into labour when giving half-sister Mandy a driving lesson! After the death of his parents Tom lived for a short while with Mandy, but now lives with half-brother Max. Tom has survived both the car crash that killed his father and the fire he started while playing with fireworks. Tom felt so guilty for the latter event that he ran away from home but Mandy found him and brought him back. Tom is a lot happier now; he has started school, is getting on well with Max, and has recently become an uncle to Mandy's baby girl.
- Dominic Reilly - John Pickard
Dominic is the long-lost brother of Tony. Dominic and Tony have only just found out they are brothers; they previously believed they were cousins.
Other Characters
These are characters that: Appear less, Don't have any family (left) in Hollyoaks etc..
Mischievous and enthusiastic about the student lifestyle, Lee is often self-centred but caring when he needs to be (best shown in his friendship with Bombhead). He shares Les's united family unit ideal. Lee longs to be loved and hatches a range of schemes to win the adoration of his fellow students.
- Freddy Watson - Greg Kelly
Freddy is studying English literature and an animal rights campaigner. He arrived in 2005 and has a less than secret admirer in Zara Morgan, an avid protestor on anything and everything. He has since shown a sinister side and an obsession with revenge against the college for animal rights. He has been using Zara to do this.
Rhys's best friend from school and also the wannabe boyfriend of Jessica Harris after they snogged at a Halloween party.
- Olivia Johnson - Rochelle Gadd
Olivia split up with her long-term boyfriend recently before moving to Hollyoaks to study history. She is finding it hard to adjust to student life. She has become close friends with Jessica Harris, but lives in her shadow as she is not as outgoing as her friend.
- Jessica Harris - Jennifer Bidall
A student of marketing and advertising, Jessica is confident, beautiful, headstrong and determined to always get what she wants. At first she couldn't be parted from her mobile phone (and her link to boyfriend Mark) but over time it seems she is drifting apart fom her long-term boyfriend.
- Cameron Clark - Ben Gerrard
Cameron is intelligent and tidy. He went out with Lisa for a long time but has also been out with Steph, to the amusement of Zara, as Cameron and Steph are polar opposites. He suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which manifests itself with constant washing, showering and cleaning, but neither he nor his friends have yet realised he has the condition.
- Dannii Carbone - Christina Baily
Dannii is Mysterious and forceful. Having an on-off relationship with Russell Owen and was recently the victim of drug rape by nasty Andy Holt.
- Joe Spencer - Matt Milburn
Joe is outgoing and extremely self confident. He's easy going and flexible, with little time for rules or regulations. He is also smitten with ice-queen Louise Summers, despite the fact she has shown no interest in him. He has an estranged relationship with his father, an alcoholic who used to abuse his mother.
- Sam O'Brien (O.B.) - Darren Jeffries
Best friends with Max and, like Max, has grown from being cheeky and carefree to a more mature individual. However OB is still prone to practical jokes and delights in using childish humour to charm Max's child half-brother Tom.
- Zara Morgan - Kelly Greenwood
Bossy, opinionated and argumentative, Zara is also extremely intelligent and is taking a degree in law. The only member of the Morgan family to remain in Hollyoaks, Zara has learnt to look out for herself and God help anyone who gets in her way.
- Jeremy Peterson - Simon Cole
Jeremy has had problems fitting in at the easy going, lack of routine and structure, busy life at University, as his background was aristocratic, wealthy and rural. He is fascinated with computers and studying a computer design course.
- Louise Summers - Roxanne McKee
Opinionated and outgoing, Louise is highly self-motivated however can be intimidating. She is studying psychology. Works as an adminstrative assisstant at the college despite the fact she hates students and all their petty problems. She is feisty and has very few female friends, except for best friend Becca Dean, as she is extremely flirty and a man-eater.
- Nancy Hayton - Jessica Fox
Becca's younger sister. Nancy is a bit tactless, always speaking her mind. She struck up a close friendship with Nicole. Unlike her sister, Nancy isn't afraid to have her opinion known, and has warned brother-in-law Jake not to mess Becca around or he will have her to deal with.
- Sarah Barnes - Loui Batley
Her mum wants her to become an Olympic swimmer but Sarah just wants to socialise and have fun.
He used to be the Head of the Entertainments Committee and Editor of the Newspaper at the college, but now spends his time manipulating people, especially new Student President Lee Hunter. Appears in Hollyoaks every few months.
Recently deceased
- Dan Hunter - Andy McNair (December 2004)
- Ali Taylor - Luti Fagbenle (August 2005)
- Stephen "Macki" Mackintosh - Paul Holowaty (August 2005)
Air Times
Monday to Friday on Channel 4 at 6:30PM
Also an omnibus is shown on Channel 4 on a Sunday a varied times (Usually: 9.25AM or 10.00AM)
E4: Monday to Friday - 7.00PM (This is a First Look episode and shows the episode for the next day or Monday)
- See Also Hollyoaks Past Cast
Website
Screenshot of Hollyoaks.com
The new version of Hollyoaks.com was launched on the 5th of December 2005 as part of their yearly spruce.
It also marks the point of a merger between the web teams.
External links
- Hollyoaks Fansite
- Official website
Search Term: "Hollyoaks"
Categories: Hollyoaks | Channel 4 television programmes | Soap operas
