Duncan Button

Last updated

Duncan Button
Hollyoaks character
Duncan Button.jpg
Portrayed by Dean Aspen
Duration2009–2011, 2013
First appearance2 November 2009
Last appearance11 October 2013
Classification Former; regular
Created by Lucy Allan
Spin-off
appearances		 Hollyoaks Later (2011, 2013)
In-universe information
OccupationStudent (2009–2011)
Smoothie maker (2011−2013)
Soldier (2013−)
Sisters Ruby Button

Duncan Button is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks , played by Dean Aspen. He debuted on-screen in the episode airing on 2 November 2009. Duncan was originally credited as Duncan Smith until he was credited as Button. In May 2011, it was announced that Aspen had quit his role and Duncan departed the series on 11 November 2011. Aspen reprised his role as Duncan for the sixth series of Hollyoaks Later in October 2013.

Contents

Character creation and casting

In July 2009, at the Hollyoaks Press Day series producer Lucy Allan revealed that a mysterious character called Duncan would arrive in the village. [1] In October 2009, it was revealed that Duncan would be the godson of established characters Neville (Jim Millea) and Suzanne Ashworth (Suzanne Hall). [2] In the same month it was announced that Hollyoaks series producer Lucy Allan had cast television newcomer Dean Aspen in the role of Duncan. [3] To prepare for the role, Aspen revealed that he has to shave every day, as well as having to put on a stone and a half in weight. [4]

In January 2010, it was announced that Lucy Allan had stepped down from the position of series producer and that Paul Marquess had taken over the role. [5] It was soon revealed that Marquess planned to give Hollyoaks a "shake up", changing the production team [6] and beginning a cast cull by axing three established characters – Neville, Suzanne and Josh Ashworth (Sonny Flood). [7] As well as the axings, Emma Rigby who played Hannah had chosen to quit the previous year, bowing out in February 2010. [8] However, it was revealed that the character of Duncan would remain in the series after the Ashworth's departure along with Rhys Ashworth (Andrew Moss), the family's eldest son.

In May 2011 it was announced that Aspen had decided to leave the serial in order to pursue other projects. [9] Discussing his departure Aspen said: "I have had an absolutely brilliant time playing Duncan – I feel like Hollyoaks have paid me to laugh, but, after two years, I really feel the time is right for a new challenge." [9]

In September 2013, it was revealed through spoiler pictures that Aspen had reprised his role as Duncan for the sixth series of Hollyoaks Later, which would air during early October. It was shown that Duncan would be training in the army alongside central character, Louie McQueen (Bryan Parry) as his cousin and Duncan's friend Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter) visits them. [10]

Character development

In an interview with entertainment website Digital Spy speaking of Duncan's friendship with fellow teenager Ricky Campbell (Ashley Margolis), Lucy Allan said, "Ahh, Duncan and Ricky! I love them. If you look at who Max [Cunningham] (Matt Littler) and O.B. (Darren Jeffries) were when they were teenagers... They had an innocence and a naïvety to them that the show was lacking at the time. I actually wrote Max and O.B.'s storylines when they were youngsters and they spent about six months trying to get Chloe [Bruce] (Mikyla Dodd) into bed in a burger van! There's a joy in Ricky and Duncan that shouldn't be ignored. They're just trying to get laid – Duncan in particular, by whatever means necessary. Even if that means suggesting that his sexuality isn't what it is. And Ricky has a secret, so we'll meet elements of his family..." [11]

Storylines

Duncan first appears in the village looking for The Dog in the Pond pub. Duncan arrives at the pub and is served by Neville who does not recognise him. Suzanne walks in and recognises him as their fifteen-year-old godson and leaves Neville furious. Duncan moves in with the Ashworths and meets Anita Roy (Saira Choudhry) and flirts with her, but she rejects his advances. Ricky is later annoyed when Duncan joins him on his paper-round. However, they become friends.

Duncan asks Michaela McQueen (Hollie-Jay Bowes) for a massage at Evissa, but she realises he wants more than an average massage. Jacqui McQueen (Claire Cooper) is sickened by his suggestion and waxes his chest painfully for revenge. Duncan is sick over Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter) at the students Christmas party after drinking too much. To cheer Ricky up, Duncan persuades him to have a bogus raffle to help pay for their entry fee for a party. Duncan dresses up as Father Christmas and the tickets for the raffle sell fast making them a lot of money. Later, the scam is revealed by their teacher Des Townsend (Kris Deedigan) and Myra McQueen (Nicole Barber-Lane) demands the Harrods hamper they promised. Duncan decides to make his own Christmas goodwill and steals presents from under the McQueens' and Ashworths' tree. Ricky finds the presents and stolen gifts from the Secret Santa in the shack and they open them together. Duncan is infatuated with Theresa after landing in the village, and tries everything he can but nothing he can do can impress her. He gets Darren's advice and dresses like a pimp, and while this somehow works, as well as pretending to be gay, Theresa is not interested. Duncan wins a competition where he gets to have the 16th birthday party of his dreams paid for by a reality TV company. He invites Theresa, who is invited and excited as the prospect of being filmed. While Theresa is impressed, Duncan's hopes are shattered when rap artist Chipmunk performs, and Theresa only has eyes for him. Neville finds the presents and sends Duncan home early to his parents. Duncan steals Suzanne's underwear, but he is caught and lies to her saying he might be gay.

Duncan notices Ricky's strange behaviour and follows him to his house. Duncan hides as Ricky goes in. He tries to look inside and hears raised voices and sees a man lying on the floor. Duncan shouts and Ricky lets him in where he accuses Ricky of being a drug dealer. Ricky snaps and tells Duncan the man is his father Martin (Grant Masters). Duncan is pushed out the door by Ricky after Martin tells him to get rid of him. Ricky later finds Duncan and explains that his father has multiple sclerosis and if he tells anyone he will be put into care. Duncan quizzes Ricky on the condition and he is horrified to learn that nobody is helping Ricky. Duncan gives Ricky a pair of trainers and promises him that he will stand by him and not reveal his secret, and a delighted Ricky thanks him.

Duncan gets a call from a television producer about his sixteenth birthday party being featured on a reality television show. Duncan asks Ricky to help him, but he goes home to look after Martin. Duncan asks Theresa to help him so she agrees and Steve (Anthony Crank) the producer tells them that their double act will be great for television. Duncan is excited as his birthday is filmed for the show and rapper Chipmunk is revealed as his special guest. Duncan is annoyed when Ricky tells him that Theresa is only using him to get on TV, and he realises that his party is boring without his best friend.

Neville and Suzanne decide to leave the village with Duncan and go to Spain. The family leave the village for Spain, but Rhys decides to stay. Duncan returns from Spain and he moves in with Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) along with Rhys. Duncan speaks to his parents and they tell him he has to come home. Duncan begs Rhys to let him stay with him and he agrees. Jack Osborne (Jimmy McKenna) tells Darren and Duncan to move in with the family. Duncan is delighted and accepts.

Duncan announces to Darren in October 2010 that he is getting driving lessons so he can drive and finally get a girl. When Darren quizzed his age, Duncan announced that he was actually 17 – he just lied to the reality show earlier that year so he could have the "Sweet 16th" birthday party. Duncan reveals to Darren in December 2010 that his parents tried to kill him one Christmas, which is the reason why he does not want to join them this year. He also stated that they have been in a number of game and reality TV shows. He is then delighted to hear from Rhys that he is going to join Suzanne, Neville and Josh in Spain for Christmas and that he did not need to worry about the cost of the flight tickets as Neville has already paid for them.

On Christmas Eve along with Jack, Duncan discovers India Longford's (Beth Kingston) body in a nearby woods whilst taking their dog for a walk.

Duncan's sister Ruby (Anna Shaffer) arrives in the village to get away from their reality TV obsessed parents. Duncan joins a boy band, Guy Candy, with:Ricky, Bart McQueen (Jonny Clarke), Seth Costello (Miles Higson) and Taylor Sharpe (Shaun Blackstock) who is later replaced with Gaz Bennett (Joel Goonan). The band is managed by Lee Hunter (Alex Carter) and struggles to achieve success.

Duncan and Ricky spend five days at fat camp. Duncan was hesitant at first but meets a girl, Kelly Saunders (Danielle Malone), who he really likes. They struggle to get together as Duncan cannot understand what a girl like her would see in him but they eventually end up together and lose their virginity to each other. Kelly decides to end their relationship after he shows Ricky a naked picture of her. Realising he needs to grow up, he decides to leave to stay with the Ashworths in Spain.

Reception

Ruth Deller of entertainment website lowculture.co.uk criticised Duncan during her monthly review on the popularity of soap opera characters, where she branded him as useless, "Lots of characters have been (or are about to be) culled from the soap, but sadly, as of yet, Duncan isn’t one of them. He and Ricky have been set up to be the new OB and Max, and it really hasn’t worked, because OB and Max were actually likeable. Ricky at least has some potentially interesting storylines going for him, but Duncan? He makes Gilly [Roach] and Spencer [Gray] (Darren John Langford) look like characters with a purpose." [12]

In July 2010, Aspen received a nomination in the "Best Newcomer" category at the 2010 Inside Soap Awards for his portrayal of Duncan. [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Osborne</span> Fictional character from Hollyoaks

Jack Osborne is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jimmy McKenna. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 18 November 1996 and is the second longest featured character in the show. He was introduced as part of the Osborne family, which also consisted of Jack's wife Celia and their children Darren and Ruth. His storylines include an affair with Dawn Cunningham, four marriages and faking his own death in an insurance scam. For numerous years, Jack's role in the show is the landlord of the pub, The Dog in the Pond.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darren Osborne</span> Fictional character from Hollyoaks

Darren Osborne is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. He was introduced by executive producer Phil Redmond as part of the Osborne family, making his first screen appearance on 18 November 1996, portrayed by Adam Booth. Booth left the role in 1997, and the character was later recast to Ashley Taylor Dawson who first appeared in September 1999. Dawson left the role in 2000 to concentrate on his music career, though returned in 2003 and has remained in the role ever since. He remains one of the longest-running characters in the programme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhys Ashworth</span> UK soap opera character, created 2005

Rhys Ashworth is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Andrew Moss. He made his first on-screen appearance in September 2005. Rhys was killed off in the Enjoy The Ride storyline in an episode airing on 15 November 2012 and the character departed on 16 November 2012. Rhys made a return on 27 June 2014 as part of his ex-girlfriend Cindy Cunningham's storyline about her bipolar disorder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hannah Ashworth</span> UK soap opera character, created 2005

Hannah Ashworth is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Emma Rigby. Hannah first appeared on-screen on 27 September 2005 and her last appearance was on 12 February 2010. It was announced on 8 November 2023 that she was to return after 13 years away for a number of episodes in early January, and was later announced to be making a permanent return. Hannah briefly returned for a short stint from 19 to 23 January 2024, before a permanent return on 26 April of the same year. Rigby quit the role once again, only one month after her permanent return, in June 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Ashworth</span> UK soap opera character, created 2005

Josh Ashworth, played by Sonny Flood, is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks. His first appearance was on 3 October 2005. Josh's storylines have included attempted murder, underage sex, drugs, drinking and joyriding. Flood returned to filming as Josh for three episodes airing in May and August 2012 after a two-year break.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neville Ashworth</span> UK soap opera character, created 2005

Neville Ashworth is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, played by Jim Millea. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 30 September 2005 and was introduced by David Hanson. Neville departed in July 2010 with his wife Suzanne Ashworth and their son Josh Ashworth, after they were all axed by new executive producer Paul Marquess.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suzanne Ashworth</span> UK soap opera character, created 2005

Suzanne Ashworth is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Suzanne Hall. She made her first on-screen appearance on 30 September 2005. Suzanne was introduced by series producer David Hanson as part of the Ashworth family. In February 2010, Suzanne was axed from the serial by new series producer Paul Marquess. Suzanne made her final appearance on 14 July 2010. Marquess stated in an interview that he was a big fan of Hall's work in the serial. In late 2010 it was revealed that Hall had returned to filming and Suzanne would be pregnant with twins. Suzanne's storylines have included trying to keep her family together, fathering a son Rhys Ashworth secretly with another man, other affairs and a feud with Kathy Barnes. Suzanne returned to Hollyoaks on 14 January 2011 for a period of 2 months. In 2012 it was announced that Hall had reprised the role once again. It was announced in November 2023, that Hall would be reprising the role once again and would be returning "for the foreseeable" with her return scenes airing on 23 January 2024. Suzanne was killed-off in the episode broadcast on 11 September 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kathy Barnes</span> UK soap opera character, created 2005

Kathy Barnes is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Sarah Jane Buckley. Kathy arrived in October 2005. In October 2007, it was announced that Kathy had been written out of the serial and would leave in January 2008. She returned briefly on 24 April 2017 for the funeral of her daughter Amy Barnes and departed the following day on 25 April 2017. Kathy returned on 4 September 2017 for Ste Hay's week-long trial. After being found not guilty on 8 September 2017, Ste was shot by Kathy, following which Kathy is taken into police custody and makes a permanent exit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michaela McQueen</span> UK soap opera character, created 2006

Michaela McQueen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Hollie-Jay Bowes. Michaela was the first of the McQueen family to be seen on-screen in 2006, when she was credited as Michaela Jones. On 8 June 2010, Bowes announced that she had quit the show and would leave in six months. However, it was announced on 24 June 2010 that show bosses had axed Bowes and speedily wrote Michaela out after she spoke about upcoming storylines and her exit on social networking website Twitter. Bowes reprised her role as Michaela in 2011, initially appearing in the fourth series of Hollyoaks Later, before reappearing in the main series. In July 2012, Bowes confirmed she would be leaving Hollyoaks, and her final scenes would air on 31 August 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kris Fisher</span> UK soap opera character, created 2006

Kris Fisher is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Gerard McCarthy. The character first appeared on-screen in September 2006 and left in August 2010 after McCarthy quit the show. He is noted for his storylines involving the PEP treatment, a bisexual love triangle, his outlandish personality and being the only permanent cross dressing character in a British soap opera. Following his departure, it was announced that McCarthy would return in November 2010 for a short stint.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calvin Valentine</span> Fictional character from Hollyoaks

Calvin Valentine is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Ricky Whittle. He arrived in July 2006 as a police officer with his mother Diane Valentine, his brother Sonny Valentine and his sister Sasha Valentine and made his final appearance on 21 May 2010 after he was murdered by Theresa McQueen. Whittle was credited for a flashback episode on 1 December 2010. Calvin appeared again as a ghost to tell his wife and Theresa's Cousin Carmel McQueen that his and Theresa's daughter, Kathleen-Angel McQueen, was fine with Theresa in February 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacqui McQueen</span> UK soap opera character created in 2006

Jacqui McQueen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Claire Cooper. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 26 September 2006 and was introduced by series producer Bryan Kirkwood as part of the McQueen family. Cooper has stated that whilst Lucy Allan produced the serial she was not used and that Jacqui had "lost her identity". In 2010 when Paul Marquess took over the role, he recognised she was an under used character and split her apart from the McQueen family, subsequently increasing her role within the show. Jacqui has been portrayed as a "tough ex-con" and is extremely feisty, she often takes on the matriarch role within the McQueens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beth Clement</span> UK soap opera character, created 2007

Beth Clement is a fictional character from British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Sinéad Moynihan. Beth first appeared as a student at Hollyoaks Community College, studying for a nursing degree and was later involved in an accidental incest storyline with her half-brother, Rhys Ashworth. Beth died in a car crash on 18 April 2008.

<i>Hollyoaks Later</i> series 2 UK television soap opera (Sep–Oct 2009)

The second series of Hollyoaks Later is a British television series which ran for one week starting 28 September 2009. Hollyoaks Later is a spin-off of the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Colburn</span> Soap opera character

David Colburn is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, played by Elliot James Langridge. He first appeared in Hollyoaks online spin-off Hollyoaks: The Morning After the Night Before, which explored the dangers of binge drinking. After this, Dave made a regular appearance in Hollyoaks as a new student at Hollyoaks Community College. Dave left the teen soap in August 2010 after the character was axed earlier that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ricky Campbell</span> Soap opera character

Ricky Campbell is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Ashley Margolis. He made his first on-screen appearance on 16 June 2009. Ricky was created by executive producer Lucy Allan. Margolis took a period of leave in 2010 to complete his real life studies. His main storylines have focused on his friendship with Duncan Button and caring for his father who has multiple sclerosis. Sam Attwater portrayed Ricky's online alter-ego for a few episodes. Ricky was due to be written out of the series in 2011; but Margolis was convinced to stay. However, in 2012 the actor announced his departure once more. He made his final appearance on 6 August 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">India Longford</span> UK soap opera character, created 2009

India Longford is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Beth Kingston. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 September 2009 and was introduced by series producer Lucy Allan as a new student at Hollyoaks Community College. Kingston was given the role after she entered and won an online competition run by Hollyoaks Desperately Seeking. In November 2010, it was announced that India would be murdered. India was murdered by Silas Blissett on 23 December 2010. India returned briefly in 2011 and 2012. Kingston has stated that she was happy to leave the show before being typecast in the role. India has been portrayed as a "posh bird" and is narrow-minded, having a tendency to "rub people up the wrong way". She is also described as sensible and "strait-laced".

The Osborne family are a fictional family in the long-running Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks. Introduced to the show in 1996, The family moved to Hollyoaks village in 1996, although Ruth Osborne had previously lived in the Village. The characters have been involved in storylines such as dealing with a Gambling addiction, Ruth relationship with Kurt Benson, Jack's affair with Dawn Cunningham, a fake death scam for insurance money, financial troubles, Jack three marriages and fostering a child. Throughout their tenure on the serial, the Osbornes have owned the Dog in the Pond. Hollyoaks″ official website has described the Osborne family as belonging in the Dog in the Pond and as being the " rightfully at the helm" of the public house.

References

  1. ↑ Green, Kris (16 July 2009). "Gossip from the 'Hollyoaks' Press Day 2009". Digital Spy . Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  2. ↑ Green, Kris (25 October 2009). "Shock Walford, 'Oaks kisses and two proposals!". Digital Spy . Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  3. ↑ "New boy Duncan joins 'Oaks". Holy Soap . Five. 1 November 2009. Archived from the original on 2 November 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  4. ↑ "Dean's shaving the years off". Holy Soap . Five. 8 November 2009. Archived from the original on 10 November 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  5. ↑ Green, Kris (15 January 2010). "'Hollyoaks' producer Allan quits soap". Digital Spy . Retrieved 9 March 2010.
  6. ↑ Green, Kris (11 February 2010). "New 'Hollyoaks' boss shakes up production". Digital Spy . Retrieved 9 March 2010.
  7. ↑ Green, Kris (9 February 2010). "New 'Hollyoaks' producer axes three". Digital Spy . Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  8. ↑ Green, Kris (11 May 2009). "Emma Rigby confirms December 'Oaks exit". Digital Spy . Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  9. 1 2 Kilkelly, Daniel (20 May 2011). "Hollyoaks confirms three cast departures". Digital Spy . Retrieved 20 May 2011.
  10. ↑ "'Hollyoaks': Duncan returns in 'Later'". Digital Spy. 30 September 2013.
  11. ↑ Green, Kris (10 December 2009). "Bonus Scoop: 'Hollyoaks' spoilers for 2010". Digital Spy . Retrieved 27 July 2010.
  12. ↑ Deller, Ruth (4 July 2010). "Soapstar Superstars – January–June 2010". lowculture.co.uk. Archived from the original on 1 September 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
  13. ↑ Catriona, Wightman (13 July 2010). "In Full: Inside Soap Awards 2010 Nominees". Digital Spy . Retrieved 31 July 2010.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.