Joel Dexter

Last updated

Joel Dexter
Hollyoaks character
JoelDexter2.jpeg
Rory Douglas-Speed as Joel Dexter
Portrayed by Andrew Still (2011–2013)
Rory Douglas-Speed (2016–present)
Duration2011–2013, 2016–present
First appearance22 November 2011 (2011-11-22)
Classification Present; regular
Introduced by Gareth Philips (2011)
Bryan Kirkwood (2016)
Spin-off
appearances		 Hollyoaks Later (2012)
Joel Dexter.jpg
Andrew Still as Joel Dexter
In-universe information
Other namesScottish Foxy
Occupation
  • Disc jockey
  • Barman
  • Club owner
  • Drug dealer
  • Trainee priest
  • Mechanic
  • Firefighter
Father Warren Fox
Mother Marie Fielding
Stepfather Mick Cornus
Half-brothers Abe Fielding
Arlo Fielding
Sebastian Blake
Half-sisters Sophie Blake
Ella Richardson
Maria-Gabriella McQueen-Fox
Wife Leela Lomax (2024–present)
Sons Noah Dexter
Stepsons Daniel Lomax
Stepdaughters Peri Lomax
Clara
Grandmothers Norma Crow
Aunts Katy Fox

Joel Dexter is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks . The character made his debut during the episode broadcast on 22 November 2011, portrayed by Andrew Still. Still was attending the Scottish Youth Theatre when Lime Pictures presented the establishment with a casting opportunity for Hollyoaks. The actor secured two auditions for the role and after the second audition he was offered the part. Joel has been characterised through themes of violence. He is on probation for assault, and he loses his temper with various characters. Despite this, Joel does not like domestic violence because his stepfather hit his mother. His dislike of such violence played a role in his early storylines. He was written out of the series in 2012 and departed on 9 January 2013. On 18 August 2016, it was confirmed that Joel would be returning to Hollyoaks with the role recast to Rory Douglas-Speed; he returned on 8 September 2016.

Contents

Joel was originally introduced as a "mysterious newcomer" who is hiding a secret, with it being revealed that he is the long-lost son of established character Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas). Lomas had already announced his intention to leave the series and Joel played a role in Warren's departure storyline. Still has stated that when his character first arrived on-screen, he was "quite floaty" with nowhere to live. Joel was later given further connections to characters within the show, such as Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan), who gives him a "criminal education", and Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter), who he begins a relationship with. In May 2012, Joel was involved in a stabbing storyline. Still has spoken of his efforts to make the scenes in which Joel is stabbed as realistic as possible, as he felt that many people were victims of stabbing at the time. Upon the character returning to the show in 2016, his storylines haveincluded reuniting with his father, training to become a priest, being targeted by Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) as part of her revenge for her daughter's presumed death, being revealed as responsible for his aunt Katy Fox's (Hannah Tointon) death from a drug overdose and his relationship and later abandoned engagement to Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin). Joel later started a relationship with Cleo's second-cousin, Goldie McQueen (Chelsee Healey).

Still's portrayal of Joel has earned him a "Best Newcomer" award. Anthony D. Langford from AfterElton opined that Joel was a "scrawny teenage boy" and that his storyline with Brendan was "quite laughable". While a Heat reporter said that Joel is a "smug" character. But a columnist from TV Choice said that Joel's stabbing was a "shockingly violent turn", and Laura Morgan from All About Soap branded the scenes "gruesome and dramatic".

Casting

Andrew Still was cast into the programme after Lime Pictures, who produce the serial, presented the Scottish Youth Theatre with a casting opportunity. Although Still did not have any previous television acting experience, he impressed the casting department. [1] Still had two auditions for the role and was offered the role on his way home from his second audition. [2] Still revealed that when he was cast, he had to remain secretive for a period of two months. Still also said that the cast were "fantastic". [3] Before his character debuted on-screen, Still revealed that he hoped to his character would remain in the series and become one of Hollyoaks' "staple characters". [4]

Character development

Characterisation

"Joel is not the Angel he makes out to be. [...] The lad has a violent streak. For starters, he’s on probation. [...] The lad’s dangerous, no two ways about it. [...] But scratch the surface of that cool leather-clad exterior and you will see a soft, Scottish centre. He may be on probation, but the young jock has learnt from his mistakes. [...] He's so much more than a chip off the old block. He stands up for himself and he hates domestic violence. And he's probably the only guy who looks that hot in a battered leather jacket." [5]

— A writer from E4.com describing Joel. (2012)

A writer from the official Hollyoaks website described Joel as a "whole lot of exciting things rolled into one". They said that he "immediately caused a stir" upon his arrival and that when he is not trying to outsmart Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan) he is "happy to cause trouble elsewhere". [6] Joel is nicknamed "Scottish Foxy" which was coined by Brendan and Still himself loved the name. [7] Joel is often seen sporting a leather jacket. Still told a reporter from the serial's official website that "I hate that leather jacket, I wear it every day, I hate it and it squeaks so much". He explained that it was a vintage item but since it had since been "beaten up" from various characters always pushing Joel "up against walls". [7] He said that his ideal scene to represent Joel in the opening titles would be him "ironing his leather jacket, the inside of it, making it all nice for his day". [7] Still has said that Joel began "quite floaty as a character" because he had no fixed home. He is searching for a missing connection and he "doesn't really have a focus in his life". The actor concluded that "he's got a tough outer shell, but inside he's quite vulnerable." [8]

Introduction

He was initially described as a "mysterious newcomer" who would change the life of an established character "forever". [1] Joel arrives to work as a dubstep DJ at Chez Chez at the same time Brendan disappears from the village. He is also planned to become part of a storyline in which fellow character Maddie Morrison (Scarlett Bowman) becomes attracted to him. However, Joel is uninterested as there is "only one person on his mind". [1] On 15 November 2011, Digital Spy's Kilkelly reported that Maddie would attempt to use Joel by flirting to make Callum Kane (Laurie Duncan) jealous. [9] Joel is not impressed and is "quite mean" to Maddie, Still told Kilkelly that Joel's outburst of anger was not a "one-off" because he does have a "quick temper". But Joel does have "conscience" and in one episode he was "ranting and raving" and the next he was "apologising straight away". [8]

It was later announced that Joel's reason for coming to the village is Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas), who he believes to be his father. [10] Sill stated that Joel is a great character because he is characterised as a "mysterious bad boy" who arrives "not really having any direction and is looking for his father". Joel doesn't have much in his life and he is searching for something that is missing. Warren is not impressed by Joel's arrival because he is "paranoid that Brendan sent Joel in to play with his mind". While Joel is essentially a "troublemaker" he has a "vulnerability because of what has happened in the past". [10] Joel leaves for a while, but his return causes trouble and drama with "certain characters in around Chez Chez, perhaps with one Brendan Brady, they'll be clashing". [7] Lomas told a writer from TVTimes that his character thinks that "this kid could be anybody's - he could be making it up or he could be after money". Joel shows Warren a picture of him and his mother, but feels that the evidence is insufficient. [11]

In December 2011, series producer Emma Smithwick said that she thought Joel was "great and so dynamic" and that she was enjoying his on-screen presence. She added that he would "be involved heavily" in Warren's exit storyline. [12] Warren and Brendan's feud culminates in Brendan and Mitzeee (Rachel Shenton) plotting to rid of Warren. Scanlan told a reporter from What's on TV that his character uses Joel "as a pawn" by "befriending the kid and winning his trust". He added that there is no proof that Joel is Warren's son, but that did not matter because he is "as he's still a way for Brendan to get to Warren". [13]

Still thought it was "fantastic" to be given the opportunity to be involved with Warren's departure storyline. [8] In the lead up to his on-screen father's exit, Joel accompanies him on a holiday in Paris. Still explained that upon their return, it is evident that they have are closer. He thought it was "interesting" because Warren did not want Joel to go with him, but it conjured up a "connection" between the father and son. [8] But Brendan's scheming soon takes hold. Still told Kilkelly that when Joel first arrived "he wasn't getting any answers at all", so he chose to befriend Brendan in attempt to discover more about Warren. As he Joel and Warren have made a "connection", Still stated that "Brendan has kind of fallen by the wayside. Joel's very wary of Brendan now - especially after what his dad's told him, and what he's seen for himself." In the same episodes, Warren's relationship with Mitzeee is failing and he becomes violent towards her. [8] The actor said that because Joel hates violence towards women after his experiences with his stepdad, Joel feels responsible to take the role of protecting Mitzeee from the violence. Warren's violence does not "sit well" with Joel and he faces a dilemma. He is brought to the realisation that Warren and Mitzeee's situation "mirrors his family life back home" and Joel finds it "hard" to deal with. Still added that "there'll be a big conflict for Joel as to whether he stands by his dad or stands by his principles". [8]

Feuds and relationships

Producers gave Joel romantic links, mainly in the form of Joel's Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter). He also has a fling with Annalise Appleton (Tamaryn Payne) and "made eyes at" Ash Kane (Holly Weston).[ citation needed ] Joel and Theresa's relationship began with a flirtation. Still told Hendry from the Daily Record that it occurs "by nature" because she has a history with Warren, which is "mirrored" between them. Theresa is the "kind of girl" that gains Joel's attention. [2] Porter explained that the two character get together as "clearly there's something between" them. But Joel has a fight with Theresa's ex-boyfriend Will Savage (James Atherton) and it "all goes wrong". She added that "Theresa's not impressed by Joel's jealous streak - but she's still got the hots for him". [14]

In March 2012, Laura Morgan of All About Soap said that Joel would get a "criminal education" from Brendan. [15] Joel later begins feuding with Callum and in one scene they have a fight. [16] Joel's violent trait is played out once again when he attacks Doug Carter (PJ Brennan) to retrieve a package that Brendan has trusted Doug with. [17] Brenndan told Digital Spy's Kilkelly that it was part of a "side-plot" between Joel and Brendan. Even though Joel cannot figure out what the deal is between Brendan and Doug - "he wants to be involved". He added that Joel is so "resentful over being left out of the loop" that he puts on a mask and attacks Doug and steals the package. [17] In April 2012, a writer from Inside Soap reported that "bad boy" Joel would force Bart McQueen (Jonny Clarke) to grow cannabis plants. Clarke told the writer that his character does not know what he has agreed to do for Joel and is left feeling "unnerved". [18]

Stabbing

In March 2012, Kilkelly reported that Joel would be injured in a new storyline. He noted that while it was unconfirmed, Still had been seen filming on location alongside Scanlan, covered in blood. [19] Joel later tries to earn Brendan's respect. Still told a writer from What's on TV that Joel is desperate to impress Brendan because he is "young and naive and he's grown up without a male role model". As Warren is not around, Brendan is "fulfilling that role", but "basically Joel's a stupid little boy". [20] Walker's (Neil Newbon) "shadowy and intellectual" persona intimidates Joel, he dislikes him because he becomes close to Brendan and that is something Joel is not a part of. Joel ultimately grows jealous. When they discover that Walker has been lying about his financial situation, Brendan recruits Joel to teach him a lesson. [20] Still told Allison Slade from TVTimes that "it's really not a case of Brendan asking Joel to come on board; more that Joel nags his way into it. But he bites of more than he can chew." [21] He sends Joel to pick up a package in return for money in "certainly not an above-board deal". Brendan knows that the men were "crazy" and Joel also realises that "all is not what it seems". Still stated that they treat him like a "piggy in the middle" and Joel grasps that they're nutters". He attempts to retrieve the money from them but Sampson (Sean Cernow) stabs him. Joel is "left in a bad way and his life is hanging in the balance". [20] Joel's stabbing boosted ratings for the serial's "first look" edition airing on E4. [22]

Still told Sally Brockway from Soaplife that filming the stabbing scenes was "intense". [23] He was "determined" to make it look "real" because stabbings occurred often in his home town of Glasgow. Still said that he "wanted to get the severity of it across and prevent it from looking fake". He concluded that the storyline should have made Joel "see sense" and not be "in thrall" to Brendan. But noted that "you have to remember that Joel's a bit of an idiot". [23]

In June 2012, Scanlan announced that Joel would feature in the fifth series of Hollyoaks Later alongside the characters of Brendan, Walker and Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh). He added that their storyline would be "massive" and "hard-hitting". [24]

Reintroduction and recast

In August 2016, Kilkelly reported that Joel would be returning to Hollyoaks with the role recast to Rory Douglas-Speed and that Joel has found God during his time away from the village and is now a trainee priest. Producers billed Joel as a man who's walking the road to redemption after his previous mistakes. Douglas-Speed commented: "I'm super chuffed to be a part of such a well-known and well received show. Everybody involved is amazing. I'm really excited to see how the character develops. Looking forward to the next chapter of my career. [25]

Leela Lomax and tragic baby loss

In scenes from episode 6250, originally broadcast on 22 November 2023, it was revealed that Joel and Leela Lomax (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) had conceived. [26] She initially didn't want to keep the baby as at the time they had recently fallen out over the return of Joel's ex-fianceè Cleo. Leela lied about an engagement to Cleo. [27] On 21 May 2024, it was announced that Leela would go through a baby tragedy as scenes broadcast later in the month would show her experience baby loss. [28] The storyline was partly replicated from Leigh-Porter's own baby-loss experience from December 2018. [28] Leigh-Porter praised the storyline, claiming she was "not the same Kirsty" since losing her daughter Penny-Leigh. [28] She also added she hoped it would "save a life". [28] It was further reported that the loss would happen hours after their wedding. [29] The scenes aired in episode 6382, originally broadcast on 24 May 2024. [30] The scenes were branded "devastating", displaying usual chat with nurses about parenthood – the nurse required a second opinion before admitting Leela had lost her baby. The episode then featured silent credits to signify the loss. [30] Douglas-Speed praised the plot and Porter's portrayal. [31] When talking about Joel's future, he claimed that there would be "a lot of anger and aggression" as he would struggle to accept the loss. [31]

"She came to the decision it would be healing for her, and a chance to speak to the community who have been through this, I'm so glad she had the confidence and bravery to do the storyline. Kirsty gives the performance of a lifetime - she is a powerhouse." [31]

–Rory Douglas-Speed on Porter's portrayal on the tragic baby loss (2024)

Storylines

2011–2013

Joel arrives to work as a new DJ at Chez Chez and on his first night at work he spends time with Maddie who comes on to him. He takes Maddie outside thinking she is going to sleep with him. As he tries to kiss her she pushes him off and he accuses her of playing games and shouts at her for teasing. He later threatens Callum Kane (Laurie Duncan) for criticising his treatment of Maddie. He argues with Warren who suspects that Brendan has sent him to the village, where he reveals that Warren is his father. Theresa convinces Joel to give Warren some time to come to terms with the situation. She also gets Warren to take a paternity test which reveals that he is Joel's biological father.

Joel and Warren decide to give each other a chance and get to know each other. Joel reveals that he spent time in a young offender's prison after he assaulted his violent stepfather who would abuse his mother. Joel agrees to go on holiday with Warren and his girlfriend Mitzeee where he bonds with Warren. Joel is shocked when Warren becomes forceful during an argument with Mitzeee. Joel tells Warren that he will not stand for violence against women because of his experiences with his stepfather. Joel pulls a gun on Brendan, who is trying to prevent Warren from killing Mitzeee. Brendan manages to talk Joel over and they stop Warren and get him arrested for murdering his ex. Joel attempts to comfort Mitzeee and when Brendan show no gratitude for Joel's help, he decides that he should leave. Joel goes to see Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter) before he leaves, who tells him that he should stay.

Joel returns and reveals that Warren has signed his share in the club to him. Brendan attempts to buy him out, but Joel tells him that the offer is too little. Mitzeee tries to help Brendan to get rid of Joel. Theresa goes on a date with Joel, which makes Will jealous. When Joel punches Will, Theresa tells him that she does not want to see him again. Brendan invites Joel to move in with him and makes an effort to befriend him. When Joel rebuffs Lacey Kane's (Georgia Bourke) advances because she is to young, and her brother Callum attacks Joel after Lacey pretends that he tried to kiss her. Joel tries to impress Brendan by running illegal errands for him. Brendan enlists Dave (Michael Camp) to beat Joel up during an errand, which Brendan does to test Joel. He later tries to become more involved with the business and sets up club night. Bart helps Joel set up for the night, but Bart invites many of his underage friends. When Joel learns that Callum has kissed Theresa, Joel attacks him and subsequently ruins his club night. Joel blames Bart and forces him to grow cannabis; while Brendan tells Joel he can no longer trust him. However, when Brendan's friend Walker (Neil Newbon) backs out of a dodgy deal - Joel goes along instead. Joel realises that he has walked into a trap and when he tries to escape he is stabbed. Joel is taken into hospital where Brendan apologises for putting him in danger. Joel is later kidnapped by Sampson (Sean Cernow) who ties his hands and puts a grenade in his hands. Brendan and Walker save him, but realise that Sampson used Joel as a distraction so they could vandalise Chez Chez.

2016–2024

Police officer Ryan Knight (Duncan James) questions Joel (now played by Rory Douglas Speed) about Warren's role in the murder investigation of Patrick Blake (Jeremy Sheffield). Ryan knows Joel because he had previously spared Joel from drug charges. Joel reconnects with Warren before revealing himself as a practicing vicar. Joel later becomes a target by Patrick's daughter and Warren's girlfriend Sienna Blake (Anna Passey), who blames Warren for the death of her daughter Nico Blake (Persephone Swales-Dawson). Using a false name, Sienna tells him that she wants revenge on an abusive boyfriend who was responsible for her daughter's death, visiting the church regularly and growing closer to Joel. She invites him to a bar and tries to kiss him, but he rejects her. Subsequently, Sienna tricks Warren into thinking that she is being stalked by a man from the church. Whilst looking for the "stalker", Warren meets Joel again and they begin to revive their relationship.

After Joel discovers Sienna's true identity, she knocks him unconscious with his motorbike helmet and drags him into the garage, and accidentally sets the garage on fire. Warren soon discovers Sienna has trapped Joel in the flames. When Warren attempts to save Joel, the garage explodes and injures Sienna and Warren. The latter races back into the flames to save Joel from death. Sienna apologizes and tries to help Joel when his former friend from prison, Shane Sweeney (Lanre Malaolu) starts blackmailing him. It is revealed that Shane has a video of Joel, alongside Bart, giving his aunt Katy Fox (Hannah Tointon) drugs which resulted in an overdose that killed her. Shane threatens to show Warren the video if Joel doesn't give him money. Sienna later discovers that Shane is blackmailing him and frames Shane for kidnapping her, causing him to flee Hollyoaks but he sends Warren the video. Joel manages to delete it on time. Joel lies that Bart gave Katy the drug that killed her and Warren plans to kill Bart. Joel gives Bart money to flee Hollyoaks for good. Joel panics when he finds out that Warren murdered Bart and decides to tell the police. However, Sienna convinces him not too because she is pregnant with his twins.

Joel becomes closer to Bart's cousin Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin) who has feelings for him. Joel freaks out when he thinks that he saw Bart. A concerned Cleo tracks him down at the church and they kiss. Joel decides to leave the church to be with Cleo. They decide to live a new life together and they head of on his motorbike. They almost collide with a car of teenagers driven by Cleo's cousin Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer) but Joel swerves to avoid them and Cleo is thrown down a grass verge while Joel falls of his motorbike. Emergency services fail to spot Cleo as she is hidden and Joel is unconscious so no one knows she is there. At the hospital, Joel asks Warren how Cleo is but Warren tells him Cleo wasn't with him. Joel rushes to the crash site and finds a barley conscious Cleo. Cleo is taken to hospital but she flatlines in the ambulance. Joel makes a promise with God, that if she survives then he will return to the church. Cleo survives, forcing Joel to stick to his promise. He tells Cleo that they can't be together, leaving Cleo heartbroken.

Cleo makes a pass at Warren to make Joel jealous but Sienna catches her, forcing her to admit the truth. Cleo lies to Joel saying that she has taken a heroin overdose. Joel thinks Shane is responsible and punches him. However, he is mortified when he finds out that Cleo is lying and Cleo begs Shane not to tell Warren the truth about Katy's death. Joel starts working with Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) to get rid of Shane for good. Shane realises that he has been set up and kidnaps Cleo as revenge. Shane takes Joel to where Cleo is and locks him in with her. While trapped, they have a heart to heart and have sex, agreeing to get back together. Darren arrives and saves them and they escape but Shane gives chase. They run along a cliff edge and Shane grabs Cleo threatening to throw her off. Joel charges at him and they fall off the edge onto the rocks below. Joel wakes up but they realise Shane is dead and they leave him there. Later, Joel and Cleo feel guilty so they go back but are shocked when his body disappears. Joel is branded a killer by Prince and he attacks Joel but is stopped by his brother Hunter McQueen (Theo Graham). Cleo's aunt Myra McQueen (Nicole Barber-Lane) is also unhappy with their relationship but Cleo tells her that their in love.

Joel and Cleo make plans to move to Tanzania to do volunteer work. Cleo seems to be less happy about leaving and reveals to her friend Holly Cunningham (Amanda Clapham) that she is pregnant. Joel walks in on Cleo telling Myra and leaves. He tells Warren that Cleo is pregnant and Warren convinces him to be there for his child. Joel and Cleo later meet up and they decide to stay in Chester and have the baby. Bart's body is found and Joel tells Cleo the truth, leaving her furious. She forgives Joel and they plan to run away. Before they can leave, Joel is arrested by police after Myra reports him. Joel is released and finds Cleo outside the hospital. He is devastated when she reveals that she had an abortion. Myra shows Warren the footage of Joel supplying Katy with the drugs and a furious Warren attacks Joel, before tying him up in the garage. Joel apologises but Warren says he is going to kill him but is stopped by Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard). Warren kidnaps one if his twins and Joel tries to stop him but lets him go.

Joel supports Sienna through her cancer battle and helps her take care if Sebastian. At Christmas, they kiss but Sienna collapses from a chest infection. She recovers but confides in Joel that her hair is falling out and Joel helps cut her hair. Joel and Sienna sleep together and Sienna feels self conscious about losing her hair but Joel helps by taking her out on New Year's Eve. They kiss which is witnessed by Cleo. Joel becomes concerned when Sienna tries to set him up with Maxine Minniver (Nikki Sanderson) and she tells them that she wants them to be parents to Sebastian when she is gone. However, they are delighted when doctors tell her that she is in remission.

Reception

For his portrayal of Joel, Still was nominated for "Best Newcomer" at the 2012 TV Choice Awards. [32] A writer from TV Choice said that Joel was "well out of his depth trying to run Warren's half of Chez Chez"; they added that his dealings with Bart formed an "unholy alliance". [33] A writer from Heat said that Joel is a "smug" character and his flirting with Theresa was an "ultimate cringe moment". [34] Inside Soap's Laura-Jayne Tyler branded Joel an "impressionable" character. [35] On Joel's stabbing storyline, a writer from Reveal said that "this is an exciting and dangerous week for Joel, his eagerness to fit in with Brendan and show him he's capable of being the gangster he aspires to be lands him in grave danger." [36] While a columnist from TV Choice revisited their sentiments that Joel was "out of his depth" - but this time with Walker and added that his stabbing was a "shockingly violent turn". [37] All About Soap's Morgan said that Still was "incredible" throughout Joel's stabbing storyline and a "shocking climax" to the episode. [38] [39] The writer gave praise to Hollyoaks for making the "gruesome scenes so dramatic" because it left her feeling as though she was viewing "a proper gangster movie". [39] She said that the "cocky, impressionable teen" Joel just wanted to be Brendan's "right-hand man", but "while we love his swagger and steely determination, we’re not convinced Joel’s ready for a life of hardened criminal activity just yet." Morgan added that Still "hit the nail on the head" when he said that Joel cannot "stand up against the big dogs". [39]

Anthony D. Langford from AfterElton said that the show was not being credible expecting viewers to believe that "this scrawny teenage boy" is a "worthy opponent for Brendan". He added Joel should have been treated as "just a minor nuisance" and he hoped that Hollyoaks would end the storyline because it was "really quite laughable". [40] Langford later expressed his delight at Joel's exit from the show, saying "I have never liked Joel. He was an ill-conceived, pointless character from the start. The show should have never brought him on as Warren's son, especially with Warren leaving the show. I guess they had planned to make him a nemesis for Brendan, but the actor simply didn't have what it took to go up against someone with the caliber of Emmett Scanlan. Moreover, Joel was always kind of wimpy and failed at every attempt to be a bad ass." [41] Langford added that he did not like the way the writers tried to turn Brendan into a surrogate father for Joel, noting that Brendan would have squashed him like a gnat months ago. [41] Araminta Parker from OK! wrote that Joel "had a turbulent time" in his initial stint, and called his kidnapping "dramatic". [42]

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Brendan Brady is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Emmett J. Scanlan. The character was introduced on 5 August 2010 by series producer Paul Marquess during part of the show's overhaul, and became one of Hollyoaks' most popular characters. He is easily recognised by his famous horseshoe moustache. He is the older half-brother of already established character Cheryl Brady. Following the announcement of Brendan's casting, he was quickly billed as the show's new "bad boy" character. Despite having the persona of a villain at the start of the show, as the show progressed the character was portrayed to be more of a tragic antihero. He made his final appearance on 22 March 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bart McQueen</span> UK soap opera character, created 2010

Bart McQueen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jonny Clarke. He first appeared onscreen at his stepmother's funeral in August 2010, introduced by producer Paul Marquess as a member of the McQueen family. During his time on the show, Bart had been involved in: relationships with Jason Costello and Sinead O'Connor, being stabbed during the third series of Hollyoaks Later, his involvement in Esther Bloom's bullying storyline, causing the bus crash featuring in the notable Enjoy the Ride storyline, and falling off the rails with a growing cannabis habit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lynsey Nolan</span> UK soap opera character, created 2008

Lynsey Nolan is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Karen Hassan. The character originally appeared in the first series of the Hollyoaks spin-off Hollyoaks Later. In 2010, Hollyoaks series producer Paul Marquess asked Hassan to join Hollyoaks as part of the soap's ongoing rejuvenation, to which she agreed and the character began appearing in the main show from 11 August 2010. Hassan left Hollyoaks in 2012 when her character was killed off during a "dramatic cliffhanger" episode. To surprise the audience, the actress's exit was not announced beforehand. Hassan's final scenes were broadcast on 21 August 2012, giving viewers the "ending they were looking for".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silas Blissett</span> UK soap opera character, created 2010

Silas Blissett is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jeff Rawle. Rawle's casting was announced in December 2010 and it was revealed that he would portray a serial killer. Rawle was approached by Hollyoaks and met with series producer, Paul Marquess, who explained the role of Silas and his storyline. Rawle found the storyline something which he would like to "have a crack at". The actor said that the role of Silas is "very interesting" for him as he had not played a murderer in his career before. He made his first on-screen appearance in episode 2979, originally broadcast on 23 December 2010. However, Silas departed for the first time on 4 November 2011. Silas returned on 19 July 2012, as a guest stint. Silas returned again in 2016 as well as making two further returns in 2020 and 2022 with this being his last return as he was killed-off in a final showdown with the McQueens.

<i>Hollyoaks Later</i> series 4 Season of television series

The fourth series of Hollyoaks Later is a British television series and late night spin-off of Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. The series aired in September 2011 at 10pm. The series revolved around Silas Blissett's search for another murder victim which culminated in the death of Rae Wilson, the stag do of Riley Costello, the hen party of Mercedes McQueen and Ricky Campbell and Duncan Button's trip to fat camp.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maddie Morrison</span> UK soap opera character (created 2011)

Maddison "Maddie" Morrison is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Scarlett Bowman. Maddie is an old friend of Bart McQueen. Bowman's casting was announced in June 2011. Maddie was introduced to Hollyoaks along with her friends, Tilly Evans and Jono. Maddie made her first appearance in the episode broadcast on 21 June 2011 and departed on 15 November 2012 when the character was killed in the highly publicised Enjoy The Ride storyline.

<i>Hollyoaks Later</i> series 5 Season of television series

The fifth series of Hollyoaks Later is a British television series and late night spin-off of Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. The series aired between 17 September and 21 September 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maxine Minniver</span> UK soap opera character, created 2012

Maxine Minniver is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Nikki Sanderson. The character made her first on-screen appearance on 6 November 2012. Maxine's storylines have included: domestic violence at the hands of Patrick Blake ; giving birth to Patrick's daughter Minnie with Down's syndrome, a relationship with her stepson Dodger Savage, a custody battle against Patrick for Minnie, with him attempting to portray her as an alcoholic; her relationship with Darren Osborne ; coping with Patrick's motor neurone disease; burying Patrick's body in the city wall after he was murdered by his great-niece Nico Blake and discovering that he framed her for his murder; getting engaged to Warren Fox ; falling pregnant and not knowing whether the father is Warren or her boyfriend Adam Donovan ; miscarrying the baby after being trapped in a lift by Nico; a love triangle with Adam and his ex-fiancée, Darcy Wilde ; a relationship with Damon Kinsella ; and having Munchausen syndrome.

Patrick Blake (<i>Hollyoaks</i>) UK soap opera character (created 2012)

Patrick Blake is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jeremy Sheffield. He made his first screen appearance on 21 November 2012. The character's introduction to the serial and Sheffield's casting were announced on 7 October 2012. Patrick is introduced as the biological father of established character Dodger Savage. It was announced in December 2023 that Patrick would be returning to Hollyoaks in an unknown capacity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sienna Blake</span> UK soap opera character (created 2012)

Sienna Blake is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Anna Passey. The character made her first appearance on 21 November 2012 and was introduced as the estranged twin sister of established character Dodger Savage, along with her father Patrick Blake. Emily Lawrance was originally selected for the role, however Passey replaced her within weeks and only she has appeared on-screen as Sienna. The character has had a daughter, Nico, with Dodger, and twins Sebastian and Sophie with Warren Fox, an affair with Darren Osborne, a marriage with Ben Bradley, an affair with Trevor Royle who was later killed by Nico, a relationship with her half-sister Liberty Savage's former boyfriend Brody Hudson, and been diagnosed with cervical cancer while pregnant. Passey took a short break from the show in early 2020 and was absent between 17 January and 30 March. On the episode aired on Channel 4 Streaming service on 21 August 2024 it was revealed that Patrick was not in fact Siennas father, it was in fact his twin brother Jeremy. Making Minnie and Dilly now her cousins, not half sisters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nico Blake</span> UK soap opera character (created 2014)

Nico Blake is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Persephone Swales-Dawson. The character made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 6 June 2014. The character and casting was announced on 20 May 2014. Nico is the daughter and niece of established twins characters Dodger Savage and Sienna Blake, the adoptive daughter of Sienna's boyfriend Ben Bradley, and the granddaughter of Sienna and Dodger's parents Patrick Blake and Anna Blake and the niece of their half-brother Will Savage and their half-sisters Liberty Savage and Minnie Minniver, and a half-sister and cousin of Dodger's daughter Myra-Pocahontas Savage-McQueen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cleo McQueen</span> UK soap opera character, created 2015

Cleo McQueen is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Nadine Mulkerrin. Cleo is a member of the show's established McQueen family and was introduced as the younger sister of Porsche and Celine McQueen, who arrived in late 2014. Actress Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes McQueen, suggested that more McQueens should be introduced, as she knew the show was losing two members of the family. Mulkerrin had previously auditioned for the role of Phoebe Jackson, however this role was later given to Mandip Gill. Upon learning she had been cast as Cleo, she gave up her job as a waitress and relocated to Liverpool, where the show is filmed. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 26 January 2015. Mulkerrin took maternity leave from the show in 2019, departing in the episode broadcast on 4 November 2019. She returned on 18 November 2020 before departing permanently on 24 May 2022 after Mulkerrin decided to leave the soap. The character made an unannounced return on 16 January 2024.

References

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  2. 1 2 Hendry, Steve (11 December 2011). "Hollyoaks new boy Andrew Still on his shock at winning role". Daily Record . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 28 December 2011.
  3. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (16 November 2011). "'Hollyoaks' role was a secret, says newcomer Andrew Still". Digital Spy . (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  4. ↑ "Still: Joel should stay in 'Oaks". MSN TV . (Microsoft). 18 November 2011. Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  5. ↑ "Joel: Good or Evil?". E4.com . (Channel Four Television Corporation). 16 February 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
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  9. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (15 November 2011). "'Hollyoaks': Maddie and Callum grow closer - Spoiler Picture". Digital Spy . (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 18 July 2012.
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  16. ↑ Millar, Paul (8 May 2012). "'Hollyoaks' Joel actor Andrew Still "really enjoys" fight scenes". Digital Spy . Retrieved 21 April 2021.
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  20. 1 2 3 "Hollyoaks' Andrew Still: 'Joel gets stabbed!'". What's on TV . (IPC Media). 8 May 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
  21. ↑ Slade, Alison (12–18 May 2012). "Fall guy". TVTimes (19): 29.
  22. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (17 May 2012). "'Hollyoaks': Joel's stabbing boosts E4's first look". Digital Spy . (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 30 June 2012.
  23. 1 2 Brockway, Sally (12–25 May 2012). "Joel stabbed... to death?!". Soaplife (276): 32, 33.
  24. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (15 June 2012). "'Hollyoaks' Emmett Scanlan talks Brendan Brady future - interview". Digital Spy . (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  25. ↑ "Hollyoaks recast alert! Warren's son Joel is back". Digital Spy . 17 August 2016.
  26. ↑ Patterson, Stephen (13 November 2023). "Pregnancy twist confirmed for Leela Lomax and Joel Dexter". Metro . Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  27. ↑ Tutton, Charlotte (24 January 2024). "E4 Hollyoaks fans 'solve' new Joel Dexter plot after coma twist amid death fears". Mirror . Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  28. 1 2 3 4 Sarrubba, Stefani (21 May 2024). "Hollyoaks star Kirsty-Leigh Porter confirms tragic baby story for Leela". Digital Spy . Retrieved 22 May 2024.
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  33. ↑ "Chaos at the club". TV Choice (17): 19. 21–27 April 2012.
  34. ↑ "Hollyoaks catch-up: Maddie causes trouble at Joel and Bart's club night, Doug and Ste get close". Heat . (Bauer Media Group). 27 April 2012. Archived from the original on 30 April 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
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  36. ↑ "Hollyoaks: Joels in danger". Reveal (19): 92. 12–18 May 2012.
  37. ↑ "Out of control". TV Choice (20): 19. 12–18 May 2012.
  38. ↑ Morgan, Laura (9 June 2012). "Mailbox". All About Soap (272): 62.
  39. 1 2 3 Morgan, Laura (16 May 2012). "Hollyoaks: RIP Joel?". All About Soap . (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 30 June 2012.
  40. ↑ D. Langford, Anthony (22 February 2012). "Langford on Soaps: Tariq is Bashed – By His Lover on "The LA Complex"". AfterElton . (Logo). Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  41. 1 2 Langford, Anthony D. (16 January 2013). "Langford on Soaps: Emmet Scanlan Gives "Hollyoaks" Departure Date". AfterElton . Logo . Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  42. ↑ Parker, Araminta (6 June 2023). "Coronation Street's Justin star Andrew Still's life off-screen including big transformation". OK! . Reach plc . Retrieved 21 March 2024.
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