Kurt Benson

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Kurt Benson
Hollyoaks character
Kurt Benson.png
Portrayed by Jeremy Edwards
Duration1995–1999, 2020
First appearance23 October 1995 (1995-10-23)
Last appearance10 December 2020 (2020-12-10)
Classification Former; regular
Created by Phil Redmond
Introduced by Phil Redmond (1995)
Bryan Kirkwood (2020)
Spin-off
appearances
Hollyoaks: Off on One (1998)
Hollyoaks Later (2013)
In-universe information
FatherKirk Benson
MotherJuliette Benson
Brothers Ollie Benson
Sisters Lucy Benson
Wife Ruth Osborne (1997–1999)

Kurt Benson is a fictional character from the British television soap opera Hollyoaks , played by Jeremy Edwards. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 23 October 1995. He was created by Phil Redmond as one of the serial's original characters. Despite the character's supposed death in 1999, Kurt returned in 2020 as part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary, with the explanation being that he faked his death. [1]

Contents

Development

Characterisation

Luke is part of the show's Benson family which includes Kurt and his younger siblings Lucy Benson (Kerrie Taylor) and Ollie Benson (Paul Leyshon). [2] Kurt is described as having "two passions in his life – his motorbike and his music". Kurt is "intent on achieving just two things – becoming a rockstar and getting his hands on the desirable Natasha!" Kurt is described as being "despaired at [Tony's] submissive nature" while his brother Ollie is described as the "constant bane of his life". [3] Kurt is described by British newspaper The Independent as being the Alpha male. [4] They also go on to state: "A clean-cut guitarist with a quiff of dark hair and jeans that are unpleasantly loose, bagged together by a tight belt. He's chased by a panda car wherever he goes, though it's not clear what he's done wrong." [4] MSN described him as the serial's "original bad boy". [5] Virgin Media described him as "good looking, cheeky and often in trouble with the police, but everyone loved him". [6] The Daily Record described him as a "rebel- without-a-cause". [7] The Liverpool Echo described him as "heart throb" and said "He was a motorcycle-loving rock star-in-waiting." [8] The Independent described him as "cool-guy Kurt". [9] A writer from the show's official website described Kurt as "the Hollyoaks original bad boy". [2]

Relationship with Ruth Osborne

Writers created a relationship storyline between Kurt and Ruth Osborne (Terri Dwyer). When Kurt finds Spike (Jack Deam) manhandling Ruth, he attacks Spike. The fight ends with Spike being taken to hospital and Kurt is arrested for attempted murder. [10] Kurt faces the prospect of fifteen years in prison if he is found guilty. A trial date is set and Kurt decides to use his possible final two months of freedom to marry Ruth. [10] Edwards told Steven Murphy from Inside Soap that "the wedding was a desperation thing, it's a reinforcement of their love, trust and friendship. It's the ultimate 'I believe in you to the point that I will forsake all others'." [10]

Edwards described his character as "very nervous" about the trial and struggled to cope with the "tough" scenario. Spike enlists witness Gary Watson (James Murray) exaggerate the events of the fight to ensure Kurt is found guilty. Kurt confides in Ruth about his fears about the trial. Edwards explained that "I really don't think Kurt could cope if he had to go to prison, he's already told Ruth that it'll kill him if he goes to jail." [10]

Departure

In Kurt's final scenes he informs best friend Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) he is leaving. The scene featured Tony in a comedic scene with lard on his head because they thought he was going bald. Despite the scene being comedic, Tony becomes emotional to lose his friend. [11] The show's executive producer Jo Hallows told Wendy Granditer from Inside Soap that it was her "absolute favourite" moment of Hollyoaks. She noted it was a "silly storyline" but Pickard's performance made her cry. She added Kurt was one of the first "major characters" to leave the show and "it was the end of an era." [11]

Storylines

Kurt was friends with Tony and Jambo Bolton and had his heart set on winning Natasha Andersen as his girlfriend. Tragedy struck before the two could really get together, and her death started a deadly feud with Rob Hawthorne. Kurt moved on to Natasha's cousin Ruth, and after a rocky start to their relationship, they ended up getting married. As a result, Kurt and Ruth became icons for all teenagers in love, demonstrating that love can conquer all. Their decision to marry was provoked by the trouble Kurt had got himself into after injuring Spike. Kurt had caught Spike making a play for Ruth and, in his attempt to protect her, he pushed Spike, causing him to fall from the scaffolding. As a result, Kurt was accused of attempted murder and was certain that he would be found guilty. He took off to Hull, sensing that Ruth doubted his innocence.

Ruth went in pursuit of him, however, and they decided to make the ultimate commitment to each other and got married, incurring the wrath of their parents when they returned home. When Kurt was found not guilty, the couple began to enjoy life as newly weds, although they knew that things would never be easy. Kurt handed Rob over to the mercy of his drug dealers, who threw him from the roof of a car park. Rob never forgave Kurt, and began a long and drawn out plan to exact revenge. Rob's plan culminated in getting Kurt's sister Lucy hooked on heroin and, when she fell into a drug-induced coma, Kurt took matters into his own hands and followed Rob to France. After a dramatic chase and confrontation, he left Rob floating in the middle of the Atlantic, announcing that fate would decide his destiny.

As Lucy slowly recovered from her ordeal, Kurt and Ruth's marriage hit a rocky patch and they both began to wonder whether they had made a mistake marrying so young. Ruth was determined to make it work, but Kurt soon found himself tempted by the alluring Kate Patrick and started an affair. Ruth found out about Kurt's infidelity and threw him out, but he managed to persuade her that he had made a terrible mistake and she eventually took him back. Kurt's decision to leave was prompted by a violent outburst when he caught Kate trying to drown Ruth in the swimming pool. He tried to teach Kate a lesson by holding her head under water, and almost drowned her in the process. Ruth was shocked by his violent reaction, this was a Kurt she barely recognised. Kurt and Ruth break-up and he promises Ruth that he would always be her friend. Six months later Kurt he was killed in a jet ski accident. Lucy later found out the accident had been caused by Rob but it turned out to have been a random hit and run and Rob had told people he killed him to taunt them.

Kurt returned in Hollyoaks Later in 2013, fourteen years after his last appearance. He appeared as a vision in Tony's mind, and protecting Tony's son Harry Thompson from danger. On the 25th anniversary in 2020, Kurt returned to Hollyoaks, giving best friend Tony, who believed Kurt to be long dead, a fright. Kurt explained that he had faked his death and had come back to put things right. He started a relationship with Tony's sister Verity Hutchinson and it soon became clear he was setting out to scam his friends to pay off a debt, swindling Darren Osborne and Mandy Richardson out of their life savings with a fake business venture. With his scam exposed, Kurt came to realisation that his time was up and he decided to flee the village, he gave Tony a pep talk about who he is and what he stands for before speeding out of the village on his bike once more as Tony watches his best friend leave.

Reception

Merle Brown from the Daily Record commented on the character's (presumed) death, saying "When there's a problem with a character in Hollyoaks, they just kill them off." [12] A columnist for LGBT website AfterElton said that Kurt was the serial's original "bad boy" and "trouble had a way of following" him. They opined he had good looks and a "lovable cheeky charm and never short of female attention". [13] Elizabeth Joyce of the Shropshire Star said that Kurt was a "decent" and "genuinely memorable character" who still has "a place in the heart of many a late-twentysomething" [14] Dominic Moffitt from Manchester Evening News called Kurt "the original hot rod of the Hollyoaks world." [15]

Related Research Articles

Jeremy Edwards is an English actor, known for his roles as Kurt Benson in Hollyoaks, Danny Shaughnessy in Holby City and Mike Taylor in Millie Inbetween, as well as being a regular panellist and guest host on The Wright Stuff. In October 2019, he appeared on the ITV series The X Factor: Celebrity, with ballroom dancer Brendan Cole.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natasha Andersen</span> UK soap opera character, created 1995

Natasha Andersen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Shebah Ronay. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 23 October 1995. She was created by Phil Redmond as one of the serial's original characters.

Kate Patrick is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Natasha Symms. She debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 6 November 1997. She departed in 1999 and returned for guest appearances in 2000.

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

Mandy Richardson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Sarah Jayne Dunn. She first appeared on 7 October 1996 and has been involved in various storylines, including dealing with sexual abuse while she was a child by her father Dennis, the suicide of her brother Lewis, and an on-off relationship with Tony Hutchinson before the couple married. Mandy had a miscarriage causing her to hit Tony. Mandy and Tony had a daughter together who they named Grace, only for her to die from sudden infant death syndrome. This led to the character and Dunn's exit from the serial in 2006. Dunn made a brief return in 2007 before making a return for six months in 2008. Dunn reprised her role as Mandy in 2010; in September 2011, Dunn announced her departure from the soap, and Mandy made her last appearance on 2 September 2011 before departing off-screen. Dunn later returned to her role in the sixth series of Hollyoaks Later in October 2013. In June 2017, it was announced that Dunn had reprised the role again and that Mandy would appear from July alongside Luke Morgan, played by Gary Lucy. Mandy returned on 26 July 2017. In November 2021, it was announced that Dunn's contract with Hollyoaks had been terminated due to starting an OnlyFans; viewers of the soap criticised the decision and Dunn herself voiced her disappointment with the production team. Her final scenes aired on 27 December 2021, and Mandy was given an off-screen departure on 31 January 2022.

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

Tony Hutchinson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Nick Pickard. His first appearance on-screen occurred on 23 October 1995, the inaugural episode of the programme, and is the longest-serving character in the soap. The character was created by Phil Redmond, as one of several main characters for the show.

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

Lucy Benson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Kerrie Taylor. Taylor appeared from the first episode on 23 October 1995. Taylor later quit the role with the character leaving in January 2000 when she went travelling. The character's storylines included a heroin addiction. The character has been described as a "good daughter" type who changed becoming a "hopeless addict".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jambo Bolton</span> Soap opera character

James "Jambo" Bolton is a fictional character from the British television soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Will Mellor. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 23 October 1995. Jambo was one of the show's original characters. Mellor left the cast in 1998. In 2004, Mellor reprised his role briefly for a Christmas special episode.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dawn Cunningham</span> Soap opera character

Dawn Cunningham is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Lisa Williamson. Williamson was cast as one of the original characters on Hollyoaks in 1995, and was the first member of the Cunningham family to arrive in the village, before the introduction of her family. However, she left in 1997 when the character died following a battle with leukemia.

Rob Hawthorne (<i>Hollyoaks</i>) Soap opera character

Robert "Rob" Hawthorne is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Warren Derosa. Derosa first appeared in the role in January 1996 before the character departed, making his final appearance on 31 December 1999. The character is known for his status as a villain, with Derosa describing him as a "theatrical villain".

Lewis Richardson (<i>Hollyoaks</i>) UK soap opera character, created 1995

Lewis Richardson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Ben Hull. Lewis was introduced by Phil Redmond as part of the Richardson family. Lewis made his first on-screen appearance on 30 October 1995 before departing on 15 October 2001. Lewis was initially a "good bloke" but changed, becoming like his abusive father Dennis Richardson. Lewis's exit from the serial was devised by series producer Jo Hallows who decided to kill Lewis on screen as part of a suicide storyline. The storyline was devised to show the "full horror" of suicide.

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

Luke Morgan is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Gary Lucy. He was introduced by the show's creator Phil Redmond as part of the Morgan family, and made his first appearance on 29 March 1999. The character was involved in a male rape storyline, which was branded "groundbreaking" and met with controversy. Lucy opted to leave the role in 2001 after two years, although he returned for two episodes in August 2002. The character's reintroduction was announced on 21 May 2017 and he returned on 24 July. Lucy took a break from the series in 2018 to appear in a play. The character made a few brief appearances throughout 2019 before he returned permanently in August. Luke was killed off in 2022, with his final scenes airing on 9 June 2022. He returned briefly in 2023 as a vision to his former fiancée Cindy Cunningham.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruth Osborne</span> UK soap opera character, created 1996

Ruth Osborne is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Terri Dwyer. She first appeared in January 1996 as the cousin of Natasha Andersen, and departed in 2001. She made guest appearances between 2003 and 2004, and another in 2008. Dwyer expressed interest in returning full-time in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carol Groves</span> UK soap opera character, created 1996

Carol Groves is a fictional character from the British television soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Natalie Casey. Carol first appeared in the serial on 22 January 1996. In August 2000 it was announced that Casey had quit the role and would film her final scenes at the end of the month. Carol remained with the serial until 11 December 2000 when she left the village to never return.

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.

<i>Hollyoaks Later</i> (series 6) British television series (2013)

The sixth series of Hollyoaks Later is a British television series and late night spin-off of Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. The series consists of five episodes, which aired from 7 October to 11 October 2013, on E4. The series transmitted to concur with the main show's eighteenth anniversary and acted as "a celebration of Hollyoaks past and present". These celebrations included several former cast members returning for the series as part of original character Tony Hutchinson's storyline. These returns included Jeremy Edwards, James Redmond, John Pickard and Sarah Jayne Dunn.

References

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  2. 1 2 "Where Are They Now?". E4.com . Archived from the original on 8 October 2010. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  3. Evans, Matthew (2002). Phil Redmond's Hollyoaks: the official companion. Channel 4. p. 10. ISBN   0-7522-2000-4.
  4. 1 2 Ellmann, Lucy (29 October 1995). "It's prim up North". The Independent . (Independent Print Ltd). Archived from the original on 10 November 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
  5. Cooper, Lorna. "Hollyoaks: where are they now? Jeremy Edwards". MSN. Archived from the original on 28 October 2010. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  6. "Hollyoaks – Where are they now?". Virgin Media. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  7. "Jo hungry for romance; Hollyoaks, Ch4, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6.30pm". Daily Record . 4 August 2001. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  8. "We love to turn it on 5 times a week (but whatever happened to the original stars of Hollyoaks); today the Mersey teen soap Hollyoaks celebrates its 10th birthday. TV editor Peter Grant reports". Liverpool Echo . 21 October 2005. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  9. Morton, Cole (22 October 1995). "Hard man of Brookside moves into soft soap". The Independent . (Independent Print Ltd). Retrieved 8 September 2011.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Murphy, Steven (31 May – 13 June 1997). "My nightmare honeymoon!". Inside Soap . Attic Futura UK Ltd (76): 43.
  11. 1 2 Granditer, Wendy (12–25 April 2003). "Jo's magic moments". Inside Soap . No. 229. p. 21.
  12. "Television: Soap watch; Fight to death in Hollyoaks". Daily Record . 10 March 2001. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
  13. Angel, Fallen (12 September 2007). "Hollyoaks: The Dishy Dozen". AfterElton . Logo). Retrieved 28 November 2011.
  14. Joyce, Elizabeth (27 April 2012). "Hollyoaks – TV review". Shropshire Star . Midland News Association. Archived from the original on 6 May 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  15. Moffitt, Dominic. "Hollyoaks original cast - where are they now? Break-ups, tragedy and life after fame". Manchester Evening News . Retrieved 25 April 2023.