Hollyoaks is a British television soap opera first broadcast on 23 October 1995. The following is a list of characters that appear in 2024, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the soap's executive producers, Hannah Cheers and Angela Abela. Kitty Draper was introduced in January, followed by Abe Fielding. Declan Hawthorne made his debut in February. Arlo Fielding made his debut in March. Donny Clark will be introduced in April.
Kitty Draper, played by Iz Hesketh, made her first appearance on 15 January 2024. Kitty is involved in a four-vehicle collision and after realising that her travelling companion has died, steals her identity. Many details of Kitty have been kept under wraps, but executive producer Hannah Cheers teased a lot of "shock and intrigue" about the character. "We realised that we had the opportunity here to show the front-end of an impostor story," she told media. "Normally in an impostor story, you learn the secret after you've met the character. But to actually see the moment where somebody makes that momentary decision to take the identity of somebody else is huge."[1]
Speaking about her character on social media, Iz said: "Looks like the cats out of the bag… I'm so proud to announce that I'm the new girl on the block in the @hollyoaksofficial Village! My character is one that British TV has needed for a long time. She's fiery, independent and has a huge heart. I'm so excited to show that trans people are just like everyone else. We have flaws, we fall in love and sometimes we make bad decisions for good reasons… brace yourselves, a new arrival is about to come into Hollyoaks with a bang".[1]
Kitty later develops a romance with Beau Ramsey (Jon-Paul Bell).[2] Bell said his character enjoys being around Kitty, bringing Beau out of his "shell".[3] He thought the pair made a good match, however, he noted that they see the world differently which could cause issues in the future.[3] On what attracts Beau to Kitty, Jon-Paul told Inside Soap magazine: "He really enjoys her energy – Kitty's been like a firecracker coming into the village and shaking things up! He's intrigued by the way Kitty lives her life, and it's brought Beau out of his shell a bit."[4] He also added "Kitty's past, and the reason she's landed in the village, could escalate into bigger problems down the line, Beau has strong morals, but he's also very empathetic, so this could lead to us seeing darker shades of his character. It's about how far he's willing to go".[4] The relationship later ended after both of them couldn't make it work.[5]
In a plot-twist aired in scenes from episode 6358, originally broadcast on 22 April 2024, it was revealed that Kitty is the daughter of conversion therapistDeclan Hawthorne (Alan Turkington).[6] In episode 6367, originally broadcast on 3 May 2024, Kitty was kidnapped by Declan as part of a cliffhanger.[7][8]
Abe Fielding, played by Tyler Conti, made his first appearance on 18 January 2024. The character and casting was announced on 15 January 2024.[9] Abe is the ex-boyfriend of returning character Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin), who left him due to his controlling behaviour.[10] Abe arrives in the village looking for Cleo after she is involved in a multi-vehicle collision, unaware that she is searching for her ex-fiance Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed). A press release for the character described Abe as: "Very loving, friendly, and approachable, but under the surface there’s more than meets the eye," and teased an "unexpected" family connection.[9]
Speaking about his character, Tyler commented: "Abe is a charming working-class young lad with a manipulative streak a mile-wide. The ingredients of a deeply troubled past and a complicated family life have brewed his dangerous temper, especially when things don’t go his way. I can't wait for Abe to explode into the Hollyoaks village, you can expect danger, manipulation, and one heck of a messy family that comes with it."[9]
Declan Hawthorne, played by Alan Turkington, made his first appearance on 28 February 2024. The character and casting was announced on 6 February 2024. Declan is a practitioner of conversion therapy alongside Carter Shepherd (David Ames), and assists Carter in attempting to influence the sexuality of Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis).[11]
Speaking about joining the soap, Alan said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the Hollyoaks family, who have made me feel so welcome – even as a very unwelcome character! We've already filmed some incredibly intense scenes, including those in Declan's first episode. He's a toxically religious man who fervently believes in the therapy he is advocating. He feels that these men have lost their way, when really it's he who has 'strayed from the righteous path'. I feel very privileged as an actor to be able to highlight the evils of conversion therapy with this storyline and I can't wait to see how tensions play out with Carter, Lucas, and maybe some others in the village."[11]
Arlo Fielding, portrayed by Dan Hough, is the son of Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) and the half-brother of Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed) and Abe Fielding (Tyler Conti). He made his debut in spring 2024.[13] He previously made a cameo appearance in episode 6334, originally broadcast on 19 March 2024 as part of a major plot-twist that his half-brother Abe is actually his kidnapper.[14] Marie wants to obtain Arlo back after Abe secretly sent him to stay with his father and an unknown woman, disguising it as a kidnapping.[15] When Marie hires a private investigator, she finds a lead in Ireland, though is stopped on her way by the police as Abe has framed her for drugging Arlo with sedatives.[16] Marie is then released and overhears a conversation between Abe and his girlfriend Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin), confessing that he set Marie up. Cleo covers for Abe and lets Marie believe it was her. In early April 2024, Marie is told that a body has been found in Ireland that they may believe is Arlo[17] (this is confirmed untrue as Arlo appears in the spring trailer released by Hollyoaks).[13] Abe then rushes to Dublin in a bid to search for his half-brother, knowing he is alive.[18]
The story reaches a climax when Chris returns to Hollyoaks village with Arlo. Clutching at straws, he eventually admits to Cleo that he is behind the kidnapping of Arlo as he believed Marie is incapable of having children.[19] Cleo later promised to assist Abe giving Arlo back to Chris, but then helped him escape whilst Abe's back had turned. Arlo returned to Marie in episode 6353, originally broadcast on 15 April 2024.[20] Arlo's stepmother, Demi (Ainsley Howard), returns to Hollyoaks village in a bid to return Arlo to Chris' care.[12]
Donny Clark, played by Louis Emerick, made his first appearance in episode 6348, originally broadcast on 8 April 2024. The character and casting was announced on 2 April 2024. He is the father of established characters Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) and Andre Clark (David Joshua-Anthony). Donny makes his first appearance when he unexpectedly arrives at Vicky's 18th birthday party.[21]
The character has been billed as "charisma personified", who is "determined to build a relationship with Vicky upon his arrival in the village". Discussing Donny's arrival in Hollyoaks, Emerick commented: "Donny is coming back to see his son and it collides with his daughter's birthday, which is very emotional as it's the first time he has met her". On joining the soap, Emerick stated: "It has equally been moving for me personally. I was there when Hollyoaks began. We sat with the Brookside and Hollyoaks crew and watched a screening of the first ever episode in 1995. It is so exciting to be back with this vibrant cast and crew, back on the set where it all began."[21]
Donny unexpectedly arrives at Vicky's 18th birthday party, much to the dismay of her and Scott. Vicky assumes his arrival was because he sabotaged Scott adopting her. Andre later admits it was him that invited Donny as he thought Vicky would be delighted. Vicky claims that Scott has been a better father in the past two years then Donny has eighteen. He later explains he knew nothing about the adoption and that abandoning her was not by choice, but by force.
Martha Blake, portrayed by Sherrie Hewson, is introduced as the estranged mother of deceased Patrick Blake (Jeremy Sheffield).[22] Martha, along with son Jez (also portrayed by Sheffield) are set to make their debuts in spring 2024.[22] Their casting and characters details were announced on 3 May 2024.[22]
Hewson, delighted of her casting said: "It's been a rollercoaster joining Hollyoaks! The character is just wonderful to play. Everyone is so lovely, such a great atmosphere to work in and so welcoming. We laugh a lot, what more could you ask for?"[22]
Teasing the upcoming plot, executive producer Hannah Cheers added: "To be a Blake, you must be clever, captivating and charming on the outside… and calculating, cold and cynical on the inside, with a family dynasty so rich in history, it should come as no surprise that there are still many secrets to be uncovered. But for Sienna, Dilly, Liberty and Maxine, what happens next is not what anyone could have expected…."[22]
Jez Blake, portrayed by Jeremy Sheffield, is introduced as the long-lost twin-brother of deceased Patrick Blake, who was also portrayed by Sheffield.[23] Jez, along with mother Martha (Sherrie Hewson), are set to make their debuts in spring 2024.[23] Their casting and characters details were announced on 3 May 2024.[23]
Sheffield, who knew he would be introduced back into Hollyoaks later in the year, did not know he would play a new character. Delighted at the news, he stated: "I'm so excited to be back in the village and have the opportunity to play a great new character, Jez might be Patrick's twin but he couldn’t be more different; he's charming, enigmatic, complex and full of mystery. Working with the wonderful Sherrie Hewson means we get to explore even more of the famously twisted Blake family secrets."[23]
Teasing the upcoming plot, executive producer Hannah Cheers added: "To be a Blake, you must be clever, captivating and charming on the outside… and calculating, cold and cynical on the inside, with a family dynasty so rich in history, it should come as no surprise that there are still many secrets to be uncovered. But for Sienna, Dilly, Liberty and Maxine, what happens next is not what anyone could have expected…."[23]
A cellmate of Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer) who attempts to threaten him into assisting with his drug-selling business inside prison. Prince refuses until Nathan begins threatening his family, but Nathan decides Prince took too long to answer and intimidates him.
A driver who along with Kitty Draper (Iz Hesketh) is involved in a multi-car collision. The driver dies in the crash, prompting Kitty to steal her identity.
A drug dealer who disposed of the car that Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) accidentally killed Ella Richardson (Erin Palmer) with. After discovering that the car killed Ella, Kane threatens Ste, prompting Ste to beat him up. Kane returns the car and calls the police. Ste's husband, (James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) later meets with Kane posing as a customer, but plants Ella's boot in his car, getting Kane arrested. James visits Kane in prison, threatening to harm Kane's daughter if he did not plead guilty. Kane later sees James visiting Romeo Nightingale (Owen Warner) in prison, discovering that James is Romeo's father. Kane deals Romeo's cellmate a dodgy batch of drugs that kills him, allowing Kane to become Romeo's new cellmate and threaten his life. Kane demands £250,000 from James to ensure Romeo's safety, which James is forced to steal from the estate of the recently deceased Rafe Harcourt (Chris Gordon). However, once Kane receives the money, he goes back on his word and stabs Romeo as revenge for James framing him and threatening his family. After Romeo survives the stabbing and manages to escape from prison, Kane is visited by Ella's father, Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas), who demands to know who is responsible for Ella's death. Kane proposes a deal where if he tells Warren who is behind Ella's death, Warren will help him get out of prison. After punching Kane, Warren agrees to the deal. Kane reveals that Ste and James were responsible for Ella's death, although he is unsure which one killed her. James later spots Warren shaking hands with Kane.
The cellmate of Romeo Nightingale (Owen Warner) who bonds with him during their time in prison. Leech is a drug addict and reveals to Kane that James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) is Romeo's father. Kane then purposefully gives Leech a dodgy stash of drugs causing him to overdose and die.
The stepmother of Arlo Fielding (Dan Hough) who arrives in the village asking money from Abe Fielding (Tyler Conti). Abe pays her off in order for Demi to leave. Abe and Demi later have a video call, revealing that Abe is aware of Arlo's whereabouts, something he had been lying about.
A police officer who arrests Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher) for driving under the influence of alcohol after she runs a red light. When Diane's husband Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) attempts to claim he was driving and then destroy PC Harvey's dash-cam, she arrests him as well.
An associate of Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) who arranges a meeting for him with Kane where Warren learns that Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) and James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) were responsible for the death of Warren's daughter, Ella Richardson (Erin Palmer). Murphy later joins Warren in kidnapping James and confronting him and Ste on the roof of a disused school. Freddie Roscoe (Charlie Clapham) sees Murphy following a tryst with Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) and confronts him, leading to Murphy threatening Freddie's daughter, Lexi. Murphy joins Ste in leading a siege at Sienna Blake's (Anna Passey) home, but during the invasion is accidentally shot by Maxine Minniver (Nikki Sanderson). After regaining consciousness, Murphy flees the scene.
A private investigator hired by Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) in order to find Arlo Fielding (Dan Hough). Shirley shows Marie and her son Abe Fielding (Tyler Conti) footage captured from Northern Ireland showing Arlo asleep at a pub.
A social worker who visits Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith) after she attacks her mum, Suzanne Ashworth (Suzanne Hall). After seeing her twin brother, JJ Osborne (Ryan Mulvey), observing her, Frankie lies to Carol about her recent behaviour.
A personal trainer who meets Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis) through a gay hookup app, and takes him to The Loft. Lucas decides against going home with Ged, leading to a confrontation. Carter Shepherd (David Ames) then steps in, telling Ged that Lucas is underage.
Related Research Articles
Hollyoaks is a British soap opera which originally began airing on Channel 4 on 23 October 1995. It was created by Phil Redmond, who had previously conceived the soap opera Brookside. From 2005 to 2023, episodes have aired on sister channel E4 a day prior to their broadcast on Channel 4. In 2023, Hollyoaks was removed from Channel 4's early evening schedule, but remains on E4 and Channel 4's on demand service with episodes now uploaded to YouTube.
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.
Myra McQueen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Nicole Barber-Lane. She made her first screen appearance during episode 1796, originally broadcast on 12 June 2006 and was introduced by producer Bryan Kirkwood as part of the McQueen family. The character is initially designed to play a supporting role in her family's stories. She is characterised as a no-nonsense matriarch who is "fiercely protective" of her family and puts her children first. Myra has a series of failed relationship, leading to her many children. One of her early stories introduces Niall Rafferty, Myra's abandoned son who returns for revenge on his mother. The story concludes in a stunt when Niall explodes a church, killing Myra's daughter Tina Reilly. Barber-Lane left the soap in 2013 and Myra fakes her death after being shot.
Bryan Kirkwood is a British television producer. He was the producer of the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks from 2006 until 2009 and was the executive producer of the BBC soap EastEnders from 2010 until 2012. He returned as the executive producer of Hollyoaks in late 2012, before leaving again in March 2021. His final episodes aired in June of that year. In 2022, he returned to EastEnders as a writer.
Carl Costello is a fictional character from the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Paul Opacic. The character was introduced by executive producer Paul Marquess and he debuted on screen during the episode broadcast on 19 July 2010. Carl arrived in the village as the new owner of The Dog in the Pond and the father of established character Jem Costello. Carl departed from Hollyoaks on 1 December 2011 with his son Jason Costello. Opacic later reprised his role and returned to Hollyoaks on 26 September 2012 and left again on the 5 October 2012. Opacic reprised his role once more in January 2013, which coincided with the exit of Mitzeee Minniver. He returned on 25 January 2013 and departed again on 15 February 2013. Opacic returned again for a guest appearance on 10 July 2018, which ended in his character being murdered by an unknown assailant on 11 July of that year. He reappeared via a flashback on 16 November 2018, which revealed Breda McQueen to be his killer.
Sinead O'Connor is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, played by Stephanie Davis. The character first appeared during the episode broadcast on 1 September 2010. Sinead is a member of the O'Connor family, who were introduced as part of a cast turnover. Producers devised a "Romeo and Juliet" pairing for Sinead and Bart McQueen.
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.
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.
Frankie Osborne is a fictional character from the British E4 soap opera Hollyoaks and is portrayed by Isabelle Smith. She was born on-screen on 21 January 2011, which coincided with the show's 3,000th episode celebrations. Frankie is the daughter of Suzanne Ashworth and Darren Osborne. Frankie departed the serial in episode 3039, originally broadcast on 17 March 2011 at the end of Suzanne's return storyline. It was announced on 10 November 2023 that series producers Hannah Cheers and Angela Abela had re-introduced Darren's twins into the serial and Frankie would return to the show in early 2024. Frankie returned permanently to Hollyoaks in episode 6291, originally broadcast on 18 January 2024. Since her return, executive producer Hannah Cheers and series producer Angela Abela placed Frankie and twin brother JJ Osborne at the forefront of a controversial issue-based storyline; with the both devised in a high-profile sibling sexual abuse storyline.
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