Steph Cunningham

Last updated

Steph Cunningham
Hollyoaks character
Steph Cunningham.jpg
Portrayed by Carley Stenson
Duration2000–2011
First appearance29 March 2000
Last appearance26 December 2011
Classification Former; regular
Introduced by Jo Hallows
Spin-off
appearances		 Hollyoaks: In Too Deep (2004)
Hollyoaks Later (2008–2009)
In-universe information
Other namesStephanie De La Dean
OccupationWaitress (2007–2010)
Businesswoman (2008–2010)
Dance teacher (2009–2010)
Father Johnno Dean
Mother Frankie Osborne
Brothers Jake Dean
Craig Dean
Sisters Debbie Dean
Half-brothers Presley Dean
Brian Bloom
Husband Max Cunningham (2008)
Gilly Roach (2010)
Nieces Esther Bloom

Steph Roach (also Dean and Cunningham) is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks , played by Carley Stenson. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 29 March 2000. Steph was introduced into the serial by executive producer Jo Hallows. In 2009 Stenson decided to quit, but the then producer Lucy Allan convinced her to stay to play out a dramatic storyline. The announcement of her departure was made public in June 2010. Stenson's fellow cast members have described her as a "Hollyoaks legend" because of her lengthy duration.

Contents

Steph has been described as having a highly confident persona, a trait Stenson enjoyed portraying throughout. Steph is also played as "fame hungry". She is noted for a number of high-profile storylines such as the portrayal of bullying in a school environment, the portrayal of epilepsy, which Stenson felt had been a 'taboo subject' for too long. Other stories include becoming a widow and her involvement in Niall Rafferty's revenge plot and her constant desire for fame. One of Steph's final storylines was the portrayal of cervical cancer, which Stenson conducted extensive research into. Steph was subsequently killed off in a special block of episodes branded by the media as "fire week". Some critics described her final storylines as "upsetting" and "surprising". Steph's relationship with Gilly Roach (Anthony Quinlan) was viewed unfavourable by most. Stenson has been nominated for several different awards for her portrayal of Steph.

Development

Casting and characterisation

Carley Stenson (pictured) said that Steph is a "lovable rogue who just likes making mischief for attention." Carley Stenson with fan.jpg
Carley Stenson (pictured) said that Steph is a "lovable rogue who just likes making mischief for attention."

Stenson originally auditioned to play a friend of the established character Zara Morgan (Kelly Greenwood). [1] Although unsuccessful, the Hollyoaks casting team later asked her to apply for the new role of Steph Cunningham, and placed her straight into the final stage of auditions. She was delighted to subsequently be given the part, which was her first major television role. [2] [3] Stenson joined the cast straight after leaving high school, aged seventeen. [1] [4] She made her first appearance in March 2000, [5] and by 2010 had become the longest-serving female cast member remaining. [6] Steph originally featured in the series as a recurring character for two stints. [7] Producers were impressed with Stenson's performance and by September 2000, they had invited her to join the show fulltime. Stenson revealed that Steph would return with "greater prominence". [7]

Steph was introduced as a friend of Zara's, who was initially "quite naïve" and easily led. Within two years, her personality had altered greatly. Steph became a bully, [1] and "a bit of a bitch". [2] Stenson enjoyed this transformation into a villain, as she believed it made Steph a more memorable character. [1] She also felt she could "really go somewhere" with Steph's bitchiness in her acting, but in contrast struggled to portray her more genuine moments. She commented that Steph is the type of character only to cry over things she "really cares about". Stenson found this difficult to relate to, and struggled to "find a balance between pushing it too far and far enough". [2] She ultimately preferred to play her as a bitch, [2] though one "more comical rather than just out-and-out nasty." [1]

Stenson assessed that Steph "really isn't all bad, more of a lovable rogue who just likes making mischief for attention." [1] She deemed her character "very unpredictable", with a great deal of confidence. [8] The LINC Online called her a "beautiful blonde wild child with a penchant for arrogance and displays of egotism". [2] Sarah Moolla of The People branded her "superficial", [9] the Daily Record 's Merle Brown referred to her as "a true red-blooded female, [10] and Emma Johnson of the Liverpool Echo assessed that she had a "couldn't-care-less" attitude. [11] BBC America described Steph as a two-sided character. They observed that as well as a bitch, she could be "dishonest, vain, jealous and small-minded", and wrote "She causes trouble when she wants to and will happily lie and gossip to get her own way." Conversely, they noted that for those on her good side, "She can be your best friend, a confidante and sweet natured girl". [12]

As Steph developed, she was revealed to have a "softer side". Beneath her tough façade was a "deeply insecure little girl who crave[d] love and affection." [12] An "artistic and creative" streak lead her to attend performing arts college. [13] This inspired a rivalry with fellow actor Summer Shaw (Summer Strallen), which saw Steph "determined to keep the limelight on her." [14] Stenson downplayed her vocal ability, and opined that Steph is "hardly the world's best singer". [15]

Family and relationships

In late 2002, more than two years after Steph's arrival, her family were introduced to the series. [1] The dynamics of the Dean family evolved with time. They were initially a dysfunctional unit, but in a different way to other Hollyoaks families, as they tended to disrupt the lives of others whilst being happy amongst themselves. [2] Upon their arrival, actress Helen Pearson, who plays mother Frankie Dean, assessed that they were "really supportive of each other", and "quite solid, like an old-fashioned family unit", despite their lack of finances which required them to undertake "various scams to keep body and soul together." [16] As time went on, the Deans were affected by affairs and parental separation, more typical of the soap's other families. [2]

Writers introduced Steph into a friendship group with the show's other teenagers who included Zara Morgan (Kelly Greenwood), Abby Davies (Helen Noble), Lisa Hunter (Gemma Atkinson), Lee Hunter (Alex Carter) and Brian Drake (Jonathan Le Billon). [17] Steph was portrayed differently to the rest of the group, with the example of a story involving a rumour club. The students are set a task of creating a rumour club to assess how quickly gossip can spread around a community. The assignment is supposed to be fun but the possibility of people getting emotionally hurt excites Steph. Stenson told an Inside Soap reporter that Steph's motivation is "purely evil". [17] She enjoys "setting the cat amongst the pigeons" and watching her handiwork play out. Writers showcased Steph's "bitchy" side perfectly in the story, as she creates a rumour about Mandy Richardson (Sarah Jayne Dunn) and Laura Burns (Lesley Johnston) being lesbians and in a relationship. [17] Lee dislikes Steph's plans but writers showed the Steph's nasty influence over her friends when Lee is too afraid to oppose her. Stenson concluded it showed Steph disliked other "pretty girls" and "likes nothing better than being a cow" towards them. [17]

Steph had several romances throughout her time in the series. In her early years, Stenson played her as a flirt, who acted out for the attention of boys. [1] Her first lovers included Christian virgin Brian Drake and football playing "lothario" Scott Anderson (Daniel Hyde). [16] Her later relationship with Cameron Clark (Ben Gerrard) had "ups and downs" due to his obsessive-compulsive disorder. To boost his confidence she forced him to join a rock band. Her actions were successful, and Stenson said Steph was "proud" of this. [15] She sacrificed their relationship so Cameron could leave and tour Europe. Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap praised Steph for being so supportive, despite Cameron's "erratic behaviour". [15]

Steph appeared to "finally [find] happiness" when she fell in love with Max Cunningham (Matt Littler). [18] Although attracted to her, Max initially resisted Steph as he believed her to be a "ditzy, air-headed blonde", only interested in "bad boys." [19] When his younger brother Tom (Ellis Hollins) developed a crush on her, the "kind, sensitive way" Steph handled it altered his impression. Littler explained, "Max begins to realise there's more to her than her looks. He begins to think she's actually really nice and they become friends."." [19] Littler quit the series in 2008, and producers planned his exit around Max's wedding to Steph. [20] He was killed off on their wedding day, as he pulled Tom out of the path of a car. [21] Before she filmed the aftermath of Max's death, Stenson listened to depressing music to reach her character's bereaved mindset. [22] Stenson believed it was a mistake to kill Max off, and "such an awful thing to happen to Steph", until she received "amazing feedback" about the storyline. [22] In the aftermath, Tom asked Steph to be his mother, in a scene that then-executive producer Bryan Kirkwood deemed his favourite of the year. The interaction between the two was intended to represent "what Hollyoaks is all about - lots of heart, relationships, friendships, love and loss." Kirkwood praised Stenson's performance throughout the storyline, particularly during that scene. [23]

Steph has a brief fling with Niall Rafferty (Barry Sloane). The actors were required to film "steamy scenes". Stenson felt it a "hard challenge" to portray, she had to convince the audience that Steph would genuinely get together with her husband's killer. [22] Some viewers, including all the staff of Inside Soap believed their chemistry to be greater. Stenson ultimately decided Steph was "better suited" to Max. [22] She hoped that Steph would have even "more drama around the corner" along with "a bit of comic relief". [22]

Illnesses

Epilepsy

"It was the first thing I worried about, that people who have it would watch it and think, 'That's so not what it's about and that's so not how I feel.' Especially having the fit because I didn't want it to look laughable. It was very difficult." [2]

—Stenson talking to LINC Online about her initial fears of portraying epilepsy. (2006)

In a storyline which Stenson found challenging to portray, Steph was diagnosed with epilepsy. Feeling a responsibility to members of the viewing public who have the disorder, the actress researched it extensively, assisted by Mersey Television. As well as reading about it, she visited several organisations, [8] and spent a day on set with a teenage girl—close in age to Steph—who has the condition, and who shared insights on the experiences she had been through. [11] The actress felt trepidation about acting out seizures, but for her first one was assisted by the episode's director, who had witnessed seizures first-hand, having once worked in a hospital. [11] Stenson felt privileged to be chosen for the storyline, particularly as epilepsy is typically a taboo subject which had not featured prominently in a soap opera before. [2]

Barbara Pinder of Epilepsy Action praised the serial for taking on the subject matter. Hollyoaks researchers contacted the charity when developing the storyline, and Pinder felt that the show succeeded in communicating the impact of Steph's diagnosis. She stated, "It is great to see a soap opera, specially one that is watched mainly by young people, look at the issue of epilepsy as it often gets ignored." [11] Stenson was pleased the storyline was "reaching out to people", and stated that she had received many letters from fans thanking her for highlighting an under-exposed subject, [2] as well as positive feedback on the Hollyoaks website. [11]

Steph initially reacted angrily towards her diagnosis, which Pinder confirmed was not uncommon, explaining: "The character is going through stages that someone with epilepsy is likely to go through. Teenagers can have terrible trouble coming to terms with epilepsy at a time when they have a lot of other difficult things to deal with. It can also be quite a blow to their independence." [11] Writing for the Sunday Mail , Steve Hendry assessed that the plot would serve to "bring the arrogant and often spiteful Steph down a peg or two", humbling her. [3] Stenson agreed that Steph's epilepsy would make her "more understanding", inspiring thoughtfulness towards others, as opposed to her former rejection of those different to her. However, she observed that the condition may also serve to worsen her behaviour towards "a chosen few." [3] The character's epilepsy was further explored in the Hollyoaks spin-off In Too Deep , in which Steph has a seizure and believes she is possessed by a spirit, almost causing her to drown. [24]

Cervical cancer

In 2010, Steph was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent a hysterectomy. [25] It was devised prior to the appointment of Paul Marquess as executive producer. He chose to continue with it, deciding that it would be interesting to give Steph another serious storyline, and have a character that viewers "know and love going through a really hard time." [26] In preparation for the storyline, Stenson studied the illness to give her a time-line of the experiences Steph would undergo. She chose not to speak with any cancer patients about coping with cancer, believing that everyone handles it in their own personal way. Additionally, she aimed to make Steph's realisation of her cancer as believable as possible, explaining that: "Steph wouldn't have any prior knowledge about what to expect, and I wanted to see it fresh through her eyes". [27] She was flattered to be trusted with the storyline, and found it particularly important to get her portrayal right as, during the previous year, she had fronted the Arm Against Cervical Cancer campaign. [28]

The producers aimed to send a message of early detection to the series' young audience, and had Steph initially ignore her symptoms. [25] Stenson hoped to raise awareness of cervical cancer, and educate women about the importance of regular smear tests. [29] She stated that Steph was confident about beating her illness, as "the alternative [wa]sn't worth thinking about." [28] The character was originally reluctant to tell her family about the cancer for fear of hurting them, and was embarrassed to tell her love interest Gilly Roach (Anthony Quinlan), not wanting him to have to look after her. [28] As the storyline developed, Steph cancelled her wedding to Gilly due to his refusal to accept that her condition was terminal. Quinlan explained that his character impeded her ability to deal with the situation, with his disbelief contrasting Steph's attempt to "take this in her stride and [...] spend quality time with the people she loves before she goes." [30]

Marquess deemed the storyline as a whole one which could only be depicted the way it was in Hollyoaks, [26] aiming to tell a "tragic story" with a "sweet and humorous tone"." [25] A comedy element of the storyline had Steph use her cancer as a sob story to enter a talent show, recruiting orphan Tom to take to the stage with her, giving her story further emotional impact. Stenson commented, "Deep down she knows she's not a fantastic singer, but she thought the judges would feel sorry for her and put her through." [31] According to Quinlan, viewer feedback on the storyline was "brilliant". He stated that viewers were upset by Steph's illness, and that it had even brought his own mother to tears. [32]

Departure and death

In 2010, it was announced that Stenson had decided to quit the serial to pursue a career in musical theatre. She deemed it "one of the most difficult decisions [she had] ever made", stating that Hollyoaks had been her "dream job" and that she would miss her friends in the cast and crew. [5] She made the decision to resign around June 2009, but was convinced by then-producer Lucy Allan to play out a long exit storyline, [33] which concluded filming in September 2010. [34] Before filming her final scenes, Stenson secured her first West End role. [35] Though she had previously felt ready to leave the series, when the time came, she was upset because she felt the reality of it. [27] She called her final scenes "really sad and emotional". [34]

Hollyoaks devised an arson plot to begin on Guy Fawkes Night 2010, as a result of which some characters would die. The production team intended to keep details of who would die secret until transmission. [36] Prior to broadcast, Stenson revealed that Steph would risk her own life to save Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies), Leah Barnes (Jessica Croft-Lane) and Lucas Hay. The actress explained that "She stares death in the face every day because of her cancer, so thinks she really has nothing to lose now." [37] Stenson performed one of her own stunts during filming, with the rest undertaken by a stunt double. [38] A promotional trailer for the episodes aired across the Channel 4 network, featuring Steph on fire. [39] In the event, Steph rescued Amy and her children from a burning building but refused to leave herself, saying she was ready to die. [40] Her exit received a positive reaction from fans on the social networking website Twitter, with Stenson stating that she was "honoured" by the response. [41] Steph's legacy continued following her death, with her husband, family and friends left to come to terms with their grief. [42] On 29 November 2011 it was confirmed Stenson was to reprise the role for a one off guest appearance as Steph in which she appears as an angel to Doug Carter who had attempted suicide and she convinces him that his life matters. Steph tells Doug something and he shows Frankie a special song that Steph had recorded for her. Frankie, overjoyed that her daughter had not forgotten her, wept whilst Angel Steph looked on happily and placed a hand on her shoulder before winking to Tom and returning to heaven, stating she was "ready for her solo." [43]

Storylines

Steph is introduced as a new student at Hollyoaks High, with early storylines focusing on her school life and best friend Zara. She frequently bullies fellow pupil Lisa, driving her to attempt suicide. When Steph's friends react disapprovingly, she apologises and promises to change. She cultivates a promiscuous reputation, having brief relationships with Brian and footballer Scott Anderson (Daniel Hyde). Steph eventually becomes friends with Lisa, but accidentally ruins her hair while attempting to dye it. Believing that she did so on purpose, her other friends shun her. Distracted by the quarrel, Steph does not notice that she is being stalked by serial killer Toby Mills (Henry Luxemburg). He attacks her, hitting her in the head with a spanner and leaving her to die. Steph is comatose for a week, and is diagnosed with epilepsy when she regains consciousness. Upon learning that Toby is Lisa's brother-in-law, Steph resumes her bullying. Johnno eventually catches her physically attacking Lisa, and orders her to leave her alone. The two go on to attend university together, where Steph apologises for her cruelty and they are able to reconcile.

In the aftermath of her epilepsy diagnosis, Steph is initially unable to deal with her condition. Her father, Johnno Dean (Colin Wells) supports her, but ends up abandoning his family following the revelation that he has a secret son. Steph's mother Frankie remarries, and she comes to see her new stepfather, Jack Osborne (Jimmy McKenna), as a father figure, despite remaining close to her father and becomes the only family member to visit him. Steph largely reforms following her epilepsy diagnosis, becoming more sensitive to the needs of others. She comes to terms with how dangerous her condition could be if uncontrolled, and in time her epileptic episodes become less frequent. Steph fails her college exams and is forced to retake them. Fuelled by jealousy of her sister's West End success, she attempts to embark on a celebrity career. She appears in the fictional television show Bid Crazy TV, and auditions for a girl band, X-Pose, which transpires to be a money-making scam. She then sells a kiss and tell story on celebrity Joe Jones, who she meets after a failed audition to become one of his backing singers. When Steph's notoriety peters out, her stepbrother and agent Darren arranges for her to have sex with a footballer. After their liaison, Steph discovers that he is actually just the team's mascot. Humiliated, she abandons her pursuit of fame. In a comedy storyline, Steph's great-aunt Reenie leaves her an inheritance, said to be a "small fortune", on the condition that Steph performs a charitable act. She fulfils the requirement by saving Leo Valentine (Brian Bovell) from choking, however discovers that Small Fortune is, in fact, a donkey. Steph sends it to live at a donkey sanctuary.

Steph becomes a babysitter to Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins), and later begins a relationship with his older brother, Max Cunningham (Matt Littler). They get engaged, but have an on-off relationship fraught with frequent arguments. Steph's friend, Niall Rafferty (Barry Sloane) falls madly in love with her and attempts to come between them. She and Max eventually marry, but on their wedding day, Niall accidentally runs Max over, killing him. After a period of intense grief, Steph has sex with Niall. He is revealed to be a villain, holding his family hostage and killing his sister, Tina Reilly (Leah Hackett). A frightened Steph goes to stay with her brother Craig (Guy Burnett) in Scotland. Niall follows her, and takes Steph, Tom and Craig hostage. After a stand-off in which Craig makes Niall acknowledge the hurt he has caused, Niall throws himself off a cliff to his death. After a long holiday with Tom, Steph begins to put her life back together. She falls for dance teacher Fernando Fernandez (Jeronimo Best), inspiring jealousy in Gilly Roach (Anthony Quinlan), who has feelings for Steph. She and Fernando become engaged, as do Gilly and Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh), Steph's employee. Realising that she loves Gilly, Steph breaks up with Fernando, but due to loyalty to Cheryl, refuses to date Gilly when he breaks up with her. Gilly briefly becomes engaged to Jem Costello (Helen Russell-Clark), but ultimately leaves her to be with Steph.

Steph discovers she has cervical cancer, and has a hysterectomy. In the aftermath, she decides to pursue a singing career and applies for The X Factor . Despite using her cancer as a sob story, she is rejected at her audition. Her cancer spreads, and though Steph has chemotherapy, she is later told that her condition is terminal. Gilly struggles to cope with her diagnosis, almost causing Steph to cancel their wedding. It goes ahead, however, and after their honeymoon, Steph begins to make plans for her impending death. When Il Gnosh, a local Italian restaurant catches fire, Steph saves Amy Barnes and her children, but chooses to remain inside and die. After Steph's funeral, her family and friends watch video messages she recorded for them prior to her death. On 11 March 2011, Cindy returns and Darren tells her about Steph and plays her the goodbye message. On 26 December, Steph made a one-off appearance as a ghost to Doug Carter (PJ Brennan).

Reception

Stenson received several award nominations for her portrayal of Steph. She was nominated in the "Best Comedy Performance" category at the 2005 and 2006 British Soap Awards, [44] [45] and for "Best Dramatic Performance" in 2009. [46] She received a long-list nomination for the "Best Actress" accolade at the 2005 National Television Awards.[ citation needed ] In 2008, Stenson was nominated for the "Sexiest Female" Inside Soap Award, [47] which she found flattering. [48] A further nomination in the same category followed in 2010, accompanied by nominations for "Best Actress", and "Best Dramatic Performance" for Steph learning she had cancer. [49] The character was selected as one of the "top 100 British soap characters" by industry experts for a poll to be run by What's on TV, with readers able to vote for their favourite character to discover "Who is Soap's greatest Legend?" [50]

Following her departure, her co-stars commented favourably on the actress and character, with Jorgie Porter deeming her an "ultimate original", Gemma Merna stating that she "was Hollyoaks", [51] and Ricky Whittle admitting that he cried during the airing of her final scenes. [52] Television and entertainment website Holy Soap did not see Steph's fire death coming, calling her actions brave and her ten-year duration "mammoth". [40] They described her most memorable moment as telling Niall she did not love him and then watching him commit suicide. [53] Inside Soap said if there was an award for "the unluckiest character in soap", Steph would certainly win. [22] In his column for The Guardian , television critic Jim Shelley stated that it was time for Steph to go, having "suffered enough" during her tenure. Humorously recapping her ten years in Hollyoaks, Shelley wrote:

Steph lived a rich, not to say happy, life. She was a bully and wannabe Wag, before miraculously transforming herself into the show's tragic heroine, suffering cervical cancer, epilepsy and a hysterectomy. Her husband was run over on their wedding day. Steph later slept with his killer (long story). She also watched him in horror as he threw himself off a cliff. So, unlucky in love... She reported her brother for rape, was stalked by a serial killer and inherited a donkey. It's all on Wikipedia, and I don't think it's been tampered with. I mean, who the hell could make that up?

Sarah Welsh of the South Wales Echo gave the stalking storyline a negative review. She called both plot and acting "ridiculous" and commented that while she often felt sorry for the serial being snubbed at the National Soap Awards, "This is not the way to raise the game." [54]

Steph's relationships were a focal point of many reviews. The Daily Mirror 's Nicola Methven and Polly Hudson found a 2004 love triangle between Steph, her sister Debbie Dean (Jodi Albert) and love interest Dan Hunter (Andrew McNair) "surprising compelling". [55] Grace Dent of The Guardian observed of her failed engagement to Fernando: "With the best will in the world, I don't feel that marriage was ever going to last". [56] Dent had previously named Steph singing the Sugababes' "About You Now" at Max's funeral one of her four favourite soap moments of 2008. [57] Roz Laws of the Sunday Mercury felt there was "plenty of chemistry" between Steph and Gilly. [58]

Reviewing the Steph-centric spin-off In Too Deep for The Times , Tim Teeman commented that while late-night Hollyoaks episodes had previously been amusing, "sexed-up" versions of the main show, with In Too Deep it became "less shagathon, more What Lies Beneath ". [59] The episode was selected as recommended viewing by Laws of the Sunday Mercury. [60] The launch of Hollyoaks Later series one, in which Niall returns to target Steph, was named a "Satellite Pick of the Day" by the Daily Record . [61] Christopher Howse, writing "Tatworld" for The Daily Telegraph —a column chronicling tabloid culture—named Steph and her family joint tenth in a list of Top Ten Deans, which included entrants such as Dean Koontz, Dean Gaffney and Richard Dean Anderson. [62]

Related Research Articles

<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">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">Carley Stenson</span> English actress and singer

Carley Stenson is an English actress and singer. She is known for her roles as Steph Cunningham in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks and Harriet Shelton in the BBC soap opera Doctors. For her role as Steph, she received numerous nominations at the British Soap Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephanie Waring</span> English actress (born 1978)

Stephanie Louise Waring is an English actress, known for her roles in the Australian soap opera Crash Palace (2001–2002), the BBC1 drama series Nice Guy Eddie (2001–2002), and Channel 4's Hollyoaks (1996–2024), where she appeared for almost three decades as Cindy Cunningham. Her other television work includes guest appearances on Merseybeat, Holby City, Doctors, and Coronation Street, as well as competing in the tenth series of Dancing on Ice in 2018.

<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">Tom Cunningham</span> Fictional character from Hollyoaks

Tom Cunningham is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Ellis Hollins. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 28 December 1999. With Tom being a young child for most of his tenure, his early years featured minimal storylines, including the numerous death of his family, being abused by Clare Devine and having various guardians including Steph Cunningham and Jack and Frankie Osborne. However, a turning point came for Tom when it was announced that his girlfriend, Peri Lomax would fall pregnant, and deal with Peri's subsequent decision to give their baby away for adoption. Other storylines have also included his friendships with Nico Blake and Dylan Jenkins and his relationships with Peri and his foster sister Jade Albright. Tom departed the village with Half Sister Cindy Cunningham in the episode aired on Wednesday 4 September, in an unannounced departure.

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

Gilly Roach is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Anthony Quinlan. The character first appeared on-screen during the episode broadcast on 6 October 2005. Gilly was created in 2005 by executive producer David Hanson. Gilly has often been portrayed as a push-over and has a double act partnership with fellow character Rhys Ashworth. His main character traits have been his "nice attitude", with Quinlan branding Gilly in his first five years as a "push-over". He has been labelled a loser and unlucky in love after failed relationships with Jessica Harris, Beth Clement, Cheryl Brady and Jem Costello. In 2009, executive producer Lucy Alan made changes to the character and reached a mutual agreement with Quinlan to shave off his hair, which has characterised Gilly during his early years.

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

Zoe Carpenter is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Zoë Lister. The character first appeared on-screen on 1 September 2006, as one of three new students at Hollyoaks Community College. It was announced in 2009 that Lister had quit her role in order to pursue other projects; she subsequently left the series in January 2010. During Zoe's time in Hollyoaks she has been portrayed as a bubbly tomboy who often makes the wrong choices in life and has had a number of failed relationships. In March 2017, it was reported that Lister would be reprising the role and it was later confirmed that she would return for Amy Barnes' funeral. Her return aired on 24 April 2017.

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

Helen Cunningham is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Kathryn George. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 8 September 1997. Helen was centric to several storylines including her marriage with Gordon Cunningham, dealing with the suicide of her son Lewis Richardson and her daughter Mandy Richardson's abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, Dennis Richardson. Producers also created an advanced maternal age storyline for the character, where she becomes pregnant with Gordon's child and gives birth to Tom Cunningham. In 2003, writers featured Helen in an infidelity story with Tony Hutchinson. Helen and Tony, who is younger engage in a sexual affair which nearly ruins her on-screen partnership with Gordon.

<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">Niall Rafferty</span> UK soap opera character, created 2007

Niall Rafferty is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Barry Sloane. He first appeared during an episode broadcast on 3 December 2007. Former Brookside actor Sloane was cast as the "mysterious" hairdresser Niall and was introduced by the series' producer Bryan Kirkwood. During Sloane's portrayal of Niall on-screen, he was central to a storyline involving the already-established McQueen family and it was revealed Niall was the illegitimate son of Myra McQueen. The storyline featured Niall seek revenge on the McQueens, which concluded in highly advertised episodes featuring Niall kidnapping his siblings and causing the death of his half-sister Tina Reilly. Niall was portrayed by upcoming actor Devon Jackson, the older brother of Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson, in flashback scenes depicting Niall's childhood.

Hollyoaks Later is a British television spin-off of the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. The series allows for more sexual content, 'edgier' storylines and stronger language than Hollyoaks. The show was on hiatus from 2014 to 2020, where it returned on 6 January 2020 for a one-off episode focusing on the conclusion of Breda McQueen's serial killer storyline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lydia Hart</span> Character from Hollyoaks, created 2009

Lydia Hart is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Lydia Kelly. Lydia was created by series producer Bryan Kirkwood as one of many characters introduced that year. She made her debut in the soap on 4 March 2009, and remained for ten months.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loretta Jones</span> British soap opera character

Loretta Jones is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, and its spin-off series, Hollyoaks Later. The character is played by Melissa Walton and first appeared on-screen on 26 November 2008 during the first series of the Hollyoaks spin-off Hollyoaks Later as a new love interest for the character Dominic Reilly. She made her first appearance in the Hollyoaks series in February 2009 and was the first character to be introduced to the series by producer Lucy Allan. In 2010, Loretta was axed from the series, along with 15 other characters, during a cast cull by executive producer Paul Marquess.

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

Cheryl Brady is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Bronagh Waugh. The character first appeared on-screen on 24 November 2008, during the first series of the Hollyoaks spin-off Hollyoaks Later, as the former love interest of Malachy Fisher. She made her first appearance in main Hollyoaks episodes in July 2009, introduced to the serial by series producer, Lucy Allan. In 2010 when Paul Marquess began producing the serial, he felt that Cheryl was being used in the wrong way, subsequently making her a central character to the show. It was announced on 1 February 2013 that Waugh quit her role. Cheryl departed Hollyoaks on 22 March 2013, after four years on the show, along with her brother, Brendan Brady.

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

Jem Costello is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Helen Russell-Clark. She made her first on-screen appearance on 5 March 2010. It was later announced that Jem had been written out of the serial, and the character would leave in November 2010. Russell-Clark made her final appearance as Jem on 30 November 2010.

<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".

Hollyoaks began airing on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom on 23 October 1995. The show targeted teenagers and initially dramatised the lives of seven teenagers living in Hollyoaks, a fictional suburb in the city of Chester in Cheshire, England.

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

Liberty Savage is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by actress and singer-songwriter Abi Phillips from 2010 to 2013, and Jessamy Stoddart from 2018. She made her first on-screen appearance on 10 December 2010. Phillips was approached by Hollyoaks producers after she submitted one of her songs to be played on the show. Following a strong response to the song, producers invited her to audition for the role of Liberty, in which she was successful. Liberty was introduced to Hollyoaks along with her fiancé, Ethan Scott. After an absence of four months during 2013, it was announced that Liberty would be written out of the serial, and she departed on 24 July 2013. On 22 May 2018, it was announced that Liberty would return, but this time with Stoddart in the role, and she returned on 5 June 2018. Stoddart went on maternity leave in December 2022, with the character of Liberty set to return in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doug Carter</span> British soap opera character

Doug Carter is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by PJ Brennan. Brennan initially appeared as Doug in the programme's online spin-off series Hollyoaks: Freshers, before his debut in the main show on 13 September 2010. He appeared in 5 episodes before returning on 13 January 2011 as a regular character.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Collinson, Dawn (30 October 2002). "Look!: Hooray for Hollyoaks!; Dawn Collinson meets the soap star who's about to get a whole new family". Liverpool Echo . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Interview with Carley Stenson". LINC Online. (Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust). March 2009. Archived from the original on 22 December 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  3. 1 2 3 Hendry, Steve (28 September 2003). "Battered, left in a coma, no memory.. it's my day's work; Hollyoaks beauty Carley loves every minute of her big drama". Sunday Mail . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  4. ↑ "Carley Stenson - Steph Cunningham in Hollyoaks". Chester Chronicle . (Trinity Mirror). 22 September 2010. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
  5. 1 2 Green, Kris (15 June 2010). "Stenson quits 'Hollyoaks' after a decade". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 26 September 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  6. ↑ "Carley Stenson - Steph Cunningham in Hollyoaks". Cheshire Live. (Reach plc). 22 September 2010. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
  7. 1 2 "District news round" . Wigan Observer . 5 September 2000. p. 16. Retrieved 26 May 2024– via British Newspaper Archive.
  8. 1 2 "Past Chats - Hollyoaks - Carley Stenson (Steph)". Channel4.co.uk. Channel 4 Television Corporation. 31 May 2005. Archived from the original on 8 August 2007. Retrieved 24 November 2009.
  9. ↑ Moolla, Sarah (23 October 2005). "TV Guide: Soap Suds". The People . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  10. ↑ Brown, Merle (2 November 2002). "Soap watch: Sick Scott wallows in being shallow; Emmerdale". Daily Record . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Johnson, Emma (26 August 2003). "Steph does her TV homework; Emma Johnson sees how Hollyoaks deals with epilepsy". Liverpool Echo . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  12. 1 2 "BBC America - Hollyoaks". BBC America . (BBC). Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2010.
  13. ↑ "Soap stars speak up for skills; Young actors underline the importance of qualifications". Evening Chronicle . (Trinity Mirror). 23 August 2007. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  14. ↑ Tansley, Janet (26 September 2007). "Here comes Summer; Hollyoaks' new girl tells Janet Tansley about her 'dream' role in the hit soap". Liverpool Echo . Retrieved 29 March 2011.
  15. 1 2 3 Ellis, Sarah (4 March 2006). "Facing the music". Inside Soap (9): 31.
  16. 1 2 Collinson, Dawn (30 October 2002). "Look!: Family Fortune; Dawn Collinson meets a familiar mum in Hollyoaks". Liverpool Echo . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  17. 1 2 3 4 "I heard a rumour!". Inside Soap (222). (Hachette Filipacchi UK): 33. 4–17 January 2003.
  18. ↑ "Steph Cunningham (played by Carley Stenson)". E4 . (Channel 4 Television Corporation). 2010. Archived from the original on 21 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  19. 1 2 "Could Steph be the one for Max?". What's on TV . 1 October 2007. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  20. ↑ Green, Kris (9 May 2008). "'Max Cunningham' to leave 'Hollyoaks'". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  21. ↑ Green, Kris (16 June 2008). "In Pictures: Max's final moments in 'Hollyoaks'". Digital Spy . (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 8 January 2020.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Star of June - Carley Stenson". Inside Soap Yearbook (3): 51. 1 December 2009.
  23. ↑ Green, Kris (18 December 2008). "Producer's Perspective 2008: Bryan Kirkwood". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  24. ↑ "In Too Deep". Hollyoaks. Liverpool. 31 May 2005. Channel 4.
  25. 1 2 3 Duncan, Amy (15 June 2010). "Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson quits the soap after 10 years for the theatre". Metro . (DMG Media). Retrieved 8 January 2020.
  26. 1 2 Green, Kris (18 May 2010). "Loads of 'Hollyoaks' gossip from Paul Marquess". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 6 June 2010. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  27. 1 2 Ellis, Sarah (1 December 2010). Inside Soap Yearbook. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). p. 93.
  28. 1 2 3 Kilkelly, Daniel (28 May 2010). "'Oaks actress pleased with cancer plot". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 31 May 2010. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  29. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (3 June 2010). "Stenson hopes for positive 'Oaks impact". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 12 June 2010. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  30. ↑ "Steph Cunningham cancels wedding over cancer". STV . (STV Group plc). 29 August 2010. Archived from the original on 30 August 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  31. ↑ Millar, Paul (2 August 2010). "Carley Stenson coy over 'Oaks exit". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 4 October 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  32. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (27 August 2010). "Quinlan eager for 'Hollyoaks' wedding". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 29 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  33. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (22 June 2010). "Stenson decided to quit 'Oaks last year". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 25 June 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  34. 1 2 Rainey, Naomi (28 September 2010). "Stenson: 'Oaks exit was really sad'". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 1 October 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  35. ↑ Love, Ryan (27 August 2010). "Stenson joins 'Legally Blonde' musical". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 29 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  36. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (5 September 2010). "'Hollyoaks' announces shock fire plot". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  37. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (3 November 2010). "Carley Stenson teases 'Oaks fire plot". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  38. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (29 October 2010). "Stenson turned stuntwoman for 'Oaks fire". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  39. ↑ "Hollyoaks Dead Hot". E4 . (Channel 4 Television Corporation). 29 October 2010. Archived from the original on 29 October 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  40. 1 2 "Carley: I'm heartbroken". Holy Soap . (Five). 11 November 2010. Archived from the original on 12 November 2010. Retrieved 29 November 2010.
  41. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (11 November 2010). "Stenson "honoured" over 'Oaks reaction". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 13 November 2010.
  42. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (12 November 2010). "'Hollyoaks' star teases Gilly future". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  43. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (29 November 2011). "'Hollyoaks' Carley Stenson films one-off return episode". Digital Spy . Retrieved 29 November 2011.
  44. ↑ Barrett, Caroline; Waterston, Caroline (8 May 2005). "8 Corrie Golden Baubles". The People . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  45. ↑ "British Soap Awards: The Winners". Sky TV. 22 May 2006. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  46. ↑ Green, Kris (6 May 2009). "British Soap Awards 2009: Full Panel Shortlist". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  47. ↑ Miles, Tina (15 July 2008). "Love at the 2008 Soap Award nominations". Liverpool Echo . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  48. ↑ Miles, Tina (24 September 2008). "Who's sexiest soap star?". Liverpool Echo . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  49. ↑ Wightman, Catriona (13 July 2010). "In Full: Inside Soap Awards 2010 Nominees". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Archived from the original on 17 October 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  50. ↑ "Who is Soaps' Greatest Legend?". What's on TV . Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  51. ↑ "Carley hailed by Hollyoaks cast". Press Association . 8 October 2010. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  52. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (12 November 2010). "Ricky Whittle: "I cried over Hollyoaks"". Digital Spy . (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 13 November 2010.
  53. ↑ "Holy Soap > Hollyoaks > Cast > Steph Cunningham". Holy Soap . (Channel 5). 2010. Archived from the original on 27 October 2010. Retrieved 27 October 2010.
  54. ↑ Welsh, Sarah (19 June 2003). "Tonights Television: About last night..." South Wales Echo . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  55. ↑ Methven, Nicola; Hudson, Polly (16 October 2004). "TV Land: soapville". Daily Mirror . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  56. ↑ Dent, Grace (23 January 2010). "Grace Dent's World of lather". The Guardian . (Guardian Media Group Plc). Archived from the original on 27 January 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2010.
  57. ↑ Dent, Grace (13 December 2008). "2008 in lists: Grace Dent's four fave soap moments". The Guardian . (Guardian Media Group). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  58. ↑ Laws, Roz (17 January 2010). "Hollyoaks spoilers from January 18". Sunday Mercury . (Trinity Mirror). Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  59. ↑ Teeman, Tim (28 May 2005). "Soap watch". The Times . (Times Newspapers Limited). Retrieved 4 March 2011.[ dead link ]
  60. ↑ Laws, Roz (29 May 2005). "Soap Box: Haunting". Sunday Mercury . (Trinity Mirror). Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  61. ↑ "Satellite Pick of the Day". Daily Record . (Trinity Mirror). 24 November 2008. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  62. ↑ Howse, Christopher (10 January 2004). "Tatworld". The Daily Telegraph . Retrieved 4 March 2011.

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.