List of Hollyoaks characters (2018)


Hollyoaks is a British television soap opera that was first broadcast on 23 October 1995. The following is a list of characters that have appeared or will appear in the serial in 2018, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by executive producer, Bryan Kirkwood. The first characters to be introduced were Scarlett Morgan and [|Oliver Morgan], the estranged wife and son of Luke Morgan. [|Buster Smith], the father of Damon Kinsella, was also introduced in January. Theo Jones, the brother of Milo Entwistle, Harley Frater, the homeless friend of Peri Lomax, and [|Josh Bradley], the son of Ben Bradley, made their debut in April. [|Breda] McQueen and Sylver McQueen, the mother and brother of Goldie McQueen, and Kameela, the sister of Misbah Maalik, first appear in June.
July features the arrivals of Donna-Marie Quinn, her son, Romeo Quinn, Brooke Hathaway, a foster child for the Osborne family, and Asha Kaur, the sister of Neeta Kaur, as well as the appearance of Kashif Maalik. Martine Deveraux, the sister of Simone Loveday, debuts in October. Three characters were introduced in November: Laurie Shelby, the husband of Sinead O'Connor, [|Juliet] Quinn, Donna-Marie's daughter, and Jonny Baxter, a radicalist who befriends Ste Hay. Simone and Martine's father, Walter Deveraux, joins the soap in December. Additionally, multiple [|other characters] appear throughout the year.

Scarlett Morgan

Scarlett Morgan, played by Susie Amy, made her first appearance on 19 January 2018. Amy's casting was announced on 20 October 2017, with further details about her character, including her name, announced on 6 December 2017. Scarlett is Luke Morgan's estranged wife, who left him because of his drinking problems. The character is first mentioned in October 2017 and it is revealed that Scarlett left Luke after he struggled with alcoholism and became erratic. Scarlett made her last appearance on 18 April 2018.
Luke prepares to marry Mandy Richardson and asks lawyer Sami Maalik to track down Scarlett so they can arrange a divorce. Scarlett appears in the village in the days before Luke and Mandy's wedding. Luke tries to stall the wedding after learning about Scarlett's appearance. Scarlett tries to ruin the wedding but her and Luke's son, Oliver Morgan, arrives and reveals to Mandy that he is Luke's son and that Luke and Scarlett are married. After the wedding, Scarlett leaves but returns when Oliver runs away to the village. She is shocked to discover that Oliver wants to stay with Luke and leaves the village.

Oliver Morgan

Oliver "Ollie" Morgan, played by Aedan Duckworth, made his first screen appearance on 22 January 2018. The character has previously been mentioned on-screen, but Duckworth's casting was confirmed on 6 December 2017. Oliver is Luke Morgan and Scarlett Morgan's son. Details of why Oliver comes to the village were not immediately released, but Daniel Kilkely of Digital Spy reported that "with Oliver now a teenager, he's sure to want answers from his dad." Of his casting, Duckworth said: "I started two weeks ago and it was in at the deep end – I had to spend my whole second day crying! It has been fantastic working with Gary Lucy and Susie Amy and I am looking forward getting to work with more of the cast and settling in properly next year."
It was announced on 25 March 2018 that Oliver would feature in a sexual abuse storyline with his football coach, Buster Smith. The storyline, which is billed as "an emotional and challenging story", begins in April when Oliver confides in Buster over his home life. Hollyoaks worked with the Survivors Manchester charity for the storyline. Charity founder Duncan Craig described the subject as "so topical and relevant" and "hugely important". He stated that the storyline would focus on details of grooming and Oliver's struggle to tell someone about the issue. Duckworth took support from the charity and Lucy while filming the storyline and felt honoured to be handed the story. Duckworth and executive producer Bryan Kirkwood hoped that the storyline would encourage others to seek support. Kirkwood also wanted to encourage parents to speak to their children about topics like this and commented, "We are in a unique position of being able to talk to a bright and engaged audience about important issues without lecturing them."
For his portrayl of Oliver, Duckworth was nominated for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards; he came in fourth place with 9.4% of the total votes. The following year, Duckworth received his first National Television Awards nomination in the Newcomer category for his portrayal of Oliver.
Oliver first appears when he crashes his dad Luke Morgan's wedding to Mandy Richardson and reveals that he is Luke's son and that Luke is still married to Scarlett Morgan who was Luke's previous wife and Oliver's mother. Oliver and Luke bond after the wedding. The following day, Oliver appears at Luke's house and asks to stay with him. Luke agrees and is surprised to discover that Oliver has run away from Scarlett. When Scarlett returns and tries to take Oliver back to their home, Oliver insists to Scarlett that he wants to remain with Luke so Scarlett tearfully leaves the village. Oliver joins the football academy run by Buster Smith a former football champion player from back in the day from when he was much younger back then. Over the next few weeks, Oliver becomes closer to Buster confiding in him over situations in his home life such as his discovery that his father had been raped when he was younger after being told this by friend and also a member of Buster's football academy Imran Maalik. Oliver has also been confiding in Buster and putting all of his trust in him such as telling Buster about his biological dad and new stepmum Mandy always arguing day in and day out and his dad turning back to the drink again after being an alcoholic before.
It is revealed on-screen that Buster is a paedophile who groomed and sexually abused his son Damon Kinsella's best friend, Brody Hudson, when he was an underage teenager, until his ex-wife and Damon's mother, Maggie Kinsella, threatened him into leaving so that she could then protect vulnerable Brody from him and he now appears to be grooming Oliver as his next victim. After Oliver is injured while playing a game of football with Buster outside of The Bean Cafe, Buster takes him back to the changing rooms at the football academy and begins massaging his leg while also staring at Oliver lustfully. A few weeks later, when Oliver and Buster are alone together in the changing rooms at the football academy, Buster is telling Oliver about his potential when Oliver's leg injury comes back and Buster tells him to lie down on the bench so he can then properly examine it and shuts the door behind them. Oliver then runs out of the changing rooms scared and confused and although it is not specified on screen, it is implied that Buster has touched Oliver inappropriately. Oliver becomes traumatised but because of Luke's continued drinking, he feels that he cannot tell anyone so quits the football team instead but is convinced to re-join the football team again by Luke. Buster begins manipulating Oliver by telling him that he must prove to him of how much that he truly wants to be back on the football team again.
Oliver meets autistic teenager Brooke Hathaway and develops an instant attraction with the two seemingly hitting it off at The Bean Coffee Shop. Brooke later comes to watch Oliver play but after he underperforms, Buster takes him to the changing rooms at the football academy to berate him for being distracted today. He puts his hand on Oliver's knee inappropriately but this is witnessed secretly by Brooke. Oliver feels uncomfortable with Buster doing this to him and he rushes out of the football academy to get away from Buster. Oliver and Mandy run into Brooke the next day with Nancy Osborne and Mandy teases that Oliver likes Brooke. Brooke then responds that Oliver is gay as she misinterpreted what she saw between Buster and Oliver yesterday with Brooke unaware that Buster is actually grooming Oliver. Oliver then shouts at Brooke causing her to have a breakdown after Oliver leaves. When he returns home, Mandy tries to get Oliver to open up to her but before he can say anything, they are interrupted by a drunken Luke. Oliver starts berating his father and stepmother before storming out of the house upset. Oliver then talks to Buster alone in the football academy changing rooms as he didn't know who else to turn to. Buster then manipulates the vulnerable teen by saying to Oliver that he can make him a star footballer with Buster's coaching skills as long as he does everything that he's told. He then places his hand on Oliver's knee inappropriately once again. He then asks Oliver if he understands or not. Oliver then tells him that he does understand before Buster shuts the door behind them to continue his abuse of the vulnerable poor youngster. When Buster is trying to raise money for Tony Hutchinson and Diane Hutchinson's gravely four-year-old daughter Dee Dee Hutchinson for Dee Dee to go to Disneyland Paris and is asking local businesses to donate, he bumps into Oliver in the village and sees Oliver alone and goes up to him and asks him if he wants to help him to raise the money and Oliver agrees to help him. After they've raised enough money for Dee Dee, Buster gives Oliver a mobile phone and tells Oliver to text him at any time about anything. Buster then tells him not to tell anyone else about it and Oliver agrees.
As Buster's sexual abuse continued, Oliver confessed to Scott Drinkwell that he is confused about his sexuality. He tells Scott that he knows that he likes girls but he also thinks that he might be gay as well and has been aggressively trying to pursue Brooke in order to cover it up. Scott is sympathetic with him and encourages him to talk to Luke about it. Oliver is unable to go through with it though and accidentally tells Luke that Scott has been harassing him instead. After Luke confronts Scott, Luke warns him to stay away from his teenage son for now on with him thinking that Scott is being inappropriate with him due to Oliver being underage. Oliver tries to apologise to Scott but when Scott tells him that he has to deal with his sexuality rather than ignore it though, Oliver is then homophobic towards Scott as a result by calling him a puff and then runs away. He attempts to speak to Luke again but finds him drinking in the restaurant with best mate Darren Osbourne instead though which results in Oliver crying his eyes out when he sees Luke and him drinking together in the Hutch restaurant and witness's this from outside with Luke not realising that his own son saw him drinking once again. Buster lies to Oliver by telling him that Scott has agreed to let Oliver be the poster boy for the Bean. Buster takes several intimate photographs of Oliver when they're alone together at the football academy changing rooms which he later confesses to Luke. As Luke is drunk at the time though, Oliver makes him promise to wait until he is sober before confronting Buster. The next morning though however, Luke cannot remember anything at all about what Oliver was saying to him causing Oliver to angrily confront him and reveal to him that he knows that Luke was raped years ago. Luke then explains to Oliver that he began drinking as a way to cope with the abuse that he suffered back then. Buster later convinces Oliver that telling Luke anything will put unnecessary pressure on his dad and tells him that his dad is an alcoholic and people like him only care about where the next drink is going to come from and that they're too distracted to think about their loved ones instead as well so Oliver agrees to keep quiet but later steals a bottle of wine though and begins drinking in secret in order to cope with everything that's happened. Brody later convinces Oliver to report Buster to the police and he is arrested. Buster pleads not guilty at the hearing and Oliver lashes out at Brooke, but soon apologises to her.
Oliver is disgusted when the truth about Imran is revealed. Him and Brooke get closer but Brooke is told by Nancy that she could not be friends with him, but eventually they become friends again. During Buster's trial, Oliver is ripped to pieces by Buster's defence team and because of this, he agrees that Brooke would not be able to cope giving evidence. Imran reveals that Buster attempted to sexually assault him in Barcelona, shocking everybody. Buster is found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison. Oliver and Brooke begin dating after almost sharing a kiss. Brooke becomes pregnant and whilst Oliver is excited, Brooke doesn’t feel ready so they arrange for the baby’s adoption. Brooke later gives birth to a son, Thierry.

Buster Smith

Buster Smith, played by Nathan Sussex, made his first screen appearance on 29 January 2018. The character and Sussex's casting details were announced on 23 January 2018. Buster is the father of Damon Kinsella and arrives following the death of his former wife and Damon's mother, Maggie Kinsella. Buster is described as "quite a charming character", who gets along with everyone. Roberts said that Buster enjoys "a laugh and a joke". Roberts expressed his delight at the expansion of his on-screen family and praised Sussex, commenting, "He's already part of the Hollyoaks family!"
Damon, Scott Drinkwell and Brody Hudson call a number on Maggie's bucket list and are shocked when Buster answers and walks into The Dog in the Pond pub. Buster is estranged from Damon following Maggie throwing him out for adultery and then his decision to concentrate on his professional football career rather than his family. On Buster and Damon's relationship, Sussex said, "there is an instant connection there between father and son." Damon knows very little about his father and the lack of contact between them has made Damon believe that Buster does not care for him.
It was announced on 25 March 2018 that Buster would feature in a sexual abuse storyline with his football student, Oliver Morgan. The storyline, which is billed as "an emotional and challenging story", begins in April when Oliver confides in Buster over his home life. Hollyoaks worked with the Survivors Manchester charity for the storyline. Charity founder Duncan Craig described the subject as "so topical and relevant" and "hugely important". He stated that the storyline would focus on details of grooming and Oliver's struggle to tell someone about the issue. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood hoped that the storyline would encourage others to seek support. He also wanted to encourage parents to speak to their children about topics like this and commented, "We are in a unique position of being able to talk to a bright and engaged audience about important issues without lecturing them."
Buster first arrives in the village shortly after the death of his ex-wife, Maggie, to see their son, Damon. Maggie had thrown Buster out after his numerous affairs and he missed out on most of Damon's life. Damon's girlfriend, Holly Cunningham, convinces Damon to give his father a chance and they agree to re-build their father-son relationship. Damon's longtime best friend, Brody, is not happy to see Buster and it's clear that there is bad blood between them. Buster begins dating Marnie Nightingale and moves into the flat above The Dog in the Pond public house with her, her children Alfie and Ellie, as well as Damon and Brody.
Buster decides to set up his own football academy for teenagers. Many local kids, including Oliver and Imran Maalik, sign up. Oliver confides in Buster about how difficult his home life is due to his father, Luke Morgan, having a drinking problem and constantly arguing with his wife, Mandy. Buster tells Oliver he can trust him with anything. Brody confides in Oliver's mother, Scarlett Morgan, that someone he trusted abused him when he was young and it is obvious he is referring to Buster. It becomes clear then that Buster is not just being friendly to Oliver — he is grooming him so he can sexually abuse him.
As part of his grooming, Buster gives Oliver special attention and makes him team captain. One day, Buster is giving Oliver a sports massage and sexually abuses him for the first time. Oliver is upset after the incident, but Buster convinces him that he misinterpreted what happened. Buster abuses Oliver again under the guise of a massage, which causes Oliver to quit the team. Buster convinces Oliver to rejoin the team and continues to abuse him. Buster has Oliver pose for photos without his clothes on. Luke discovers the photos and when he asks Oliver about them, he points the finger at Scott. Brody suspects Buster is the real culprit and confronts him about abusing him as a child. It comes out that Maggie found out about Buster abusing Brody and that is actually why she threw him out. Oliver tells the police it was actually Buster who abused him and he is arrested. In January 2019, Buster was found guilty, he was sentenced six years in prison for abusing Oliver. Buster Smith is set to return in September 2020

Theo Jones

Theo Jones, played by Matt Kennard, made his first on-screen appearance on 13 April 2018. The character was announced on 3 April 2018, while the casting details were confirmed on 6 April 2018. It was initially reported that Theo has a connection to established character, Milo Entwistle. On 10 April 2018, it was confirmed that Theo and Milo are brothers. Kennard describes Theo as a bad character, calling him "a bitter, seemingly irredeemable bully." He stated that Theo is a womaniser who only cares about himself. However, he explained that Theo's personality is due to recent events in his life.
Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy said that Milo would be "a little bit rattled" by Theo's arrival. He reported that despite Milo receiving a phone call from Theo and arranging to meet him, Theo would first appear when he meets Cindy Cunningham at The Loft nightclub. Kennard stated that Theo flirts with Cindy because he noticed her first, otherwise he suspected that he could have flirted with Cindy's daughter, Holly Cunningham. Kennard admitted that Theo grows to enjoy Cindy's company. He added, "any beautiful woman offering something to Theo will make do in the short-term."
When Theo meets with Milo, he orders money from Milo in exchange for his silence about Milo killing Cindy's parents. Kennard explained that Theo is in need of money and decides to "callously take advantage of Milo's vulnerable situation". Theo decides to stay with Milo because he realises that Milo is "his best bet in the immediate circumstances". Milo is scared of Theo because he knows about his secret. On Theo's feelings towards Milo, Kennard explained, "Theo holds a raw and irrational hatred for Milo, and feels Milo owes him more than he can ever actually give." Theo made his last appearance on 15 May 2018.

Harley Frater

Harley Frater, played by Mollie Lambert, made her first on screen appearance on 16 April 2018. The character and Lambert's casting details were announced on 10 April 2018. Harley is a homeless girl who is introduced as part of Peri Lomax's homelessness storyline. She is billed as courgeous and daring and in "desperate need of some home comforts". Hollyoaks worked with homeless charities Centrepoint and The Whitechapel Centre for Harley and Peri's storyline. Lambert looked forward to joining the show and called it an honour to work with the charities. She hoped that the storyline would help to raise awareness for homelessness.
Kilkelly of Digital Spy reported that Harley arrives after learning that Peri's mother, Leela Lomax, is offering a £5,000 reward for information on Peri's location. Harley takes advantage of Leela, but Leela's boyfriend, Louis Loveday is suspicious of her and does not believe that she has information about Peri. Harley features in a special episode focusing on Peri's homelessness, broadcast in April 2018. It emerges that during her time on the streets, Peri met Harley and homeless man, Dean. O'Donnell felt fortunate to work on the storyline. Centrepoint's head of public affairs Paul Noblet said that the homelessness storyline reflects the reality of homelessness for many young people.
Kilkelly's colleague, Sophie Dainty, was positive about the storyline and the special episode, commenting, "the storyline sensitively explored the shocking, harrowing and brutally harsh realities of sleeping rough." She understood the lack of options for Harley and sympathised with the character and the struggles of homelessness. Dainty praised Lambert and Kingsnorth for their supporting roles in the episode. She concluded that the special episode was "unflinching, unglamorous, and thoroughly thought-provoking" and provided a brilliant representation of homelessness not previously portrayed in soap operas.
On 9 March 2019, it was confirmed that Lambert would be departing the series after a year. Harley's exit is first broadcast on 11 March and sees her depart at the conclusion of her polyamorous relationship with Peri and Tom Cunningham. Lambert expressed her gratitude for the role of Harley and on Harley's departure, she commented, "You didn’t honestly think she’d settle down did you? She’s a free spirit".
Harley introduces herself as Peri's friend to Leela. Leela takes her to her house and gives her food and drink as she is hungry. When Louis questions Harley's motives, Leela reveals that she is going to help her find Peri. They don't find Peri so Louis convinces Leela that Harley is conning her. Harley then steals Leela's purse and runs; Louis catches her and reclaims the purse. Leela decides not to call the police and lets Harley leave. Harley meets with Peri.
She had a polyamarous relationship with Peri and Tom until Peri leaves the relationship. She left Hollyoaks in 2019 to start a new life. She didn't mention where, she just said that she wants to save the Orangutangs.

Josh Bradley

Josh Bradley, played by Rupert Hill, made his first on screen appearance on 25 April 2018. The character and casting was announced on 24 April 2018, but had been hinted at in previous episodes. Josh is the son of former character Ben Bradley, and meets with Sienna Blake in The Hutch when she seeks his father's help in her ongoing stalker ordeal. Josh is filled with resentment towards Sienna, because of Ben being sent to jail after Sienna's daughter, Nico Blake killed Trevor Royle. Josh made his last appearance on 22 June 2018.
When Sienna smells gas, Josh opens the windows and implores Sienna to take her young son Sebastian Blake out of the flat. He later phones the emergency services. After the gas issue is resolved, Josh tells Sienna that he still cannot stand the sight of her. Josh later informs Joel Dexter, Myra McQueen, Maxine Minniver and Grace Black that Sienna has died after being stabbed by Nico. Josh tells Myra and Joel that they plan to use Sienna's funeral to catch Nico. It is revealed that Sienna isn't dead and is working with Josh to catch Nico. Josh later arrests Sienna after she admits to killing Nico.

Breda McQueen

Breda McQueen, played by Moya Brady made her first on screen appearance on 26 June 2018. The character was known about in casting references for Sylver McQueen, but the character's arrival to the village and casting wasn't announced until 22 June 2018. On 6 January 2020, Breda died in the E4 spinoff series Hollyoaks Later.
Breda is a cousin of Myra McQueen and the mother of Sylver and Goldie. Breda arrives in the village following Sylver's release from prison, and insists that Goldie give him a place to stay. However, when Goldie refuses, Breda resorts to "crafty" measures. On her character, Brady commented that she was a "strong and colourful individual" and that she didn't have "a lot of fear for authority." Brady also said that "Breda comes from the firm but fair school of motherhood," and described her as a "tigress." With Sylver having been in prison, Breda kept tabs on him, but Brady said that Breda doesn't have a favourite child and that as her character becomes more settled in the village, her love for Goldie would shine through.
Arriving in Hollyoaks to stay with the McQueens', Breda began working as a nanny for Leela Lomax – but secretly agreed to "two time" Leela by working for Jack Osborne too. Jack tried to cover for Breda by pretending they were in a relationship – much to Leela's amusement. Leela figured it out and allowed Breda to be nanny to both her and Jack. Eventually, Breda's friendship with Jack would turn into a real relationship.
On Mercedes McQueen and Russ Owen's wedding day in November 2018, it was shockingly revealed that Breda was a serial killer. Breda discovered that Russ had been unfaithful with Goldie, resulting in a pregnancy, and had pressurised her into aborting their child. Enraged, Breda murdered Russ. She was then revealed to have killed Glenn Donovan and Carl Costello for being "sinners" and "dead beat dads". In January 2019 Breda took revenge on Louis Loveday for cheating with three women, Leela, Simone Loveday and Simone's sister, Martine Deveraux pushing some shelving onto him as he called for a taxi to leave town. Breda moved Louis to an old pig farm once owned by her parents making out she was caring for him and took him there to recover, Louis discovered Breda was responsible for the deaths of Carl, Glenn and Russ whilst writing a letter to Simone and attempted to escape but was thwarted when Breda returned to the farm. She puts him back into bed and believes him when he says it's Leela he wants to be with, Breda makes tea and as she strips the bed Louis switches the cups which Breda notices, just then Simone arrives at the farm calling for Breda, before Louis can react Breda smothers him keeping him from shouting to Simone. Breda goes to Simone and gets a lift to the village, meanwhile, Louis escapes and Breda finds him hiding in the barn. She says she's going to make some tea but then spots the letter confessing to the murders that Louis found. Louis begs for his life but Breda kills him by bludgeoning him with a telephone. She returns to Leela telling her to move on. Later at the farm Breda burns Louis' clothes and mobile phone in a metal canister. When she leaves a mysterious hooded figure takes Louis's phone and removes the sim card. The hooded figure is later revealed as Mac Nightingale, who begins to blackmail Breda. He orders her to murder his son James Nightingale, much to her reluctance. Eventually, she slips poison into his coffee, and James collapses on a park bench. She later bakes a lasagne, which Mac eats in celebration, but is stunned to realise Breda has poisoned that, too. She reveals James will be fine, and she always intended to kill Mac, who in a weakened state tries to attack her but she kills him by hitting him with the lasagne dish. In July 2019, it is revealed that it was Breda who killed Vinnie, not Sylver, as he survived the fall, but Breda finished him off, and let Sylver take the blame. Later in the month, Breda planned to kill Tony Hutchinson after he confessed his past mistakes to her but Breda did not kill him, after learning Harry Thompson was going on the run. Breda fatally stabs Harry in an alleyway believing he was a bad dad for abandoning his son Isaac. Harry then died as a result of his injuries. Tony later discovers that Breda killed his son and she stabs Tony in the stomach. It was later revealed that Breda was keeping Tony prisoner at the pig farm.
In October 2019, Breda's family begin to get suspicious of where she is going all the time. Goldie learns she's going to the pig farm and Breda lies that she is mentally ill. Breda pretends to have dementia, but when Goldie finds her at the pig farm again, Breda confesses to killing Harry. She blames it on her "dementia" and Goldie agrees to keep it a secret. Breda's killing spree comes to an end when Sylver, Goldie and Mercedes and John Paul McQueen all find out her serial killer secret. Mercedes finds Tony at the pig farm but Breda sneaks up and attacks her, after stabbing Tony again and locking Mercedes in the cage too, which she and Tony eventually escape from. After a heated confrontation in the house, Breda shoots Sylver with a bolt gun and sets the pig farm on fire. Mercedes stops Breda from killing her and Sylver as the house burns, the two of them fight, as Breda attacks Mercedes with a shard of glass Sylver uses his last ounce of strength to stab Breda in the head with two knitting needles, killing her instantly.

Sylver McQueen

Sylvester "Sylver" McQueen, played by David Tag, made his first on screen appearance on 27 June 2018. The character and Tag's casting details were announced on 22 May 2018. Tag previously appeared in the series as PCSO Rocco in May 2016. Sylver is a member of the established McQueen family and the half-brother of Goldie McQueen. His backstory states that he was raised on a farm by their Catholic mother, Breda, and his stepfather, Vinnie, who was abusive. He was sentenced to prison after murdering Vinnie. Sylver arrives after being released from prison and quickly clashes with Goldie. Justin Harp, reporting for Digital Spy, suggested that Sylver would have a love interest.
In a later interview, Tag said that his character was "calm in nature" until something "hits a button or triggers him off. Tag said that Sylver's time in prison has turned him into a "workout fanatic" and also made him deal quickly with any problems that he faces, saying that the "experiences have made him into quite a well-rounded person.
Sylver arrives in Hollyoaks upon his release from prison, having served eighteen years for killing his abusive stepfather, Vinnie. He is eager to reunite with his half-sister Goldie but she is reluctant to embrace because he killed her father. However she comes around after understanding that it was a case of self-defence. Sylver is shown to have a history with village resident Simone Loveday, who was the lawyer that failed to get Sylver off during his murder trial and Sylver still holds some resentment towards her.

Kameela

Kameela, played by Anu Hasan, makes her first appearance on 29 June 2018. The character was announced on 17 June 2018. Kameela is billed as the "judgemental" sister of Misbah Maalik who is not afraid of "speaking her mind". Kameela arrives when she visits her family and after discovering that Misbah's underage son, Imran Maalik, has bought alcohol, she criticises Misbah's liberalism in raising her children. Hasan pointed out that her character initially appears "extremely critical" of the family. Kameela appears again in the episode broadcast on 17 September 2018.
The character returns in March 2019 as part of a special episode focusing on radicalisation. The episode features a far-right group with an anti-Muslim agenda, and a discussion involving Kameela about the meaning of being a British Muslim. Hollyoaks worked with the charity Small Steps and the Home Office on the episode. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood also expressed his delight about the episode. Upon her return, Kameela's characterisation has developed and she is friendlier towards the family. Hasan explained that the change in Kameela's personality occurs following a change in her personal life. The actress also commented, "Aunty Kameela still thinks she knows best and can be quite interfering and bossy, but she does it in a much nicer way."

Kashif Maalik

Kashif Maalik, played by Nitin Patel, appeared on 2 July 2018. Kashif is the husband of Misbah Maalik and the father of Sami Maalik, Farrah Maalik, Yasmine Maalik and Imran Maalik. The character was referenced to by his family on multiple occasions since their arrival in 2017. In October 2017, details about the character were explored. It was established that Kashif had been charged with embezzlement and committed suicide while in prison. Nair explained that Sami believes that he is innocent, but Misbah disagrees and it creates tension between the pair. It is later revealed that James Nightingale was the actual embezzler and framed Kashif.
On 29 June 2018, it was announced that Kashif would feature in a flashback episode focusing on James's backstory. The episode was previously announced on 20 June, but Kashif's appearance was not revealed until later.
In flashbacks, it is seen that Kashif was an accountant at the law firm of Forbes and Carney. He is friendly to James and helps him settle in on his first day. James embezzles money from the company under pressure from his father, Mac Nightingale. Kashif overhears Mac belittling James and tries to comfort him. James tells Kashif to back off and has him sign a document in order to frame him for the embezzlement. Weeks later, the police come into the office and arrest Kashif.

Donna-Marie Quinn

Donna-Marie Quinn, played by Lucy-Jo Hudson, made her first on screen appearance on 2 July 2018. Hudson's casting details were announced on 5 May 2018, when it was revealed that she had been cast in a "decent part", and her character was announced on 22 May 2018. Donna-Marie is billed as a "reckless woman" with a distressing backstory, she has worked as prostitute and has issues with drug addiction. She is introduced with her teenage son, Romeo Quinn. The character first appeared in flashbacks; seventeen years earlier, she was paid by Mac Nightingale to have sex with his sixteen-year-old son James Nightingale, resulting in the birth of Romeo.Hudson filmed an exit from the series in January 2019 and Donna-Marie departs the series in the episode originally broadcast on 26 April 2019. In October 2019, Hudson was spotted by paparazzi returning to the set of Hollyoaks, sparking rumours that she would reprise the role. This was confirmed by a show trailer released on 2 January 2020 and it was revealed that Hudson would appear in a stint as Donna-Marie reunites with her daughter, Juliet Quinn. She returned on 16 January 2020.
After her character's backstory was revealed, Hudson confirmed that Donna-Marie and Romeo would move to Hollyoaks village after Romeo decides to search for his father. Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap predicted that Donna-Marie would create "trouble" for the Nightingale family. Hudson described Donna-Marie as "nasty" and said that "there's not a nice bit in this woman". However, she enjoyed portraying this as it is not her usual character type. She added that she found it challenging.
Donna-Marie is a drug-addicted prostitute who raised her children, Romeo and Juliet, in an unstable home. In flashbacks it is revealed, she was once paid by Mac Nightingale to have sex with his gay son, James, on his sixteenth birthday in order to "turn him straight." James got her pregnant and his mother Marnie paid her to have an abortion. Donna-Marie did not go through with the abortion and gave birth to Romeo. Years later, Donna-Marie blackmailed Mac and Marnie that she would tell James about Romeo unless they paid her £100,000, which they did.
In the present day, Donna-Marie has been kicked out of her flat. Donna-Marie comes face-to-face with the Nightingales again. James tears into Donna-Marie for being a junkie, causing her to seek out drugs and overdose. Mac lets Donna-Marie move into Cindy Cunningham's house along with Romeo and Juliet. Mac and Donna-Marie switch out Cindy's bipolar medication and trick her into signing over her house to Mac. Cindy is later sectioned. When Mac threatens to throw Donna-Marie out of the house, she reveals he is Juliet's father. After Mac and Donna-Marie's misdeeds are revealed, she flees town.
Some time later, James tracks Donna-Marie down and tells her that Romeo has been charged with Mac's murder. Donna-Marie agrees to confess to murdering Mac after James promises her she will get bail and he will give her money to start a new life. After she confesses, Donna-Marie is furious to learn James lied and she will not be granted bail. Donna-Marie is then taken away to prison.

Romeo Quinn

Romeo Nightingale, played by Owen Warner, made his first on-screen appearance on 2 July 2018. The character and Warner's casting details were announced on 22 May 2018. Romeo is the son of Donna-Marie Quinn and uses petty crime to finance their way of life. Romeo works with Prince McQueen to host "summer rave parties". Justin Harp of Digital Spy predicted that Romeo and Prince's parties would not go well. In the character's first appearance, further details about the character's backstory were revealed. It was revealed that Romeo is the product of paid sex between Donna-Marie and a sixteen-year-old James Nightingale. Jude Forsey portrays Romeo in a flashback appearance. For his portrayal of Romeo, Warner won the accolade for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards.
Romeo was raised by his drug-addicted prostitute mother, Donna-Marie. Romeo was conceived when Donna-Marie was paid by Mac Nightingale to sleep with his gay sixteen-year-old son, James, to "make him straight." Romeo grew up in unsafe, unstable environment and often had to shield himself and his half-sister, Juliet, from Donna-Marie's clients.
Romeo first appears in a flashback as a young child telling Donna-Marie he wishes he had a father. Romeo arrives in town to meet James, but then decides against it. Romeo meets Lily McQueen and is instantly attracted to her. Romeo goes into business promoting illegal raves with Lily's husband, Prince.
Romeo finds out James is having an affair with Harry Thompson and tries to blackmail Harry over it, which leads to he and James finally meeting properly. Romeo agrees to help James ruin Harry's wedding to Ste Hay. James is heartbroken when Harry goes through with the wedding and, in a moment of vulnerability, he comes onto Romeo, who finally has to tell him he is his father. Romeo is devastated when James rejects him. Romeo declares his love for Lily, who admits she has feelings too, but she ultimately decides to stay with Prince. Romeo discovers that Prince has testicular cancer, but is refusing to tell anyone. This damages Lily and Prince's marriage and she sleeps with Romeo. Lily agrees to run away with Romeo, but then she finds out about Prince's condition and she is disgusted to learn Romeo knew about it all along.
Romeo, Donna-Marie, and Romeo's half-sister, Juliet, are invited by Mac to move into Cindy Savage's house. Romeo is appalled when he discovers that Donna-Marie and Mac have tampered with Cindy's bipolar disorder medication. After Mac ejects Romeo from the house, James offers to let Romeo move in with him and they start building a relationship. After finding out that James broke up with Harry to focus on him, he gives them his blessing to be together. With Prince having left town, Lily and Romeo finally become a proper couple. Prince confronts them about their affair and Lily decides she cannot be with either of them.
Mac is murdered and Romeo becomes a prime suspect. The police discover a vial of poison in Romeo's jacket, which was planted by Mac's murderer, Breda McQueen. James tells Romeo he has to leave the country. Lily agrees to come with Romeo, but changes her mind after she realises she wants to be with Prince. Lily tragically dies from sepsis, devastating Romeo. Romeo is locked up for Mac's murder, but is later released when Donna-Marie is tricked by James into confessing.
Romeo tries to comfort James when he found out that Harry was murdered, but James hits Romeo. Things gets worse when James began abusing Romeo, and Romeo moved out and secretly stayed in the Maalik's empty household. He was found by Peri Lomax, who threatened to tell his grandmother, Marnie Nightingale, but Romeo confess to Peri that James hit him, and the reason why he stayed at the Maalik's.
Peri visits Romeo the next day and told him about the day she found out that her 'parents' are her grandparents, and advices Romeo to keep talking to James. Marnie later finds Romeo, when Peri told Marnie what had happened. Marnie reasons with Romeo that James had regretted for what he did and Marnie takes Romeo home, only to find James about to attack Juliet. Romeo comforts James when he, Juliet and Marnie attended to Harry's funeral.
When Juliet starts hanging out with Sid Sumner, the son of the Far-Right Group leader, Stuart Sumner, Romeo tells him to stay away. At Christmas Romeo and Peri set their friends Yasmine Maalik and Tom Cunningham on a date and they both went to a Christmas party together. In 2020, Romeo meets Cher Winters and instantly became smitten with her. But he is shock when he learn that she's Sylver McQueen's daughter. He asked Cher out on a date, but she reject him, in front of Tom and Yazz. Romeo continues to pursue Cher and tries to impress her, much dismay to Sylver. Romeo gives Cher his number, but she gives it back to him, rejecting him once again.

Brooke Hathaway

Brooke Hathaway, played by Talia Grant, made her first on screen appearance on 10 July 2018. The character and Grant's casting details were announced on 23 April 2018. Brooke is billed as "a strong, independent character". Brooke is an autistic girl who is fostered by the Osborne family. Grant is autistic and is the first female autistic actress to feature regularly on a British television series. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said that Brooke understands how her condition can affect her life. He added, "The best way to describe Brooke's autism is to say that she experiences the world a hundred times more intensely than other people." He explained that while having an ice-cream with someone can become "cherished experiences for Brooke that she will never stop talking about", a nasty remark from a schoolteacher could "cut Brooke to the core". Grant told the Loose Women panel that she and Brooke are different as they have different forms of autism. She added how "exciting" it was to represent autism.
Brooke attends Hollyoaks High School with Imran Maalik and Oliver Morgan. Kirkwood stated that Brooke would be introduced with a secret. Hollyoaks placed an open casting call for an actress to portray the character and worked with charity The National Autistic Society and theatre company Access All Areas during the creation and casting processes, and Grant when developing the character. Grant enjoyed appearing in Hollyoaks and was proud to represent autistic women in television, something which she felt was not portrayed enough. Kirkwood was also pleased with Grant's casting as Brooke.
Further details about Brooke's introduction were released on 1 July 2018. It was revealed that Brooke is the daughter of Fran, who murdered Becca Dean in 2007. Brooke first appears when spying on Becca's sister, Nancy Osborne who Fran has been in contact with. Brooke then signs up for Nancy's tutoring classes and during a session, she reveals to Nancy that she is Fran's daughter and that Fran is dying. Brooke and Nancy then visit Fran in hospital and Fran begs for Nancy's forgiveness. Fran later dies, leaving Brooke all alone and not wanting her to be sent into the foster care system, Nancy convinces Jack and Darren that they should foster her instead. Although initially wary of her at first though, Darren eventually agrees and they convince the social worker to let Brooke stay with them. Brooke develops a connection with Oliver and the two go on a coffee date together and she later goes to watch him play football as well. However, after seeing Oliver in the changing rooms at the football academy with his football coach Buster Smith, she sees Buster putting his hand on Oliver's knee. The next day in the morning, she outs him as gay to his stepmother Mandy Morgan. Unknown to Brooke, Oliver is actually being groomed by Buster and in retaliation, Oliver shouts at her by calling her an idiot when he told her that he was just suffering from cramp and that Buster was just helping him causing her to have a breakdown after Oliver left. She breaks up with Imran after finding out that he was abusing his mother, Misbah Maalik, and his sister, Yasmine Maalik. She then begins dating Oliver. Brooke becomes pregnant but doesn’t feel ready to become a mum, whist Ollie is ready, she arranged to have the baby adopted. She later gives birth to a son.
For her portrayal of Brooke, Grant was nominated for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards; she came in eighth place with 3.9% of the total votes.

Asha Kaur

Asha Kaur, played by Rukku Nahar, made her first on screen appearance on 30 July 2018. The character and Nahar's casting details were announced on 17 July 2018 in the show's annual Summer trailer. Asha is the sister of the deceased Neeta Kaur who arrives to visit Neeta's partner, Hunter McQueen. Nahar explained that Asha is emotionally to her sister. She explained that Asha is "slightly more naive when it comes to love, and is very impulsive and spontaneous." Sophie Dainty predicted that Asha's introduction would have "a huge impact on Hunter".
Further details about Asha's introduction were released on 27 July 2018. It was revealed that Asha would first appear when Hunter visits Neeta's murderer, Mac Nightingale, in his care home. When Hunter sees Asha, he is shocked and believes that it is Neeta, leaving a note for her to contact him. However, when he returns home, he finds Asha and realises that it was her at the care home. Nahar explained that Asha would help Hunter through his battle with anxiety and that they would be support each other with their grief for Neeta. She added that they would "make life a lot more exciting for one another."
Asha was created following Graham's decision to quit the soap. Nahar was contracted for two months. Graham was surprised to be told that Asha would become Hunter's love interest and aid his departure. He was pleased that the characters could leave together happily. Graham expected that Asha and Hunter's relationship would work as they had good chemistry. He believed that Hunter's relationship with Asha is better for him than his relationship with Neeta. The actor commented, "I feel like he's found a balance and they could make a good go of it." The characters depart in the episode broadcast on 3 October 2018 after moving to Brighton, Asha's hometown.

Martine Deveraux

Martine Deveraux, played by Kéllé Bryan, made her first on screen appearance on 8 October 2018. The character and Bryan's casting details were announced on 20 September 2018. Martine is introduced as the sister of established character Simone Loveday. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said that there is "bristling, joyful tension" between the sisters, which he found a joy to watch. Bryan stated that Martine "says and does all of the things I would never dare to do".
Martine arrives following the return of Simone's former husband, Louis Loveday, and shares a "whopping secret" with him and his partner, Leela Lomax. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy reported that this would be "the beginning of the drama to come". Kirkwood confirmed that the secret would have a big effect on Simone and Louis. On Bryan's casting, Kirkwood commented, "She is a massive injection of energy into the cast and into the Loveday family." Bryan looked forward to joining the Hollyoaks cast and found playing Martine enjoyable. She added that she had been handed "diverse and thought-provoking" stories, which she likes and looks forward to filming.

Laurie Shelby

Laurie Shelby, played by Kyle Pryor, made his first on screen appearance on 8 November 2018. Pryor's casting details were announced on 7 August 2018, when it was also revealed that his character would have a connection with returning character Sinead O'Connor. The character and further details about the role were announced on 17 September 2018 in an interview with executive producer Bryan Kirkwood. Laurie is introduced as Sinead's husband and the new deputy head teacher of Hollyoaks High School. Pryor, a British-born New Zealand actor, looked forward to working in the United Kingdom and on the soap. Kirkwood praised Pryor's acting, describing them as "remarkable".
Pryor confirmed that Laurie would be involved in an issue-based storyline, which would be one of two of the show's big storylines of 2019. He described it as "a really huge, real-life story". On 30 November 2018, it was announced that Laurie would feature in a sexual assault storyline exploring the MeToo movement. On-screen, the character meets with a woman who he sexually assaulted and has paid to sign a non-disclosure agreement, ensuring that the truth is not revealed. One month later, it was reported that Laurie's storyline would involve his colleague, Sienna Blake, when he holds onto her waist for an uncomfortable amount of time. Sienna feels "unsettled" afterwards and confronts Laurie. Laurie was killed off after receiving a head injury from a police van crash. Laurie's final scenes aired on 8 August 2019.

Juliet Quinn

Juliet Nightingale, played by Niamh Blackshaw, made her first appearance on 21 November 2018. The character and Blackshaw's casting details were announced on 4 September 2018. Juliet is billed as a "damaged and vulnerable young girl who lashes out at the world by bullying others". Juliet is created as the half-sister of Romeo Quinn and the daughter of Donna-Marie Quinn. She is introduced as part of the decision to expand the Quinn family. Juliet shares a close bond with Romeo and he protects her. She arrives as a new Year 11 student at Hollyoaks High School, placing her in direct scenes with established characters Imran Maalik, Oliver Morgan and Brooke Hathaway. Blackshaw expressed her excitement at joining the cast and said that she was "extremely grateful" for the chance. Johnathon Hughes, writing for the Radio Times, thought that the character's name was unsurprising. In January 2019, Juliet was revealed to be the daughter of Mac Nightingale, linking her to the established Nightingale family. Juliet is struggling to cope with the fact that Mac is her biological father. She then becomes more distressed and then proceeds to have a breakdown in the village. A caring Lily McQueen, attempts to calm her down and try to confide in her but this leads to Juliet feeling more isolated than ever by Lily relating the conversation back to her own personal problems. With Juliet unable to bottle her emotions any longer, she angrily throws a brick through the school window. Juliet is then found out and is given repercussions for what she has done; James however realises what's happened and the reason by behind her behaviour leading her not to be expelled from Hollyoaks High. Juliet begins a relationship with Sid Sumner, but begins to doubt their relationship when she does not want to have sex with him. Sid buys drugs from his cousin [|Jordan Price] for Juliet, and eventually, the pair of them are manipulated into selling and delivering drugs for him. Juliet tries repeatedly to stop, but each time she is forced into continuing by Jordan. Sid questions why she does not want to do anything sexual, and calls her. Upset by his comment, she ends their relationship. Despite the pair being broken up, Jordan sends Juliet and Sid on a weekend trip outside of the village in order to sell more drugs, and while there, Juliet reveals to Jordan that she is a lesbian, and explains that she has feelings for Peri Lomax.
After learning that James framed Donna-Marie for Mac's murder, Juliet makes plans to leave the village. Explaining her character's reasoning, Blackshaw explained: "Juliet is really angry, upset and very unforgiving. She's not happy at all! She doesn't like that she's been lied to by the people that she thought cared about her, like Romeo, James and Marnie. They all knew and she didn't. Also, I think she's a bit confused about Sid as well, so everything's just not great in the village. She just wants to get out, hoping it will solve a few problems." Blackshaw also explained the important of Romeo to Juliet, and why his betrayal hurt her the most, saying: "He's been her rock and now she's been betrayed by him as well. It's like the final loss in her life, and it just drives her down a dark path, because she's got no-one left."

Jonny Baxter

Jonny Baxter, portrayed by Ray Quinn, made his first appearance on 26 November 2018. The character and Quinn's casting details were announced on 19 November 2018. Jonny is introduced as a "mysterious stranger" who befriends established character Ste Hay following the death of his sister. He is the new owner of local coffee shop, Esther's Magic Bean, who hires Ste to work at the shop. Quinn described Jonny as a "complex character" who is involved in "challenging" plots. The actor expressed his delight at joining the soap and working with Richardson. His final scenes aired on 19 November 2019.
It was confirmed, days later, that Jonny and Ste would be the focus on a radicalisation and far-right extremism storyline. The story sees Jonny target and groom Ste after discovering his hatred for the Maalik family, who are Muslim. Quinn explained that Jonny is sent by the radicalisation group to recruit people. He added that Ste is an ideal person to recruit since he is "very vulnerable and low on his self-esteem". Jonny then cares for Ste "emotionally and financially", growing his self-confidence with an underlying reason. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood explained that he decided to tackle the issue after discovering how radicalisation groups work. He added that the story is "a modern story about protecting young people online". Richardson was pleased to be undertaking the storyline alongside Quinn. Quinn, Richardson and Hollyoaks storyliners and researchers worked alongside advisors and charities when creating and developing the storyline. One advisor, Jamie Bartlett, believed that it was important that extremism was explored so that the public knew how extremists operate. The charity EXIT UK agreed that it was good to highlight the taboo topic and offered support and guidance to the cast and crew.

Walter Deveraux

Walter Deveraux, portrayed by Trevor A. Toussaint, made his first appearance on 31 December 2018. The character and Toussaint's casting details were announced on 16 December 2018. Walter is introduced as the father of established characters Simone Loveday and Martine Deveraux. He is billed as "stern and deeply religious". Toussaint described Walter as self-righteous, explaining that he thinks that he is "the man who does no wrong". Martine is not pleased with Walter's arrival, which creates tension in the family immediately. On his casting, Toussaint commented, "Since joining Hollyoaks, it's been a whirlwind. My feet have hardly touched the ground".
When he finds a picture of his grandson, Mitchell and Scott Drinkwell, Mitchell comes out as gay, he reveals his brother, Wilfred, was gay and that killed him and expresses he cannot allow Mitchell to be gay despite Martine and Mitchell trying to reason with him. He berates Martine when she tries to stop Walter taking Mitchell to church to repent which sparks Mitchell to accept his sexuality and give his grandfather the harsh truth that he wants everyone to be like him and if not they have to go. He then kicks Mitchell out, telling him he is no longer welcome in the family home.

Other characters