Doctor Browning was introduced as part of a storyline featuring Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) in which he "shows her the benefits of 'selling her services'".

Doctor Browning and Mercedes later begin a relationship, which Smithwick called a "union of the dark soul mates".

Anthony D. Langford from AfterElton hoped that the character would not be revealed to be Lynsey's killer due to his enjoyment of Doctor Browning's relationship with Mercedes and their "blistering chemistry".

On 19 December 2011, Digital Spy announced the introduction of the character saying that a "charming doctor arrives on the scene" during a new storyline featuring Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe).

[3] Doctor Browning has also been labelled a "grade A nutcase",[4] a "slimy charmer",[5] "devious",[5] "shady"[5] "creepy",[6] "sleazy",[7] "twisted",[8] "scheming"[9] and "hunky".

[10] On 19 December 2011, Digital Spy announced that after a difficult year for Mercedes a "charming doctor" arrives and "shows her the benefits of 'selling her services'" which leads her down a "dark path".

[1] Metcalfe explained that when Mercedes learns that Silas Blissett (Jeff Rawle) will not face trial she goes into "self destruct mode" and contacts Doctor Browning for sex once again.

[11] Metcalfe told Katy Moon from Inside Soap that their night together makes her character "feel awful but she's looking for any distraction, any way to escape her demons".

She branded Thompson a "really good addition" to the cast and revealed that he had returned for a longer second stint, which sees Doctor Browning "stir things up".

[15] Mercedes begins to "fall for the charms" of Doctor Browning, believing she has "landed on her feet" when he invites her to a charity ball.

He went on to explain that Doctor Browning initially agreed to pretend to be in a relationship with Mercedes to help make Riley jealous but "he's fallen for her and will do whatever it takes to be with her.

[5] When Doctor Browning sees Riley kiss Mercedes "it becomes a question of how much he can take" and he decides he must "make a quick move" to prevent them reuniting.

Thompson said that "it seemed to be written in the stars that Mercedes and Riley will get back together - but Dr Browning won't let that happen".

[20] The aftermath of Jacqui's discovery, including Doctor Browning's explanation of his motives and kidnapping of Mercedes, boosted Hollyoaks ratings.

[24] Kilkelly stated "Digital Spy understands that it was always the plan for Doctor Browning to bow out in the latter half of this year, as Thompson is keen to explore other acting opportunities.

[24] Doctor Browning pays Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) for sex and asks to keep seeing her and gives her more money.

Mercedes discovers Doctor Browning is married and threatens to tell his wife of their relationship if he reports Lynsey for resuscitating the DNR patient.

He later treats Carmel McQueen (Gemma Merna) for her burn injuries and catches Lynsey attempting to view Walker's (Neil Newbon) medical records.

After discharging Mercedes from hospital, Lynsey is found dead and Doctor Browning confirms her time of death.

Doctor Browning suggests that Myra may not have long to live so should remain close to her family and make up with Mercedes.

When Mercedes goes, she decides to video everything that happens, but Davies finds out and proceeds to try and rape her but Doctor Browning saves her.

After the events a new doctor appears called Lindsey Butterfield (Sophie Austin) which infuriates him because he killed Lynsey and that reminded him of her name.

He then has a one-night stand with Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and after she threatens to tell Mercedes he tries to kill her in the Hollyoaks high school storeroom but she survives and recovers.

It is then revealed that she survived because Jim gave her a bullet proof vest then she decides to go live in Spain so Doctor Browning goes to prison.

Trevor tries to stop Clare from detonating the bomb but fails and the council flats are blown up, killing Doug, Ash Kane (Holly Weston) and Leanne Holiday (Jessica Forrest).

They put him in the Price Slice freezer but when it breaks they hire Freddie Roscoe (Charlie Clapham) to get rid of the body.

For his role as Doctor Browning, Joseph Thompson was nominated in the "Newcomer" category at the 2013 National Television Awards.

[25] Laura Morgan of All About Soap felt that Doctor Browning is "dodgy" and that he is a "fairly obvious suspect" in the investigation for Lynsey's murder.

She said Silas was left alone with "the dodgy doc, and the next thing they knew the old man had knocked Browning out, stolen his shoes and run away.

[28] Inside Soap journalist Sarah commented Lynsey's killer is revealed to be "none other than dodgy Dr Browning!