Later introductions include "bad boy" character Simon Walker and deaf teenager Dylan Shaw; while Maddie Morrison's father Ed and mother Elizabeth arrived.
"[3] In January 2012, the serial's producer Emma Smithwick said that she wanted to explore Ash (Holly Weston) and Callum Kane's (Laurie Duncan) backstories.
Doctor Browning is described as having an "incredible capacity for Sleaze" and as a "man who needs to be in control and is not afraid to use underhand tactics to assert his power over the situation".
[7] Doctor Browning and Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) begin a relationship, with Thompson explaining that the pair are "kindred spirits" with an "undeniable connection" who are "excited by how dangerous the other is".
[11] 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".
[23] In January 2012, the serial's producer Emma Smithwick tolod a columnist for Inside Soap that she wanted to explore Ash (Holly Weston) and Callum Kane's (Laurie Duncan) backstories.
[34] Anthony D. Langford from AfterElton said that Hollyoaks were rushing Tilly and Jen's story "with its usual breathless pace"; but was interested to see the out come of their romance.
Jen is offered the job of art teacher at Hollyoaks college which she accepts, whilst Tilly buys round-the-world travel tickets.
They sabotage Jen's presentation by adding photos of her and Tilly together, which she unknowingly shows during an open evening, to an audience which includes new head teacher Patrick Blake (Jeremy Sheffield), and she is fired.
[36] More details surrounding the character were announced while Laura Morgan from All About Soap interviewed Mandip Gill, who plays Phoebe Jackson.
[38] All About Soap's Morgan described Mel as Phoebe's "waster mum" who would "rather focus on entertaining her grubby clients than look after her daughter".
[43] Newbon later told Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy that he was having a "wonderful experience" at Hollyoaks and felt "incredibly lucky" to be playing Walker.
[43] Newbon told Kilkelly that Walker's storyline involving Brendan is "very edgy, full of conflict and packed with surprising twists and turns".
[27] On 20 December 2012, it was announced that Rachel Shenton, who plays Mitzeee, would leave the serial and that Walker would return when Carl Costello (Paul Opacic) seeks justice for Riley's death.
Back in his drug dealing days, Brendan once sold ecstasy to Walker's younger brother, Cam, who overdosed and suffered severe brain damage.
Walker would later return on 25 January 2013 after being tracked down by Carl in a storyline involving Mitzeee seeing the pair attempt to avenge Riley's death.
The character was first announced on 16 April 2012 by Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy, who revealed that Parisi had joined the serial in a guest role.
[55][56] Ryan is an intern at the magazine headquarters working alongside the established character of George Smith (Steven Roberts) and Esther Bloom (Jazmine Franks).
On 15 July 2023, it was announced that Rita Simons, who is best known for her role as Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, would be joining Hollyoaks.
[61] Upon her casting, executive producer Hannah Cheers stated: "Rita's new character will certainly ruffle feathers and is set to stir the pot, Hollyoaks fans can expect plenty of fireworks.
[64] On 11 September 2024, it was announced that Simons had been "axed" from the show ahead of its historic "time jump", which will see a large portion of the cast depart the serial as it prepares to drop to three episodes per week.
[68] Fox researched premature births before filming the scenes and she explained "Obviously there's a bit of artistic licence that goes into the scripts, to make things more dramatic or to let the story flow better.
[68] Oscar is rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit following his birth and the doctors inform Darren and Nancy that their son may have brain damage, may be disabled and may be deaf and that he is fighting a serious infection he developed: necrotizing enterocolitis.
[72] Kilkelly stated "Eoghan's arrival could tie in with recent speculation that Lynsey's funeral will soon take place now that the investigation into her murder has ended.
He said that she would be introduced in a "shock storyline twist" when established character Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) discovers she is his twin sister.
Mac explained "It's an afternoon of bombshells because after Dodger proves his real identity, Patrick reveals Sienna is his twin sister".
As Carmel finally looks forward to eloping with Jim, Fraser Black (Jesse Birdsall) puts an end to that plan by having him stabbed.
[90] McKeown's casting was announced on 28 November 2012 and the actor stated "This is my first appearance in soap opera and I hope I can bring something unique to the style and format of the show.
Smithwick revealed that herself and the production team had "been talking about this man for over a year now, so I'm pretty sure that when Later airs, everyone will want to meet Papa Brady at some point".
He explains that he and his ex-boyfriend Craig Dean (Guy Burnett), decided to have a baby together to save their relationship and hired a surrogate Despite initial reservations, and after consultation with his mother Myra McQueen (Nicole Barber-Lane), John Paul embraces his son and names him Matthew Jesús, after the son that Myra gave up, Niall Rafferty (Barry Sloane).