The character development has Loretta having worked as a pole dancer and Walton put extensive research into the role, including visiting strip clubs.

She has been involved in storylines which include facing prejudice, body scarring issues and stalking fellow characters.

The plot was subsequently axed having caused a great amount of controversy among the British public after newspapers alleged that the storyline was copying a real-life case.

Before Loretta's departure from the series Marquess made changes to the characters persona: portraying her as a stalker being obsessive, calculating and pretending to have leukaemia.

In 2009 it was announced that the Hollyoaks' producer Lucy Allan had decided to introduce both Loretta and Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh) into the main show.

"[3] Though Walton had initially signed on for a three-month stint Allan decided to renew her contract in 2009 and keep Loretta in the series until 2010.

[5] It was soon revealed that Marquess planned to give Hollyoaks a "shake up", changing the productions team[6] and beginning a cast cull by axing three established characters.

[7] Stephanie Waring (who plays Cindy Hutchinson) then revealed that all remaining cast members feared their own character would be axed.

[8] One month later Marquess announced his plans to axe a further 11 characters, including Loretta at the end of Walton's contract.

[9] On 8 June 2010 Walton filmed her final scenes for the series, along with two fellow cast members Scare and Gerard McCarthy (who plays Kris Fisher).

[11] Walton also confirmed that she was happy the door was left open for a potential return, stating that she would consider reprising her role as Loretta in the future.

Loretta has stated on-screen that she does not want to conform with the stereotype of a blond pole dancer, and makes it clear that she is a keen bird watcher and enjoys documentaries.

Her first relationship is with Dom Reilly who shares her interests in bird watching, documentaries on ancient Rome and literature.

However, as their relationship progressed, it became apparent that Dom could not handle Loretta's profession as he feared for her safety, which ultimately led to their break up.

[19] The controversy began when tabloid newspaper revealed the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, Denise Fergus, condemned the storyline.

While speaking to the news website Click Liverpool, she criticised the decision to air a plot that allegedly mirrored her son's death, stating they should have consulted her first.

"[22] Kevin Sacre, whose character was directly involved in the storyline, voiced his support for the plot stating: "I think the fact that it's the sort of thing that happens in real life means it's something that should be addressed.

Whilst Walton had previously claimed the storyline was about three twelve-year-old girls, Channel 4 admitted the similarities between the story and the Bulger case.

"[24] Amber Hodgkiss, who was cast to play Chrissy, expressed her disappointment over the decision to axe the plot all together saying, "The storyline has been completely cut.

The story line reveals her past of obsessions with men and Walton stated, "You sense Adam wasn't the only ex-partner she stalked.

"[18] The storyline sought to explain all the unanswered questions left in her backstory with Walton saying, "He [Jake] tries to talk her round, and at that point she reveals she was sexually abused when she was very young.

Loretta moves in with Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson).

Loretta lies to Dom saying she has quit her job and does not tell him the truth until Darren finds out and begins to blackmail her.

Loretta drunkenly teaches Nancy Hayton (Jessica Fox), Zoe Carpenter (Zoë Lister), Hannah Ashworth (Emma Rigby) and Sarah Barnes (Loui Batley) how to dance in the Student Union bar.

[28] Her boss sacks her, because her scars have rendered her unattractive, and Loretta is given a job in Tan & Tumble by Ash Roy (Junade Khan).

After Loretta catches Ravi being violent towards his sister Leila (Lena Kaur) she distances herself from him and Ash starts flirting with her.

Many other residents in the village suspect Loretta's boyfriend Jake of being her kidnapper, unaware that she is safe and hiding in Darren's flat.

She says that she will kill Lau if she ever goes near Jake again, making viewers realise that Loretta had changed her personality and her behaviour since her absence.

[29] They also add that she rivals other characters such as Carmel Valentine (Gemma Merna) and Mercedes Fisher (Jennifer Metcalfe) with her "hot babe" image.

Horny Hollyoaks hangover TV might not be the same for us without the charms of Melissa Walton who plays Loretta Jones in the series.