Malachy Fisher is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Glen Wallace.
[1] Malachy initially appeared in only three episodes, a gruff builder who was appalled to learn his brother was a bisexual cross dresser.
Wallace said he was "taken aback" when he heard about the story, but felt the storyline was very important, as national TV had not covered the topic since EastEnders character Mark Fowler.
He knew many people never believed they could get HIV, and hoped his character's own ignorance might make some of them change their minds.
Wallace described Mercedes and Malachy as "very alike, they are two alpha characters and everything is about them – that sounds a bit harsh!
"[2] Their relationship was jeopardised when he exposed her to HIV, but they married in the final episode of the first series of Hollyoaks Later.
In May 2009, Wallace revealed his contract had been extended, which he appreciated, he stated: "I think there's a lot more to be got from the HIV storyline and to have someone come in and die off straight away is unrealistic anyway.
Whilst there, Mercedes pushes Malachy to admit to his family about his condition, he eventually does and the pair get back together and marry on 28 November.
Myra McQueen struggles to live with Malachy and believes she will catch HIV, this angers him and Mercedes.
When Calvin can't find a best man for his wedding to Mercedes sister Carmel Valentine he asks Malachy.
The last straw comes for Malachy when Carmel reveals that Theresa killed Calvin and Mercedes has been hiding the truth all along.
After pouring his heart out to a girl named Veronica he takes her back to his place where they begin to undress.
Veronica ties Malachy to the bed, thinking it's some kind of game however, she leaves him there whilst she robs the house and Evissa.
Malachy moves in with Cheryl, her brother Brendan Brady and best friend Lynsey Nolan.
Mercedes, jealous that Malachy's moving on, lies that he has infected with HIV making him realise how much he still loves her.
As Malachy and Mercedes celebrate, walking through the village, an explosion in II Gnosh which was caused by Dominic Reilly under the orders of Warren Fox, throws them both to the ground.
He is in a stable condition at first, but when Mercedes was dreaming that Malachy is discharged and talks to him that she wants to have a family, she is interrupted by Cheryl who says that she heard the news.
When Mercedes is confused, she turns around and is horrified to see that Malachy is still lying in his hospital bed, but only for him to fall into a coma, causing him to be on a life support machine.