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Former Hollyoaks boss on the story behind Brendan Brady's arrival ten years ago

Photo credit: Lime Pictures
Photo credit: Lime Pictures

From Digital Spy

Former Hollyoaks producer Paul Marquess has reflected on the creation of Brendan Brady, admitting that it was "a risk" to cast Emmett J Scanlan in the role.

Today marks ten years since Brendan first arrived on screens on August 5, 2010, when he was introduced as the brother of established character Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh).

Marquess, who's now showrunner of BBC One daytime drama London Kills, created Brendan as part of a high-profile revamp of Hollyoaks in 2010.

The move paid off, as Brendan went on to become one of the Channel 4 soap's most memorable legends. Fans still look back particularly fondly on Brendan's romantic partnership with Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson).

Photo credit: Lime Pictures
Photo credit: Lime Pictures

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Speaking to Digital Spy in a recent interview, Marquess recalled: "I remember the day when Emmett came into the audition for Brendan. He was wearing the world's worst trousers, but he was so extraordinary.

"Before Emmett had even opened his mouth, I thought: 'Sometimes in life you have to take a risk – and this guy is amazing!'

"I had no idea how amazing he was, though. Apart from being the most charismatic person I'd come across in my life, I thought he was a pretty good actor as well. But what I didn't know at first was how good an actor he was. He's really, really brilliant.

"I am very proud of Brendan. It was my idea to bring him in – the idea of a gay gangster was one I'd had for ages."

Photo credit: Lime Pictures
Photo credit: Lime Pictures

Related: Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson reveals whether she'd return as Lisa Hunter

Marquess was in charge of Hollyoaks for a year and introduced two other iconic characters during his stint – serial killer Silas Blissett (Jeff Rawle) and model Mitzeee Minniver (Rachel Shenton).

He continued: "If you look back at characters like Brendan, Silas and Mitzeee, what they have in common is that they were played by really great actors.

"It was hard work at Hollyoaks, but I'm really glad that I did it. I think there was some really fantastic stuff in there.

"I found with Hollyoaks that I couldn't quite work out what the formula was, but the answer is that there is no formula. It's not like the other soaps – it's very, very hard to pin down. I don't think it suited me the best.

"Bryan Kirkwood is really good at it. There's something about Bryan's sensibility that makes him the right person to run the show."

Series two of Marquess's latest show London Kills aired on BBC One in March and April.

Hollyoaks returns to Channel 4 and E4 with new episodes in September.


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