Hollyoaks boss defends "brash" new gay character

The executive producer of Hollyoaks has defended the show’s divisive new character Scott Drinkwell, arguing that that the Channel 4 soap represents the LGBT community well enough to be able to include gay characters who are a “pain”.

Played by Ross Adams, Scott was introduced on screen as Sinead’s cousin back in April, where his camp persona and manipulative trouble-making quickly drew criticism from some viewers.

Speaking to the The Sun‘s TV supplement magazine, executive producer Brian Kirkwood has defended the character from the backlash, arguing: “Why shouldn’t we have a gay character who’s a pain?”

“Scott’s loud, brash and unapologetic,” Kirkwood said. “We knew he was going to divide the audience, but he doesn’t make any apology for who he is.

“Our show has probably been the best at representing gay people over the years with the likes of John Paul, Ste and Brendan, so why shouldn’t we have a gay character who’s a pain?

“Scott’s not here to make a statement – he’s here to create conflict among the other characters, and he’s doing that. He’s a big, colourful voice, but we will see a vulnerability to his character too.”

Meanwhile, Hollyoaks continues to depict a raft of juicy LGBT storylines in its apparent mission to become the gayest on TV since Cucumber: While Ste Hay’s (Kieron Richardson) estranged hubbie John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) is getting over the pair’s marriage with the help of his cousin’s husband, Ste himself is currently is on the rebound with 17-year-old sixth form student Harry Thompson (Parry Glasspool).

Hollyoaks airs weekdays at 6.30pm on Channel 4.

Hollyoaks boss defends “brash” new gay character

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