Recently the popular Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks has undergone scheduling changes, meaning that the episodes are now available to view on All4 before they air on Channel 4 in the evening and the soap has always pulled in viewers since it began in 1995. Over the years there have been many different characters and storylines that fans have loved.
Originally the soap was targeted at younger audiences, with seven of the first-ever characters as teenagers, and the soap now aims to appeal to all age ranges. As the soap continues to adapt to the modern audiences and bring in relevant storylines we took a look back at where the original cast members are now.
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Will Mellor as James Bolton (Jambo)
(Image: PA)
Playing the happy-go-lucky James Bolton was Will Mellor who remained in the soap until 1998 and returned to make a guest appearance in Hollyoaks in 2004. After leaving Hollyoaks Will continued with his acting career and also released a cover of “When I Need You” which reached number five in the UK charts.
Since Hollyoaks he has had roles in the popular BBC medical drama Casualty, the sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Line of Duty and the ITV hit drama Broadchurch. In 2021 he joined another soap Coronation Street for 27 episodes as Harvey Gaskell.
Lisa Williamson as Dawn Cunningham
In the role of Dawn Cunningham, who was a friend to everyone in the show, was Lisa Williamson who remained in Hollyoaks until 1997, when Dawn was killed off with leukemia. Lisa continued her acting career after Hollyoaks starring in the 1999 TV series Dream Team and Siren’s Bay. She is also an established author and is a voice actor for commercial adverts.
Nick Pickard as Tony Hutchinson
(Image: PA)
Still in the soap now Tony Hutchinson, played by Nick Pickard, is the soap’s longest-serving character and has had three marriages, two affairs, the death of a daughter, a long-lost son, and testicular cancer during his time on the show. Nick has also appeared as a celebrity guest on shows including Celebrity MasterChef and Pointless Celebrities.
Shebah Ronay as Natasha Anderson
Described as the Hollyoaks poster girl Natasha Anderson was played by Shebah Ronay, the daughter of fashion designer Edina and she who had a brief acting career after Hollyoaks. Natasha was killed off after just one year in the show and was the first character to die in the soap.
After Hollyoaks she appeared in the 1998 film Things We Do for Love before moving to a career in modelling, presenting, and journalism.
Yasmin Bannerman as Maddie Parker
(Image: BBC)
Starting as a background character Maddie Parker, played by Yasmin Bannerman, became a more known well character in the soap following an intense storyline where her ex became obsessed with her. Since Hollyoaks Yasmin has starred in Merseybeat and appeared in Doctor Who and Torchwood, you can read where the orginal cast of Torchwood are now, here.
Yasmin was also in the original series of Cold Feet as Jessica who David has an affair with.
Brett O’Brien as Louise Taylor
Brett O’Brien played Louise Taylor in Hollyoaks until 1996 and Louise was a more free-spirited character and loved her horoscopes. Since Hollyoaks Brett has been in Law and Order: UK and William & Mary as well voiceover work for brands including the car company Jaguar.
Jeremy Edwards as Kurt Benson
(Image: BBC)
Wanting to become a rockstar the character of Kurt Benson was played by Jeremy Edwards, who was the show’s heartthrob. Jeremy left the show in 1999 but returned in 2020 as part of Hollyoak’s 25th-anniversary celebrations.
Jeremy went on to star in the BBC medical drama Holby City-you can read the full original cast for Holby City here, and took part in Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice -read everything you need to know about the 2022 Dancing on Ice final here.
Jeremy also starred in The X Factor: Celebrity on which he duetted with Brendan Cole – badly. The actor and now TV presenter was engaged to singer Rachel Stevens back in the early 2000s.
Sally Faulkner as Jane Anderson
Mother to Natasha Anderson, Jane Anderson was also the landlady of The Dog in the Pond, which still heavily features in the show today, and she was played by Sally Faulkner. Including Hollyoaks Sally has also starred in Coronation Street, EastEnders, Silent Witness, and Doctors.
Alvin Stardust as Greg Anderson
(Image: Coventry Telegraph Archive)
Father to Natasha was Greg Anderson, played by Alvin Stardust, and he was the landlord of The Dog in the Pond. Before joining Hollyoaks Alvin was a glam rock singer who had chart success with his hits like My Coo Ca Choo, Jealous Mind and Red Dress. After Hollyoaks, Alvin appeared on stage in Greenock but sadly died in 2014, just weeks before he was about to release his first album in 30 years.
Anna Martland as Sarah Anderson
Sister to Natasha was Sarah Anderson, played by Anna Martland, and when Natasha died the Anderson family emigrated to America. AfterHollyoaks Anna starred in the 1996 drama Hillsborough.
Ian Puleston-Davies as Terry Williams
Terry Williams, who was an unpleasant character who caused trouble for the Andersons, was played by Welsh actor Ian Puleston-Davies. Ian is now well-known for his role of Owen Armstrong in Coronation Street and most recently starred in the 2022 series The Teacher. He’s also had roles in Beowulf and Maigret.
Tim Dantay as Vinnie Williams
Brother to Terry, Vinnie Williams played by Tim Dantay had a small role in the soap. After Hollyoaks Tim had a successful TV career starring in Vera, The Diary of Anne Frank, and most recently EastEnders.
Charles Youlten as Tom Jenkins
The not liked boyfriend of Maddie Parker, Tom Jenkins, was played by Charles Youlten. Since Hollyoaks Charles has not gone on to appear in any further TV or film.
Toby Sawyer as Brazil “Brazz” McCourtney
Part of the teenage boy’s friendship group, Brazil McCourtney was a DJ and member of a band. He was played by Toby Sawyer who left Hollyoaks in 1998 and went on to star in Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
James Qinn as Kirk Benson
Father to Kurt Benson, Kirk Benson was played by James Quinn. James went on to have a successful career starring in Early Doors, Fat Friends, Heartbeat, and Emmerdale.
Martine Brown as Juliette Benson
Mother to Kurt was Juliette Benson, played by Martine Brown. Since Hollyoaks Martine has starred in Coronation Street, EastEnders, and most recently Doctors from 2000 to 2020 as Reverend Viv Marchant.
