Hollyoaks star Jeremy Edwards reveals he BEGGED soap bosses to let him be in 30th anniversary – but he's been ignored
Soap Snub Hollyoaks star Jeremy Edwards reveals he BEGGED soap bosses to let him be in 30th anniversary – but he's been ignored
HOLLYOAKS legend Jeremy Edwards has revealed he begged soap bosses to let him return for the 30th anniversary - but claims he's been totally blanked.
The 54-year-old actor, who played original heartthrob Kurt Benson, says he was desperate to be part of the soap's milestone celebrations - but never even got a call back.
Advertisement
4
Jeremy has asked to go back to Hollyoaks - but hasn't had a reply
Credit: Getty
4
The actor made a brief return to the soap in 2020
Credit: Channel 4
Jeremy, who was once dubbed 'Britain's Sexiest Man', is worlds away from his days as leather clad biker Kurt as he hosts demonstrations of fitness gear and homeware viewers can buy on a TV shopping channel.
The one time soap star's unlikely career comes after he revealed that he had given up on showbiz and was working as a drama teacher after failing to land any TV work since his brief return to Hollyoaks in 2020.
However, Jeremy revealed that he has been asking soap bosses if he could return for the 30th anniversary special episodes this Autumn.
Speaking candidly on the Secure The Insecure podcast, Jeremy said: "I wrote to the casting and said I wanted to go back, because they brought me back, but unfortunately it was still COVID time.
Advertisement
"I know the script went awry and we had to change it, and it was supposed to be there for a lot longer, and I just ripped off Tony and left, which I was not happy about, and I was very vocal about not being happy about that.
"So I asked to go back to the 30th, but I haven't had a reply, and they're doing a tour apparently.
"Which Gary Lucy is taking around. There's a couple of dates for that later this year, in September I think it is. Right, yeah, and I'm not on that either.
"I can't do anything about that. It's a shame, though, because I really thought for the 30th, I wanted to do something special because it will always be special to me. And I'll always be that guy everywhere I go and get it every day.
Advertisement
"Every day someone says the word Hollyoaks to me. Seriously. We'll do something. Look, I'll look after you, mate. We'll do something for the 30th together."
Soap fans are in for a treat as Hollyoaks celebrates three decades of drama, scandal and shocks with a special live tour this autumn.
Hollyoaks star unrecognisable 16 years after leaving E4 soap with bushy grey beard
Luke Morgan legend Gary Lucy was the first big name confirmed for the 30th anniversary event, which will hit four cities - Manchester, Glasgow, Nottingham and London - this October.
The exclusive show promises fans a backstage pass like never before, with cast members spilling behind-the-scenes secrets, re-living jaw-dropping moments and sharing never-before-seen footage from the soap that's had the nation hooked since 1995.
Advertisement
Hollyoaks has pushed boundaries with groundbreaking storylines and unforgettable characters - becoming the go-to soap for gripping youth-led drama.
And now, as it hits the big 3-0, fans can take a walk down memory lane with the stars who made it all happen.
From Hollyoaks to Hollywood
James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap.
The former American TV host doesn't have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was "hell on earth."
Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey.
Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010.
Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs.
Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child.
Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small
Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady.
Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent.
Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy
Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth.
Hannah's eating disorder storyline was the first of it's kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.
Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat
Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry 'Newt' Newton.
Nico's main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact.
He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village.
Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America.
He played one of the soap's resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 - when he was killed off at his wedding.
After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods.
He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.
Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt.
His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off.
After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop.
Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving.
In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC's series, taking over from Ruby Rose.
Jeremy joined the soap in 1995 as Kurt Benson - known for his charm, rebellious attitude, and passion for music and motorbikes.
His main storylines in Hollyoaks involved his turbulent love life, particularly his relationships with Natasha Anderson, Ruth Osborne, and Kate Patrick, and his rivalry with Rob Hawthorne.
Advertisement
He also faced legal trouble after a confrontation with Spike that led to his being accused of attempted murder.
After his exit in 1999, Jeremy joined the cast of Holby City, where he spent almost five years playing healthcare assistant Danny Shaughnessy.
He did make a brief return to Hollyoaks in 2020 for the soap's 25th anniversary.
Jeremy was once a regular on TV throughout the nineties and noughties.
Advertisement
The star appeared on series three of Celebrity Big Brother, where he finished in fourth place.
He also appeared as a contestant on Dancing on Ice and Celebrity X Factor.
His other acting roles include a regular on hugely popular CBBC series Millie Inbetween.
But can he get himself back in the Chester village?
Advertisement
Hollyoaks airs Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays on E4 or watch on the Channel 4 streaming service.
4
Jeremy joined the soap in 1995 as Kurt Benson - known for his charm, rebellious attitude, and passion for music and motorbikes
Credit: Rex
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Graziadaily
2 hours ago
- Graziadaily
I Watched The Bear S4 To See How Many Times I Laughed - The Answer Will Surprise You
Last year, I made the mistake of starting season three of The Bear after returning home from Glastonbury. Why I felt compelled to do such a thing I can't be sure, but it quickly sent me into a state of discombobulation, which wasn't helped by the fact the first episode played as a long, sad, panic-ridden music video. The Bear is the type of TV show that makes you want to press pause and willingly unload the dishwasher. Watching it feels like the sky has never been blue. I'd go as far as to ascribe it an almost Dickensian quality of bleakness. Yet, in 2023, it picked up six Emmys in the comedy category, including best comedy series and outstanding writing for a comedy series. It beat Ted Lasso , The Marvelous Mrs Maisel , Jury Duty and Abbott Elementary amongst other shows. The FX series has won 21 Emmys and five Golden Globes as a comedy in total. Naturally, given the reasons just laid out, this is perplexing to a lot of people – including fans of the show. The Bear is an undeniably engaging drama, even if the dishwasher still beckons at certain points, but a comedy it is not. In fact, I'd argue it's become less and less funny as the seasons have gone on. To prove my point, I conducted a laugh count experiment while watching season four of The Bear , and the results may or may not shock you. What they won't do, regrettably, is make you laugh. Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ayo Edebiri at the premiere of season 3 of FX's The Bear. (Photo: Getty) Episode one: Groundhogs Laugh count: 0 The title of this episode neatly sets up the narrative for the rest of the season – a rinse and repeat of season three storylines that will leave you with a heavy feeling in your chest. Despite successfully reopening as a fine dining restaurant, The Bear (the restaurant) received criticism for its inconsistent menu and chaotic atmosphere in a Chicago Tribute review and the team has two months to turn things around to make the business viable. There is a character called Uncle Computer, but that's about as close as we got to a crack of a smile. Episode two: Soubise Laugh count: 0 The sterile kitchen lights are on, but comedy isn't home. The second episode sees Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) begin to simplify the menu as she grapples with another job offer. All staff remain miserable and stressed. There is little relief except for Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) who quotes Polish mathematician Jacob Bronowski in his pep talk to the chefs: 'The hand is the cutting edge of the mind.' At the end of the episode, Carmy is on the phone to his sister Natalie, who has recently given birth, and she pleads with him to come and meet the baby. It doesn't take long before it's post-partum Natalie consoling Carmie because, after subjecting his family to years of stress and chaos to turn their sandwich shop into a Michelin-chasing restaurant, he's realising he's falling out of love with cooking. Episode three: Scallop Laugh count: 0 Each character's inner turmoil continues, albeit slowly, to thud along in the third episode. Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) discusses how to franchise The Bear's sandwich window, the only profitable part of the business, while Marcus (Lionel Boyce) asks Carmy for more help on the dessert station despite the no-hire policy. It climaxes with Carmy running to the house of his ex-girlfriend Claire (Molly Gordon) – who broke up with him after overhearing him call their relationship a 'waste of time' during the soft launch of his restaurant – to confront his past. They both cry on the doorstep outside her house on a dark, rainy Chicago evening. Pathetic fallacy. Episode four: Worms Laugh count: 0.5 (a titter) Unsurprisingly, given that it centres Sydney, episode four brings some much-need light to the series. The chef visits her cousin Chantel to get her hair done and is left along with her daughter TJ while Chantel runs errands. It's an endearing, smile-worthy interaction as Sydney slowly disarms TJ, cooks her the best pasta dish of her life and encourages her to attend a sleepover with her friends from her old school. Sydney also uses an extended sleepover metaphor to ask TJ whether she should stay put at The Bear or accept the other job offer. TJ says the house she's in now sounds 'stinky' and Sydney says, 'I'd say it's energetically musty'. This earned one titter. Episode five: Replicants Laugh count: 0 Episode five seens the return of Luca (Will Poulter) to assist Marcus on desserts, which brings a bit of excitement to the kitchen, including some flirting from Sydney and a few playful attempts at his English accent. Still no actual laughs though. If things weren't hellish enough at work with smaller budgets, fewer ingredients and an erratic, depressive boss, Sydney receives a call just before service to say her dad had a heart attack. That's The Bear for you. Episode six: Sophie Laugh count: 0 In this episode, Edebiri delivers a heartbreaking performance in the hospital waiting room as she confides in Claire, who helped her father recover, about the guilt she feels for making him worry about her. It's an agonising, relatable and a stark reminder of how fragile life can be and how we could all do more to appreciate our parents. Not exactly full of gags. Elsewhere in the episode, the staff debate whether to go to Richie's ex-wife Tiff's wedding. Episode seven: Bears Laugh count: 0 In between heavy conversations, emotional heart to hearts and explosive arguments, there is a cute moment when everyone gets under a table to convince Tiff and Richie's daughter to stop hiding. That's all there is to say on the comedy front. Episode eight: Green Laugh count: 0 Sydney decides to call Shapiro and reject the superior job offer and he tells her she's making the biggest mistake of her life. Otherwise it's more of the same, in other words, not particularly ha-ha. Episode nine: Tonnato Laugh count: 0 In the penultimate episode of the season, Carmy pays his estranged mother Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis) a visit to drop off a photo album and, one year sober, she breaks down in tears to say she feels responsible for her other son Mikey's suicide and that she's sorry for everything she's done. It's about as funny as you'd imagine, but both performances from Curtis and Allen White are gut wrenchingly good. Doughnut pioneer Marcus receives the news that he's been added to the class of Best New Chefs by Food & Wine . Validation at last. Episode ten: Goodbye Laugh count: 0 A slow, brutal finale that moves the story along for the first time in ten episodes. Sydney finds out Carmy changed the partnership agreement to remove his name, revealing his plans to leave the restaurant and, he claims, stop cooking altogether. In a post-shift argument out the back door of the restaurant, Sydney confronts him and they have an emotional, overdue conversation about their future, resulting in Sydney accepting that the kitchen will soon be hers to run alone. Richie then joins them and he and Carmy address the tension that's been bubbling between them since Mikey's death. Sydney asks for Richie to be made a partner and Carmy and Natalie accept. It becomes clear that season five will be preoccupied with Carmy's decision to leave the profession, but the fate of The Bear is still unclear. What is clear is that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Total laughs throughout entire season: 0.5 Is The Bear billed as a comedy because it's scared of the competition in the drama category? Who knows. But awards shows as well as their boards and voting members have a lot to answer for. If one titter in ten episodes is a comedy, then I'm the Queen of Sheba. Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Rebel Wilson SUED over unreleased movie as she launches tearful rant at ‘bully' film bosses
Wilson hit out at 'vile people in the industry' FILM CLASH Rebel Wilson SUED over unreleased movie as she launches tearful rant at 'bully' film bosses Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EMOTIONAL Rebel Wilson says "it makes no sense" after the production company behind her directorial debut, The Deb, filed a lawsuit against her in Australia. AI Film is reportedly accusing Wilson, 44, of deliberately sabotaging the project by spreading false information online. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Rebel; Wilson is being sued by a production company in Australia Credit: Getty 3 The lawsuit has left Wilson confused Credit: Instagram / rebelwilson Papers submitted to New South Wales supreme court, seen by the Guardian, also accuse the actress of trying to devalue the film in order to acquire it through her own production company, Camp Sugar, for a reduced rate. Wilson has responded on Instagram, calling it "bullying" and that "it makes no sense". She continued: "As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called THE DEB for 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film!" Last year, The Deb producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden launched a defamation lawsuit against Wilson in the US after she accused them of plotting to embezzle 900,000 AUD from the film's budget and Ghost of sexually harassing star Charlotte MacInnes. Wilson countersued in October alleging a "troubling pattern of egregious and illicit behaviours, including theft, bullying, and sexual misconduct." Rejecting the claims involving her being the victim of harassment, MacInnes later filed a declaration calling Wilson' claims about her "completely false and absurd". In November, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Thomas Long rejected Wilson's request to have the defamation case against her dismissed. Updating fans today on her latest legal battle, Wilson wrote: "I've moved on, now directing my 2nd movie and loving it. But regarding THE DEB all I can literally say is 'F**K my life' with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. "Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry. Rebel Wilson breaks down in tears in emotional Virgin Radio interview with Chris Evans - after war over new book "I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work! At least we had the Toronto premiere - and at least now you can all see the opening of the film. Posting it now! Rebs x." AI Film is reportedly seeking damages, a formal apology, and an order stopping Wilson from making unsubstantiated claims relating to all parties involved with The Deb. The Guardian shared a statement issued by AI Film in which the company said: 'These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Deb's timely release. It's a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it.'
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Singer Dame Cleo Laine who performed with Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles dies aged 97 as tributes pour in
Tributes have rolled in for the beloved singer STAR GONE Singer Dame Cleo Laine who performed with Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles dies aged 97 as tributes pour in Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEGENDARY jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine has died aged 97. Her career spanned decades as she became the first British singer to win a Grammy Award for jazz. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Legendary jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine is dead at 97 Credit: Getty 4 Her music career spanned over seven decades Credit: Getty 4 Laine performed with jazz legends like Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. Pictured with Ray Charles in 1976 Credit: Getty 4 The star frequently collaborated with her composer husband, John Dankworth Credit: Getty It led to performances with icons like Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles. Laine boasted a vocal range of four octaves, performing the music of Schoenberg and Spike Milligan. It paved the way for a distinguished jazz career, as the Sunday Times described her as "quite simply the best singer in the world". She also frequently collaborated with her husband, musician and composer John Dankworth, beginning in the 1950s. They later set up the Stables art centre in Buckinghamshire. In a statement, the centre said it was "greatly saddened today by the news that one of its founders and Life President, Dame Cleo Laine has passed away". Born as Clementina Dinah Hitching, the star grew up in Southall, Middlesex on October 28, 1927. She was the daughter of Jamaican WW1 veteran, Alex Campell - a labourer who sang on the side to make enough money. He married Clementina's mother, Minnie Hitching, who had been disowned by her parents over the interracial relationship. The prodigy first fell in love with jazz after listening to her brother's records, before starting music lessons. From the age of three, she would perform at local community shows, aspiring towards an acting career. It led to her debut at the age of 12 in The Thief of Baghdad where she played a street urchin. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
