Hollyoaks’ Kieron Richardson terrified bosses will kill off his character Ste Hay after he joins a right wing extremist group in his darkest storyline to date
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HOLLYOAKS’ Kieron Richardson is taking on his darkest ever storyline with his character Ste Hay radicalised into a right wing extremist.
And the gravity of the plotline, which has been in planning since February 2017, has left the 32-year-old actor fearing this could be the end for his character.
Kieron joined the show back in 2006 and troubled Ste has been involved in some of the soap’s biggest storylines, including domestic abuse, child kidnap and drug dealing.
But Kieron admits this new direction for Ste has him worried there could be no turning back.
Kieron says: “It is really scary for me as it’s the biggest storyline I’ve ever had. But now I don’t know if there will be redemption or if this will be the last thing Ste ever does.
“Ste has done so much now but it would be really sad if it came to an end. It was my 13 year anniversary last month. But I’m not stupid. I know that all good things have to come to an end.”
Hollyoaks’ bosses introduced Ste’s radicalisation storyline as a slow burner, with firstly Ste wrongly blaming Dr Misbah Maalik for the death of his sister.
Then, after his son, Imran, accidentally burnt down his food business van, Ste’s hatred of the family has started simmering.
But it’s only after he’s targeted by Ray Quinn’s character, Jonny, who is the leader of a violent extremist group, that Ste’s head starts to be turned.
Kieron adds: “All his relationships have been doomed. His businesses aren’t a success. He’s trying his hand at everything.
“And when these guys come into his life they’re offering him work, giving him cool clothes and friendship – he thinks that’s the life for him.
“If you look at Ste’s history, he’s really vulnerable and susceptible. He was groomed years ago after Lucas had just been born so it’s not surprising to see it happening again.”
After spending months researching certain groups, Kieron says he’s been horrified at what he’s witnessed.
He says: “Ste starts to do really horrendous things. It’s his darkest storyline to date.
“I always presumed it was going to be getting dark because of all the research we’ve been doing and what we’ve been looking at.
“It’s the most researched storyline I’ve ever worked on. The stories we’ve listened to from people in these groups, the stuff they do is absolutely horrible.
“I know Ste is going to have to do stuff and say stuff that is completely horrific.
“Right now we’re at the beginning and we’re still in the grooming process. Sinead has no idea what is going on. But she is one of his best mates and at some point she will have a say about his behaviour.”
But while the storyline has put Kieron on edge, he praised the Hollyoaks bosses and the show’s writers for tackling such a hard-hitting topic.
Kieron explains: “I am so proud of them for doing this one. It’s one of the best educating storylines.
“Throughout it shows what to look out for when you’re being groomed and the tactics people use.
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“It’s opened my eyes to really horrible things that happen but hopefully we will shine a light on it and help people.
“Obviously it’s a scary time for me and Ste. But I hope the audience will be on Ste’s side and will him to pull back.
“Hollyoaks isn’t just a good thing for me. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, apart from having my children and getting married. So I hope this isn’t the end for him.”
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