Exclusive: Hollyoaks star explains Felix's story for the first time
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star Richard Blackwood has explained Felix Westwood's huge new story for the first time.
Felix has been struggling to cope since he heard his son DeMarcus was planning to leave, and he'll become immersed in the dangerous world of bare-knuckle boxing as a way to channel his emotions.
Viewers have already seen the story begin on screen, when Felix lied to his partner Mercedes about some nasty injuries he'd sustained.
Related: Hollyoaks reveals aftermath of Rayne's shocking accusations
Felix will continue to spark concern over the coming months, with Richard – who plays him – promising some of his character's toughest scenes yet.
Speaking to Digital Spy at an exclusive Inside Soap Awards photoshoot, Richard said: "You are going to see layers to Felix. We have seen layers before and I think the audience now believe they know him. But with DeMarcus leaving, Felix feels like he has lost his kids through his bad choices and things that have happened.
"Men, generally, have this bravado that we feel we need to upkeep and we don't necessarily see how that affects men. We are more open now to the fact men suffer with mental health just as much as women and having men speak about their emotions, but there was a time where this wasn't happening. Felix comes from that generation.
"He's around Warren and Mercedes, people who suck it up but then it has to come out in some kind of way. Without telling you too much, it comes out in a different way and he is dealing with a mental illness."
Related: Hollyoaks reveals upsetting Donna-Marie storyline in 11 new spoiler pictures
Richard also admitted that he had doubts about how to play the story when it was first pitched to him.
"When we first started doing it, I wasn't sure," he explained. "I was thinking, 'How do we play this?' But then as we started doing it, I realised I know people and I grew up with people who deal with their emotions in that way. I think a lot of guys will be able to relate.
"Once again, you are going to get to see a real dark side, but not dark stereotypically. It is more to do with when a man breaks down and how he feels he needs to deal with it and punish himself.
"It gets pretty dark. I am most proud of some of the scenes you are yet to see."
To see the full exclusive pictures and interviews with the Hollyoaks cast, pick up the latest copy of Inside Soap magazine, on sale now.
To cast your vote in the 2023 Inside Soap Awards, visit www.insidesoap.co.uk.
Check out more of our Hollyoaks coverage:
- Hollyoaks reveals upsetting Donna-Marie storyline in 11 new spoiler pictures
- Hollyoaks reveals aftermath of Rayne's shocking accusations
- Hollyoaks confirms heartbreaking Donna-Marie story
- Hollyoaks star Tamara Wall confirms Grace Black was axed
- Hollyoaks role revealed for ex-EastEnders star Rita Simons
- Hollyoaks cast 2023 – who plays who?
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4, with new episodes dropping each weekday morning. The show airs Mondays to Fridays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, and at 7pm on E4.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, organisations who can offer support include the NHS, Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393. Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
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