Hollyoaks star Kirsty-Leigh Porter explains new Joel story
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star Kirsty-Leigh Porter has opened up about a new storyline involving her character Leela Lomax's new love interest Joel Dexter.
In upcoming scenes, Joel, who has recently been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as part of the soaps 'What's Your Normal' campaign, will attempt to hide his new condition from Leela.
When asked why she thinks Joel would hide the diagnosis from Leela, Porter said: "For some reason Joel feels like this makes him inferior. It makes him feel almost embarrassed because he feels like he's not capable or strong enough.
Related: Hollyoaks' Joel Dexter makes risky decision in emotional new story
"At the same time, he's supporting Leela who's looking after Peri and Donna-Marie," said Porter. "Leela's got a lot on her plate so he feels like, with this diagnosis, that he might force Leela into feeling like she has to look after him.
"He doesn't want that, he doesn't want to be looked after, so he tries to hide this from her, and tries to cover it up by not taking it too seriously," Porter explained.
"In his mind, he feels like this diagnosis is risking his relationship, risking his application for the fire service and he feels like, now he has this disability, he needs to keep it a secret."
Related: Hollyoaks confirms new issue-based story for Joel Dexter in special episode
Speaking of the impact the secret has on their relationship, Porter said that Leela feels upset about Joel keeping secrets from her and that "she wants to build a relationship on trust".
On the new couple, Porter described the pairing as "a beautiful thing to come out of a really dark time" following Juliet's death.
"Leela and Joel's pairing kind of came out of nowhere. Joel is such a good guy I think Leela, dare I say it, has finally found a good one… with her track record with men, well they've not been ones you'd want to take home to the parents anyway."
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
For information and support about Diabetes, please visit the NHS support hub for Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes or consult with Diabetes UK for additional resources.
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