Russ Owen

Russ Owen
Hollyoaks character
Portrayed by	Stuart Manning
Introduced by	David Hanson
Duration	2004–09
First appearance	August 2004
Last appearance	3 June 2009
Classification	Former; regular
Profile
Date of birth	19 April 1984
Occupation	Bartender (2006–07) Teacher (2007–09)
Family Wife Mercedes Fisher (2007–08) Father Rob Owen Mother Carrie Owen Brothers Sam Owen Sisters Nicole Owen Sons Max McQueen

Russell Charles "Russ" Owen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Stuart Manning. He first appeared in August 2004 with his on-screen family and has been involved in storylines including being diagnosed with testicular cancer and kidnapping his son. It was announced in April 2009 that Manning had quit the role. He last appeared on 3 June 2009.

Character creation

Regular auditions were held in 2004 for the part of Russ, with actor Stuart Manning securing the role.

In 2009, it was revealed Manning had quit. Speaking of his decision to leave the show, Stuart Manning said: "I've had a great time at Hollyoaks over the last five years and I've learnt so much. Russ has been a fantastic character and he's had some great storylines which have been great fun to play - but there's also been lots of hard work! I'll obviously be sad to leave as I've worked with some great people but I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into new projects." Series producer Lucy Allan also commented on Manning's decision, stating: "Stuart has been a valued member of cast over the last five years. Russ has gone through some pretty rough times and this story sees the straw that breaks the camel's back. We feel that this is the just and fitting end to a character that has shown great diversity and been pushed so far. We'd all like to wish Stuart all the best in the future."

The departure of Russ from the series followed fellow cast members Jamie Lomas, Chris Fountain and Emma Rigby's decisions to leave their portrayals of Warren Fox, Justin Burton and Hannah Ashworth respectively.

Storylines

Russ first appears as a new student at Hollyoaks Community College. Russ starts friendships with Ben Davies and Darren Osborne. Darren owes money to local thug Scott Anderson. Scott gets his friends to beat Darren, Ben and Russ up. The three are tied up and tape gagged. After some time, they are released. Russ's first major storyline came in the form of his discovery of testicular cancer. Russ, after being diagnosed, is extremely depressed. He undergoes an operation to remove the cancerous testicle, which is replaced by a prosthetic one. During this time, Russ's brother Sam supports him. Getting over the cancer, Russ strikes a relationship with Dannii Carbone, who leaves him when he does not believe she was raped by Andy Holt. Andy, a serial rapist, attempts to rape Russ's sister Nicole. Russ is attacked by Andy with a metal pole. Andy dies and Sam, also a rapist, is arrested.

Russ falls in love with Sophie Burton, who he begins a relationship with, despite her being raped by Sam. Sam, in hospital, escapes the police and disappears. Russ begins an affair with Mercedes McQueen. Sam returns for revenge on Sophie, by setting fire to The Dog in the Pond. The pub blows up, killing Sophie's sister Mel. Russ, who at the time is sleeping with Mercedes, rushes to the pub. When there, Sam is killed in the flames. Students Joe Spencer and Olivia Johnson also die. Russ gets Sophie to safety. However, she dies in his arms of smoke inhalation. The following week, Russ refuses to attend Sam's funeral, racked with guilt for sleeping with Mercedes. Russ is a pallbearer at Sophie's funeral and he also makes a speech. Sophie's brother Justin discovers Russ's affair with Mercedes and attacks him. The two later make up, however, and Russ helps Justin come to terms with the tragedy. Following Sam's revenge, the Owen family, except Russ, leave Hollyoaks. Russ and Mercedes begin a relationship, and they move in together. Russ and Mercedes then become engaged. However, Mercedes' sister Tina plans her wedding to Dom Reilly on the same day. After an argument, it is agreed that the couples will have a double wedding. Despite this, Mercedes sleeps with Warren Fox on her hen night. During the wedding ceremony, Louise Summers arrives and claims that Mercedes had slept with Warren, in order for her to give him an alibi for the night an attempt on Clare Devine's life was made. Mercedes convinces Russ to go ahead with the wedding as her sister Jacqui punches Louise. After the honeymoon, Russ and Mercedes' marriage ends when she gives Warren an alibi, revealing her infidelity. Mercedes attempts to apologise to him. However, he tells her it is over. Russ grows closer to Mercedes' other sister Carmel. However, the pair agree not to begin a relationship to spare Mercedes' feelings.

After Tina is sexually harassed by her boss Pete Webster, and Dom does not believe her, Russ stops Pete from raping her but then later sleeps with her himself. The pair agree to keep quiet. Months later, Tina falls pregnant with a surrogate child for Jacqui and Tony Hutchinson. However, when Tina is told of how old the unborn child is, she realises the baby is Russ's. She admits this to Jacqui, who gets her to keep quiet. She then gives birth to Max McQueen. Russ, unaware of his child, begins a relationship with Caroline Cooper. The pair plan to leave Hollyoaks for a new life. However, Tina tells Russ he is Max's father. A shocked Russ leaves, but later returns realising he needs to be Max's father. For Max's sake, Russ and Tina begin a relationship when Dom leaves her. After Tina is killed by secret brother Niall Rafferty, Jacqui takes Max and begins to raise him, refusing Russ any rights.

Now living with Nancy Hayton and Ravi Roy, Russ is shocked when bisexual Ravi tries to kiss him. When Nancy and Ravi split up, Russ and Nancy start a relationship. Russ struggles living without Max, and tells Nancy they should flee the country with him and Nancy's nephew Charlie Dean. Nancy shrugs it off and convinces him that it is a bad idea. Russ catches Nancy in bed with her ex-boyfriend Kris Fisher. Knowing the relationship is over, Russ heads off to Mel and Sophie's grave, where he meets with Justin. The pair have a heart-to-heart and Russ decides to take Max. Carmel allows Russ to see Max, and when she exits the room, he leaves with the baby, stopping at the flat to ask Nancy to come with him, which she refuses. Russ then leaves, picking up Justin, who is running away from police for apparently burning down The Loft. Jacqui is destroyed by Max's disappearance and leaves for France after a sighting of Russ and Max. Months after leaving, Russ sends Jacqui a postcard saying Max is okay and that he is sorry.

Reception

Stuart Manning has been nominated for several awards for his portrayal of Russ, including the 'Sexiest Male' at the 2006 British Soap Awards.^{[citation needed]} Virgin Media said "poor Russ Owen had a rough time of it." Citing several of his traumatic storylines they jested "no wonder he got the heck out of there."

External links

• Character profile on the E4 website