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Brendan Brady
Hollyoaks character
Portrayed byEmmett J. Scanlan
Duration2010—
ClassificationPresent; regular
Introduced byPaul Marquess
In-universe information
OccupationClub manager (2010—11)
Club owner (since 2011)
Half-sistersCheryl Brady
WifeEileen Brady
SonsDeclan Brady
Paddy Brady
DaughtersNiamh Brady

Brendan Brady is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Emmett J. Scanlan. The character was introduced in 2010 by series producer Paul Marquess during part of the show's overhaul.

He is the older half brother of already established character Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh). Following the announcement of Brendan's casting, he was quickly billed as the show's new 'bad boy' character. The character is currently a part of a high-profile homosexual domestic abuse storyline with Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson). Scanlan has received both positive and negative reception from various news publications since his first appearance as the character in August 2010.

Creation and casting

Irish actor Emmett J. Scanlan was cast as Brendan by series producer Paul Marquess after being put forward for the role by casting director Dorothy Andrews.[1] Scanlan previously auditioned for the roles of Kieron Hobbs and Des Townsend, but was asked by producers to drop his accent.[2] Brendan was originally to be from Belfast, Northern Ireland, like sister Cheryl Brady. This detail was however changed to make Cheryl and Brendan half-siblings and Brendan's backstory was changed so he comes from Dublin, Ireland, to avoid confusion with Scanlan's accent.[1]

Details of the character of Brendan were first hinted in April 2010, when Marquess referred to Brendan as a "very nasty man" appearing from Cheryl's past.[3] Later in April, Brendan's casting was officially announced.[4][5]

At the same time of his casting, the characters of Lynsey Nolan (Karen Hassan) and Bart McQueen (Jonny Clarke) were also signed to appear in the show. Marquess spoke of the characters' arrivals, saying: "This is a really exciting time for Hollyoaks and Brendan, Lynsey and Bart bring more fun, drama and sexiness to the show."[5] Scanlan commented on his new role, saying: "I'm a bad-ass in it. I play a bad guy with a dark secret who goes by [the] name of Brendan. It's a good healthy stint of six to seven months and I can't wait to get started. It's all about new experiences and Hollyoaks has a very impressive history. It's great to be part of it."[4] Scanlan originally signed a six-month contract, which was later extended.[6]

Development

Characterisation

The main focal point of Brendan's characteristics was his 'villain' persona. Scanlan described Brendan's personality, saying: "I don't know how to describe him in five words. I don't think he is either good or bad. Brendan's a man who defines his own moral code and principles, and lives with the consequences. He's the type of dude that will hit you as quick as look at you, but never touch a girl. His principles may be different to yours or mine but he's not good or bad, he's just... Brendan."[7] A Hollyoaks spokesperson has said that Brendan is "pure evil." and that "he loves having power over people."[8] Scanlan has also claimed that Brendan "defines his own morals, his own principles and lives with the consequences".[9]

Actress Bronagh Waugh, who plays Brendan's sister Cheryl, has claimed that Brendan is "one of the most evil soap villains ever", stating: "Brendan is the nastiest bad boy I've ever seen — I'm talking worse than EastEnders' Dirty Den. If you think he's been mean so far, you haven't seen anything yet! The thing is that he does care for Cheryl and has good intentions towards her. But events won't turn out the way he planned."[10]

During an interview in May 2010, Marquess was asked about Brendan and if he was a bad boy. He replied: "Oh, definitely — he's an absolute bastard! I think people are going to think, 'Here's the next Warren', but they'll be surprised when they find out what the real story is. He is Cheryl's half-brother… and Cheryl won't hear a bad word against him..."[11]

In a further interview with Press Association, Scanlan said: "I have never had the opportunity to play somebody as complex and as damaged as Brendan. He is without doubt a sociopathic, self-loathing, homophobic gay man and that in itself is a fascinating attraction for any actor to play. I think any actor would love a challenge, when you're doing a role if it pushes your boundaries and takes you out of yourself and allows you to experience different things. I think that's great. So coming up to do the part was exciting for me."[12]

Scanlan later spoke about his character and said: "Brendan is a king manipulator. He lulls people into a false sense of security — it's like a fly being drawn to the spider. Because he's such a king manipulator, he can talk the underwear off this fella [Ste] and he's very confident. So yeah, he definitely knows. He sees Stephen as a young, vulnerable guy who has no male friends, who hasn't had a father figure, and who — like Brendan — is a father himself. So Brendan can play with that."[13] He also called Brendan "unpredictable" and "complex".[13]

Marquess revealed in December 2010 that 2011 would explore more of the character's background and the reasons for his "twisted" personality: "What we've played in 2010 in introducing Brendan is this very dark and twisted character. One thing we want to do in 2011 is to explain why he's like that. The whole domestic violence angle does continues to play but in really quite an unexpected way. The safest thing I can say is everyone should remember it was Ste who hit Amy [Barnes] first. So it's a dark and interwoven story made all the more complicated by the introduction of a new love interest for Ste."[14]

Domestic abuse plot

In September 2010, Kieron Richardson announced an upcoming gay plot featuring his character Ste Hay and Brendan, claiming the pair would embark on an "unusual friendship".[15] However, Brendan and Ste's relationship will become violent, touching on domestic abuse.[15] After the announcement, Paul Marquess said: "This is a long running storyline and while it is dark to begin with, the lessons that Ste learns are ultimately positive and life affirming. This story is about not being afraid to be who you are and while this is something Brendan struggles with, Ste is refreshingly accepting of his feelings towards another man. I hope viewers will be glued throughout the twists and turns as we unravel how Brendan came to be the twisted person we have been watching on screen."[15]

Ste kisses Brendan, the start of the gay plot (2010).

Meanwhile, Scanlan admitted he was glad Brendan is becoming "a complex character" and "not a gratuitous soap villain, but a multi-layered character with depth, a troubled past and an unsure future".[16] He continued: "I hope that as the storyline develops, viewers will be able to understand why Brendan has become the villain they see today. Brendan is compelled to manipulate and control everyone who crosses his path. At the moment this makes him dangerous but when we identify why he behaves this way, we will discover his vulnerabilities and this is exciting..."[15]

Scanlan later explained: "Because Hollyoaks is a 6.30pm show we had to find different ways to tell the story in a convincing way and leave most of it to the imagination of the audience. And in more cases than not, your own imagination is much more visual and more horrific than what you see on screen, so we tried to push things, drop little things, without actually showing anything explicit, but it was an incredible experience. Brendan's an extraordinary character to play."[12]

A spokesperson for Hollyoaks described the storyline in October 2010, saying: "Ste doesn't realise how much power and control Brendan is wielding over him. He's still coming to terms with his sexuality. Brendan is the only man he's ever slept with so he feels a connection he’s never felt before. Even when Brendan beat him up he somehow managed to turn it all on Ste so he was the one that ended up apologising. And sadly, once they've slept together things are only going to get worse. This storyline is one of the darkest in the soap's history and viewers will be shocked at the lengths Brendan goes to over the next few months."[17]

""I think that the Brendan and Ste storyline has been fantastic — they're both brilliant and, God, you couldn't have asked for stronger chemistry than what they've got on screen"[1]

—Paul Marquess discussing Brendan and Ste's relationship

Scanlan, in an interview with Digital Spy, explained the research he put into the abuse storyline: "The thing about it is that every case is different and every story is different. The principles are the same, but it's always different. With this, the writers give you your homework, so to speak — you explore it and you research it, because you want to give it the best truthfulness that you can. Obviously it's your work that's going out on screen, and your credibility goes with that. So you definitely need to do your homework."[18] After asked about what kind of impact and response he wanted the storyline to have, Scanlan replied: "I've always wanted the storyline to be subtle. I didn't want it to be thrown into this violent, sociopathic gay relationship straight away as that would lose its credibility — and credit to the writers and Paul Marquess because it has been very subtle and it's built over the weeks," he continued, "I also want the story to evoke emotion — not just in the cast around me, but in the crew, the writers, the producers and the people who are investing half an hour of their lives into watching Hollyoaks each night. Whether those emotions are hatred, disgust or love or anything — I just want it to evoke something. I want it to touch on things, and I hope people are affected by it. But things like this are completely outside of the actors' control - we just have to give some truth to the storyline and try to make it as interesting as possible. We can't leave people short-changed. You never know, Brendan might become the most hated guy in England soon - that'd be a nice thing to have on the resumé!"[18]

Storylines

Backstory

Brendan is the older half-brother of Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh). Before arriving in Hollyoaks village, Brendan was married to Eileen Brady (Rachel Doherty), who he had two children to; Declan, the eldest who has severe health issues, and Paraic. He also lost a daughter Niamh before Declan. Brendan had numerous affairs with other men, including Eileen's nephew Macca (Drew Dilon). He however ended his relationship with Macca to stop Eileen finding out. Eventually, Eileen discovered Brendan's cheating and ended their marriage, with Brendan telling Cheryl that Eileen had been having an affair.

2010—

Brendan first arrives during a fight between Mercedes Fisher (Jennifer Metcalfe) and Cheryl. He holds Cheryl back, and introduces himself. He then catches up with Cheryl and reveals he caught his wife Eileen in bed with another man, and so he left his wife and kids behind in Ireland. Cheryl is sympathetic towards him. Whilst staying with Cheryl, Brendan steals £20 from her wallet. Later on in The Dog in the Pond, Cheryl mentions how she was unable to buy The Loft nightclub. Brendan tells her he has a friend called Danny Houston (Darren Day) who could help out. Barman Carl Costello (Paul Opacic) recognises the name and warns Malachy Fisher (Glen Wallace) that Danny is shady and potentially dangerous. Malachy confronts Brendan about this, but Brendan warns him to mind his own business. The McQueen home is robbed by Veronica (Lynsey McLaren), an accomplice of Brendan's. Brendan begins working as a manager at ChezChez after Cheryl goes into partnership with Danny. Brendan then robs the club, but is recognised by Malachy. Cheryl does not believe that Brendan is responsible for the theft of the club's takings. To cover his tracks, Brendan later frames Veronica, who is arrested.

Brendan befriends Carmel Valentine (Gemma Merna), and plans to use her to smuggle drugs into the country from Barcelona. Ste convinces Carmel not to go, but when Brendan decides to take Ste's ex-girlfriend Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies), Ste convinces Carmel to go ahead with the holiday after all. The student halls of residence is burgled by Doug Carter (PJ Brennan), who gives Brendan the money for drugs. Brendan's wife Eileen turns up at ChezChez unexpected. She reveals that their son Declan is ill and needs money for specialist treatment. Brendan accidentally mugs Cheryl, believing it was Rhys Ashworth (Andrew Moss). He then pays Eileen the money. As she leaves, Ste tells Malachy he believes Brendan was responsible for Cheryl's mugging, after seeing Brendan give Eileen the money. Malachy and Lynsey Nolan (Karen Hassan) confront Cheryl, who again refuses to believe Brendan would do such a thing.

When Rae Wilson (Alice Barlow) returns, Brendan is jealous of her and Ste's relationship. Veronica arrives at ChezChez and ends up kissing Ste, following Brendan's orders, as Rae walks in. When Ste overhears Brendan talking to Veronica, he confronts him as to why he was trying to end Ste and Rae's relationship. Brendan invites Jacqui McQueen (Claire Cooper) to lunch with him and Danny. He assumes that he and Jacqui have a relationship, however seems angered when Jacqui does not show interest. Ste overhears a phone conversation between Brendan and Macca, whom he is shouting at. Brendan violently begins trashing the office when Macca ends the phone call and when he notices Ste, he tells him to leave. After Brendan returns from a business trip, he is furious to discover Macca has arrived in Hollyoaks and has been given a job by Cheryl. Brendan later threatens Macca, who is not seen again. Jacqui finds Brendan with bloody hands, suggesting he beat Macca up. After a night out, Brendan and Ste return to Brendan's home, where they eventually kiss. Brendan reacts by throwing a confused Ste out. The next day, Ste is worried when Brendan confronts him. However, they kiss again. Ste questions whether Brendan is avoiding him, however Brendan tells him to lock the door to the cellar so they are alone. As Ste tries to kiss Brendan, Brendan punches Ste, and he falls to the floor. Brendan later manipulates Ste into telling Cheryl that he was mugged.

Brendan later tells Ste that it was all his fault and manages to get Ste into bed yet again. Amy finds out about Ste and Brendan and Brendan's abuse of Ste. Brendan continually threatens her to keep quiet. On the same night, Il Gnosh is set fire to whilst Amy is babysitting in the flat above and she is almost killed. At hospital, Macca reappears following his beating from Brendan, who he tells he wants back. Brendan threatens Macca, telling him to leave for Northern Ireland once again. Cheryl then invites Macca to stay with her and Brendan. Amy tells Ste that she thinks Brendan started the fire and decides to move away for her own safety. Macca tells Rae about Ste and Brendan's relationship. Rae confronts Ste over the affair and later tells Cheryl that Brendan is gay, which he denies.

Brendan and Ste go on a date in public. However, Brendan is uncomfortable and leaves. Danny and Brendan decide to get rid of Warren. Brendan, however, double-crosses Danny after discovering he was responsible for the death of Brendan's former male lover. Danny agrees to sign over his half of Chez Chez, but tells Brendan he will be paying Ste a visit. Angered by Danny's threats, Brendan attacks Danny and beats him with a hammer until he is killed. Warren and Brendan then dispose of Danny's body. Amy returns and confronts Brendan, telling him Rae is pregnant with Ste's child. Brendan later ends his relationship with Ste, giving him a final kiss as Mitzeee Minniver (Rachel Shenton) watches. Mitzeee confronts Brendan and agrees to pretend to be his girlfriend in exchange for him managing her modeling career, to which Brendan agrees.

When Rae goes to an abortion clinic, Brendan manages to stop her and reveals that his first child Niamh died at birth. He also reveals his father left his mother for Cheryl's mother. Brendan and Rae become friends, but he continues to sleep with Ste. Mitzeee causes Rae to discover the affair. Brendan and Rae argue, which causes Rae to miscarry her child. After this, Rae blames Brendan.

After pushing Ste too far Ste attacks Brendan then revels to Cheryl he's gay. Cheryl also overhears Brendan telling old friend Pete Hamill(Peter Mitchell) he did steal from the club. Cheryl blames Brendan for her falling out with Malachy before his death and refuses to speak to Brendan. Brendan returns to Ireland but later comes back and hires Jenny (Daisy Turner) to scam Warren out of £200,000. After getting the money Warren threatens to tell everyone he is gay which leads to Brendan outing himself but kissing Ste in the middle of the club. With his £200,000 Brendan buys 49% of Chez Chez.

Ste tells Brendan he has a new boyfriend Noah Baxter(Law Thompson). Despite this Ste and Brendan still occasionally sleep together until Ste claims he only wants to be with Noah.Brendan then goes out of his way to split them up.

Reception

Only one month after his first appearance on Hollyoaks, Emmett J. Scanlan was nominated for the award of 'Best Newcomer' at the 2011 National Television Awards,[19] but did not make the shortlist.[20] Scanlan was nominated in the categories of "Best Actor" and Brendan for "Villain of the Year" at the 2011 British Soap Awards.[21] At the All About Soap Bubble Awards Brendan, Ste and Rae won the award for "Best Love Triangle".[22]

A writer for the homosexual blog and news website AfterElton.com expressed his shock at the scene featuring Brendan hitting Ste and also called the story "compelling". He said, "I must say that even though I've been following this storyline since it began, and I knew what was coming, seeing Brendan hit Ste was quite shocking… and the storyline is just beginning. The show has said it's going to be a dark, long-running story arc so I can only imagine what's ahead. I admit that I find the storyline quite compelling, and I've been drawn into it. While some people have seen this as a romance, it's never played that way to me. Ste and Brendan's scenes do have an element of sexual allure since the actors have chemistry, but there's too much darkness and manipulation on the edges of every scene to make real romance even possible.[23] He also gave credit to the show for its slow build up over a few months.[24]

Inside Soap writer Laura-Jayne Tyler also praised Scanlan's character: "Ever since the moustache-twitching rogue rocked up in Chester, he's been pure dynamite. His criminal antics are so dodgy that I'm sure he's going to put the likes of Dirty Den to shame, and the gay domestic abuse plot involving him and Ste has got to be the biggest love shock of the year."[25]

Ruth Deller of lowculture.co.uk listed Brendan as her favourite character of soap opera during the second half of 2010.[26] She also commented on him, stating: "Twirling his comedy evil moustache, turning Ste into his sex slave, randomly bullying the weakest residents of the village just because he can, Brendan has made our forum users come over all unnecessary."[26]

References

  1. ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (4 January 2011). "Paul Marquess (Producer, 'Hollyoaks')". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2011-01-15.
  2. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (15 February 2011). "Scanlan: 'Hollyoaks reaction is flattering'". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2011-02-15.
  3. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (19 April 2010). "New McQueen heading to Hollyoaks". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  4. ^ a b Daniel Kilkelly and Kris Green (20 April 2010). "New bad boy for Hollyoaks". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  5. ^ a b Green, Kris (25 June 2010). "Hollyoaks confirms more new cast". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  6. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (4 January 2011). "More 'Hollyoaks' chat from Paul Marquess". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2011-01-15.
  7. ^ "Interview with Emmett J. Scanlan (Brendan Brady)". E4. (Channel 4 Television Corporation). August 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  8. ^ Hill, Susan (3 October 2010). "Hollyoaks: Ste Hay asks Brendan Brady for cash". Daily Star. Northern & Shell. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  9. ^ Martin, Will (16 August 2010). "Emmett Scanlan (Hollyoaks' Brendan) interview". Last Broadcast. (lastbroadcast.co.uk). Retrieved 2010-11-01.
  10. ^ Daniels, Colin (29 August 2010). "Waugh: 'Oaks Brendan nastiest bad boy ever'". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  11. ^ Green, Kris (18 May 2010). "Loads of Hollyoaks gossip from Paul Marquess". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  12. ^ a b Daniels, Colin (9 October 2010). "Scanlan: 'Playing Brendan is a challenge'". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  13. ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (18 October 2010). "Emmett Scanlan (Brendan Brady, Hollyoaks)". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  14. ^ "Brendan's dark side to be explained". Press Association. 1 January 2011. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
  15. ^ a b c d Love, Ryan (15 September 2010). "'Oaks actor comes out, confirms gay plot". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  16. ^ "Brendan's just misunderstood!". Holy Soap. (Channel 5 Broadcasting). 17 September. Retrieved 2010-10-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ "Hollyoaks' Brendan gets Ste excited". Daily Star. (Northern and Shell Media Publications). 17 October 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  18. ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (18 October 2010). "More from Hollyoaks star Emmett Scanlan". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  19. ^ Wightman, Catriona (21 September 2010). "National Television Awards 2011 – Nominees". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  20. ^ "National TV Awards nominations announced". TheList.co.uk. 4 January 2011. Retrieved 2011-01-16.
  21. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (7 March 2011). "British Soap Awards 2011 voting opens". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 2011-03-07.
  22. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (27 March 2011). "'Enders triumphs in All About Soap awards". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 5 April 2011.
  23. ^ Langford, Anthony D. (18 October 2010). ""Hollyoaks" Preview: You Sometimes Hurt The One You Love". AfterElton. (afterelton.com). Retrieved 2010-10-24.
  24. ^ Langford, Anthony D. (18 October 2010). ""Hollyoaks" Video Update: Coming Out On Top". AfterElton. (afterelton.com). Retrieved 2010-10-24.
  25. ^ Tyler, Laura-Jayne (25 October 2010). "Inside Story: Brendan Is Best". Inside Soap. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 25 October 2010.
  26. ^ a b Deller, Ruth (30 December 2010). "Soapstar Superstars: July – December 2010". lowculture.co.uk. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
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