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She is essential to her understanding as she was the reason that she was blackmailed and revealed her secret
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| mother = [[Kelly Winters]]
| mother = [[Kelly Winters]]
| stepmother = [[Mercedes McQueen]]
| stepmother = [[Mercedes McQueen]]
| halfbrothers = [[Bobby Costello]] (adoptive)
| halfbrothers = [[Bobby Costello]] (adoptive)<br>Jake Winters
| halfsisters = Liza
| halfsisters = Liza Winters
| aunts = [[Goldie McQueen]] (adoptive)
| aunts = [[Goldie McQueen]] (adoptive)
| relatives = [[Theresa McQueen]] (adoptive)
| relatives = [[Theresa McQueen]] (adoptive)

Revision as of 18:17, 27 April 2021

Cher Winters
Hollyoaks character
Portrayed byBethannie Hare
Duration2020–present
First appearance1 June 2020 (2020-06-01)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Introduced byBryan Kirkwood
In-universe information
Other namesCher McQueen
OccupationBarmaid
FamilyMcQueen
FatherSylver McQueen
MotherKelly Winters
StepmotherMercedes McQueen
Half-brothersBobby Costello (adoptive)
Jake Winters
Half-sistersLiza Winters
AuntsGoldie McQueen (adoptive)
Other relativesTheresa McQueen (adoptive)

Cher Winters is a fictional character from the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Bethannie Hare. Cher is introduced as the estranged daughter of Sylver McQueen (David Tag), and is welcomed into the established McQueen family unit. Her first professional acting role, Hare made her debut appearance as Cher on 1 June 2020. Her storylines in the series have included the revelation that she killed her younger sister, her tumultuous relationship with stepmother Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) and beginning a romantic relationship with Romeo Nightingale (Owen Warner).

Casting

The character and Bethannie Hare's casting details were announced on 12 April 2020.[1] Hare was with her mother when she learned that she had received the part, and exclaimed aloud: "oh my God I've got a part in Hollyoaks!"[2] She admitted that she was nervous to join Hollyoaks, but the support from the cast members helped to ease her nerves. She described the cast as "a little family", and stated that she learns new things from her co-stars daily.[3] In a video for the Hollyoaks social media channels, Hare stated that the response to her casting announcement was positive, and that it made her excited to film upcoming storylines. Prior to her arrival, there was a scene that implies that Sylver had only had sex with Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe). This led viewers to assume that Cher could be Mercedes' daughter. Justin Harp of Digital Spy revealed that Sylver also had sex with a prison guard and that she is Cher's mother.[4]

A month into Hare's time on the soap, filming was suspended due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television.[5] In an interview with Duncan Lindsay for the Metro newsletter, she stated that she feels lucky to have secured the role of Cher, particularly due to the impact of the pandemic.[2]

Development

Characterisation

Cher is introduced as the long-lost daughter of Sylver McQueen (David Tag). Chris Edwards from Digital Spy stated that Cher is "an aspiring hairdresser and beautician", and that her arrival would bring "fun and energy" into the fictional village. Cher was billed as "the life and soul of the party", with strong family values. They added that Cher's motive for moving to the village was to find out more about her father, since the only piece of information she knows prior to meeting him is that he is a convicted murderer.[1] On her character, Hare stated that Cher "definitely has an attitude", but is also caring, "big on family" and will always be there for somebody if they need her, comparing her to the other McQueens, which she was excited to join.[3]

James Sutton, who portrays John Paul McQueen, described Cher as gobby, confident and outgoing. He stated that she "even dresses like a McQueen", and likened her to Mercedes.[5] Tag expressed his joy at the creation of Cher, as it could add longevity to his own character. He described Cher as "beautiful, ballsy, bolshy and a bit of a diva", labelling her a "classic McQueen" and joking that he would not want to get on the wrong side of Cher. He added that there is depth to the character, since "there is a vulnerability" inside of her.[6]

Introduction and secret

Cher arrives in Hollyoaks village to find her biological father, Sylver. She crashes his vow renewal with wife Mercedes, and blurts out in front of the guests that she is Sylver's daughter. He initially does not believe her, and "agrees to buy [Cher's] silence".[7] Cher's mother Kelly (Jenny Wickham) later arrives and disowns her, leaving her in the care of Sylver and Mercedes. Kelly implies that Cher has a secret that led to the breakdown of their relationship.[8] Speaking to Daniel Kilkelly (Digital Spy) about the secret, Hare stated that despite Cher's "sassy attitude", she "keeps a lot to herself" and "keeps a front up", and noted that she does it most with Sylver and love interest Romeo Nightingale (Owen Warner). She explained that Cher is holding onto the secret in fear that if people discover it, they may dislike her. Hare did not reveal what the secret was, but hinted that it may be revealed in a scene. She added that if the secret were to be revealed, Cher would act differently, and people would treat her differently.[9] Hare added that the secret is "always in the back of her mind", leading her to feel unsafe and feel like she cannot get close to anyone.[10] Asked if she knew of the long-term plans for her character, Hare replied that she knows "a little bit", but that she finds out more about her character in every script she receives. She added that she is "nervous but excited" for her upcoming storylines, stating: "I just want to make sure I do a good job for all the viewers and everyone at Hollyoaks".[9]

In scenes aired in October 2020, it was revealed that Cher had accidentally killed her half-sister Liza prior to her arrival in the village. Hare recalled that upon reading the script, she was shocked. Hare explained that she sensed Cher having a dark secret, due to the way her mother had abandoned her, but when she discovered what it was, she felt "instantly connected and dead upset for Cher". She added that she felt lucky to be a part of the storyline. She confirmed that it was an accident, and hoped that the viewers would feel sorry for Cher.[11] The McQueen family are blackmailed, and the blackmailer threatens to reveal Cher's secret to the village if they do not pay a large sum of money.[12] Not wanting to pay the money, Mercedes reveals the secret herself. On her decision to reveal Cher's secret, Hare explained that Mercedes is a "ticking time bomb" and she wants to "beat the blackmailer at his own game". However, Mercedes' actions leave Cher in "utter shock", and she "totally loses it", since Sylver "made her feel as though he had everything under control". The reveal leaves Cher "absolutely distraught", and leads her to turn to alcohol, with Hare stating that "she's been drinking all day and all night" and is "out of it".[13] Hare stated that she does not drink "in a self pitying way", but explained that Cher "feels like she deserves to be damaged and deserves to pay for everything that has happened".[14] When Cher is at "her most vulnerable", she comes into contact with Silas Blissett (Jeff Rawle), the blackmailer. Since Cher does not know who Silas is, Hare states that "she definitely doesn't know the amount of danger she's in!".[13] Hare admitted that due to her age and not regularly watching Hollyoaks during his tenure, she "wasn't really aware of Silas and who he was". To prepare for filming the scenes, she watched old footage, which she found "chilling". Hare expressed her excitement at being able to work with Rawle, since she recognised him from the Harry Potter film series. She stated that since Silas hates "young women being scantily clad and drinking heavily", Cher will be "on his radar".[14]

Romance with Romeo Nightingale

Prior to her arrival, Tag hinted that she may form a romantic relationship with Romeo. He stated that Cher "catches the eye of local lad Romeo", and joked that "Romeo should watch his step" due to his own character being protective of his daughter.[6] Upon her arrival, she flirts with Romeo in order to gain access to her estranged father's wedding reception.[7] After the pair continue to interact, Goldie McQueen (Chelsee Healey) and Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed) "try to play matchmaker" between the pair. However, Cher puts him "firmly in the friend zone", which leaves Romeo "secretly disappointed". Hare told Kilkelly that the pair like each other, but "they're too stubborn to admit it". She explained that Cher is "embarrassed" when Goldie tries to ask her about her romantic feelings, since she is her adoptive aunt, and hence "doesn't want to tell her how she feels about Romeo". Hare went on to say that her character "wants to play hard to get" and because she "loves the chase" so much, she doesn't want to give in straight away". She explained that Cher "doesn't want to let Romeo in" since she is worried that he will discover negative things about her, such as the fact she killed Liza, and that he will begin to dislike her. Hare opined that they are a good match, and that despite being opposites, it "works well". She commented: "You've got Romeo with his poetry and then Cher loves her magazines! They'd work well together, even though they're complete opposites".[15] She stated that due to having a similar upbringing, this similarity could bring them together.[2] Hare added that she enjoys working with Warner.[15] The pair plan an illegal rave together, and Hare hinted that the outcome of the event would be that "they'll either argue or it might just be what they need to finally bring them together".[11] After Romeo reveals to Mercedes and Sylver that she took their credit card, she "lashes out" at him, comparing his lack of support to the death of his ex-girlfriend Lily McQueen (Lauren McQueen). She then attempts to apologise, but Mercedes suggests that she should "win Romeo back through the power of seduction". However, Romeo becomes unsure about their relationship as he is "developing feelings for someone else".[16]

Revenge on Mercedes McQueen

Jennifer Metcalfe portrays Mercedes McQueen, Cher's stepmother and rival.

After Mercedes agrees with Sylver to let her stay with them, Cher insists that she does not want to bother them with her presence, and packs her suitcase to leave. Mercedes finds one of her necklaces in Cher's bag, and confronts her on stealing it.[17] After Mercedes announces that Cher killed her half-sister, tension begins to rise between the pair.[18] Hare stated that viewers "shouldn't underestimate" Cher, and that a tougher side to her will emerge, which may "surprise" viewers. Hare expressed her joy at Cher's personality being explored, since it meant that it was more exciting to play the role. She also hinted that Cher has "journey to go on".[14] A revenge plot was later announced, in which Cher has "fully embraced her dark side".[19]

After Mercedes takes the attention away from Cher's birthday, Hare states that Cher is upset because it is the first birthday she has been able to spend with Sylver. She states that Cher just wants to spend her day with Sylver, and does not care about anyone else being there. When he leaves to be with Mercedes, she describes it as "a punch in the face" for Cher, and it leads her to realise that Mercedes will always come first to him.[20] After she learns that Mercedes had a drug addiction, Cher sources cocaine from a friend of Oliver Morgan's (Gabriel Clark), and plants it in Mercedes' bag to "destroy" her relationship with Sylver.[21] When Mercedes discovers that Cher planted the drugs in her bag, she gives her a "free pass" since she feels sorry for ruining her birthday party. Mercedes states that it is not as bad as physically hurting her, and affirms that if Cher strikes again, she "will not be as understanding". Sylver arranges another party for Cher, which "much to Cher's fury", Mercedes also becomes the centre of attention at.[22] This leaves her "absolutely furious" with her stepmother, "driving her to do something so reckless that it puts [Mercedes] in serious danger".[18] Cher pours baby oil across the floor which Mercedes slips over, as Cher is "watching in the wings with a gleeful smile".[22] She then takes the credit card belonging to Mercedes' pub.[16]

Cher continues her revenge plan by burning Mercedes with a pair of hair straighteners and purposely leaking a video of Mercedes having sex online. Despite her "destructive behaviour", Hare stated that she knows the character "inside-out", and does not see Cher as a villain. She admitted that what Cher has been doing is "not right and she shouldn't be doing them", but explained that there are reasons behind her behaviour. Cher feels "really betrayed" by Mercedes revealing her secret regarding Liza, and "hasn't been able to look at her the same way again". Cher also wants to form a close bond with Sylver, but since Mercedes gets "in the way", Cher wants her "out of the picture". Hare voiced her doubt that Cher had planned to burn Mercedes with the straighteners, and that it instead happened in a "moment of explosion". She stated: "She's young, she's 19, she's gone through a lot and all of this has been building."[23] Hare was asked by Digital Spy's Kilkelly if Cher could kill Mercedes, drawing on her experience with killing Liza. She replied that she does not see Cher as a killer, due to being "such a family-focused person. Although she has a "vendetta" against her, Hare did not think "she'd sink that low".[23]

Storylines

Cher arrives in the village searching for her father, Sylver McQueen (David Tag), and watches him, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) and Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) from afar. She attends Sylver and Mercedes' vow renewal ceremony, assuming Warren is Sylver, where she privately tells him that she's his daughter. Warren informs her that he was in prison when she was conceived, insisting he is not her father. When Goldie McQueen (Chelsee Healey) offers her a place to stay, she privately approaches Sylver, asking for £3,000 and then she will leave. Sylver agrees to get her the money, but she declines it as she wants to have the opportunity to get to know him better. Cher's mother, Kelly Winters (Jenny Wickham), arrives and informs her that she and her other children are moving to Greece without Cher. Romeo Quinn (Owen Warner) becomes smitten with Cher and tries to ask her out on a date, but she rejects him. When he gives Cher his number, she rejects him again and returns it to him. When a doll is delivered to the McQueen family threatening to reveal the family's secrets, Cher discovers that Sylver murdered Breda McQueen (Moya Brady). In return, she reveals that she accidentally murdered her half-sister Liza, due to being jealous of how much attention Kelly gave to her.

Reception

Stephen Patterson of the Metro wrote that Cher's introduction on the series was a "proper McQueen welcome",[7] and that she "made one heck of an entrance".[8] For her portrayal of Cher, Hare was nominated for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2020 I Talk Telly Awards.[24] On Cher's secret being revealed, Hare anticipated that "the audience would start to hate Cher for being a killer", but stated that the reaction has been "nice". She expressed her gratitude that people can see that Cher did not intend to murder Liza, and was thankful that "the guilt is coming across" to the viewers.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Chris, Edwards (12 April 2020). "Hollyoaks reveals secret daughter twist for Sylver McQueen". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d Lindsay, Duncan (6 November 2020). "The Soaps Newsletter". Metro (Mailing list). Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  3. ^ a b Lindsay, Duncan (12 April 2020). "Cher has been cast in Hollyoaks to confront a killer – yeah, you heard". Metro. DMG Media. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  4. ^ Harp, Justin (14 April 2020). "Hollyoaks newcomer Bethany Hare responds to fan confusion over Sylver McQueen's daughter". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  5. ^ a b Hughes, Johnathan (5 May 2020). "Hollyoaks' James Sutton teases surprise new member of the McQueen family". Radio Times. Immediate Media Company. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  6. ^ a b Hughes, Johnathan (29 May 2020). "Hollyoaks' David Tag warns that "Being a dad could bring out Sylver's angry side"". Radio Times. Immediate Media Company. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  7. ^ a b c Patterson, Stephen (1 June 2020). "Hollyoaks spoilers: Cher McQueen's true parentage revealed as mum Kelly arrives". Metro. DMG Media. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  8. ^ a b Patterson, Stephen (2 June 2020). "Hollyoaks spoilers: What is Cher McQueen's secret as her mum disowns her?". Metro. DMG Media. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  9. ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (17 September 2020). "Hollyoaks star Bethannie Hare teases Cher Winters's big secret". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  10. ^ West, Amy (25 November 2020). "Hollyoaks star Bethannie Hare reveals devastation for Cher as her secret is exposed". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  11. ^ a b Seddon, Dan. "Hollyoaks star Bethannie Hare "shocked" by Cher Winters' killer secret". Digital Spy. No. 4 November 2020. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  12. ^ Harp, Justin (20 October 2020). "Hollyoaks' McQueens blackmail storyline reveals Cher Winters' killer secret". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  13. ^ a b Penwill, Alice (4 November 2020). "Silas strikes again as he targets Cher in Hollyoaks". Inside Soap. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  14. ^ a b c Lindsay, Duncan (27 November 2020). "The Soaps Newsletter". Metro (Mailing list). Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  15. ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (15 September 2020). "Hollyoaks star Bethannie Hare hints at romantic future for Cher Winters and Romeo Nightingale". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  16. ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (16 February 2021). "Hollyoaks lines up surprise new love interest for Romeo Nightingale". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  17. ^ Lamacraft, Tess (2 June 2020). "Hollyoaks spoilers: Thief! Mercedes McQueen catches newcomer Cher stealing". What's on TV. Future plc. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  18. ^ a b Harp, Justin (9 February 2021). "Hollyoaks' Cher Winters endangers Mercedes McQueen as she turns nasty". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  19. ^ Harp, Justin (16 February 2021). "Hollyoaks reveals Cher Winters's dark revenge plot for Mercedes McQueen". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  20. ^ Lovejoy, Hannah (13 February 2021). "Hollyoaks star Bethannie Hare teases darker side to Cher Winters". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  21. ^ Patterson, Stephen (16 February 2021). "Hollyoaks spoilers: Cher Winters plants drugs on Mercedes McQueen to destroy her in cruel revenge twist". Metro. DMG Media. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  22. ^ a b Harp, Justin (17 February 2021). "Hollyoaks' Mercedes McQueen faces serious hurt in Cher's latest revenge". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  23. ^ a b Alexander, Susannah; Kilkelly, Daniel (14 March 2021). "Hollyoaks star Bethannie Hare explains Cher's dark behaviour and insists she isn't "evil"". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  24. ^ Gonzalez, Elliot (28 November 2020). "I TALK TELLY AWARDS 2020 Nominees". I Talk Telly. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
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