When it comes to the subject of TV Soap Operas it seems to be the expected norm that the enormous success it enjoys in its home country doesn’t always translate when it airs internationally. Before you pull out your macbook and start to type furiously , I know there are many exceptions ….. I have an American husband who has just worked his way through the whole Dynasty series (again) and that we also loved in the UK
No, I’m talking about the ones that are so soaked in local culture that they never travel well. Like the quintessential Brit Soap Opera HOLLYOAKS that is celebrating its 29th Anniversary this year. When it first aired it was obvious that this was different by the fact it was targeted toward the younger set. It focuses on a group of students at a local college and their families, all of whom live in or around the nearby borough of Hollyoaks in Chester in the North of The UK
It soon started collecting numerous awards because it was the first Soap that tackled such issues as rape, murder, substance abuse, psychological well being, and infidelity. In the UK of course. It also arrived at a time when it became acceptable to speak with regional accents (like EastEnders and Coronation Street) which we Brits loved BUT in turn restricted the markets it could play in.
Hollyoaks was screened in Australia and New Zealand which makes a great deal of sense, and Hulu was showing it in the US at one time. What totally mystifies us is that the soap airs dubbed in French on TF1 Séries Films under the title Hollyoaks, l’amour mode d’emploi.
The reason that the Series has now on our radar (we confess we have never watched before) is a potential love affair that may, or may not happen. with openly gay teacher John Paul (played by actor James Sutton). Evidently back in 2006 his character came out as being gay and started having an affair with his best friend, Craig Dean. The storyline was nominated for, and won, many awards.
‘Sutton recently enthused that John Paul at this point is just the horniest man in Hollyoaks, I think, which is fun to play. In the scene below he is flirting outrageous with Carter (David Ames). We can see the great chemistry between these two actors, but you will need to watch the clip to see how it all pans out . Looking back at Hollyoaks history it seems like John Paul (who has been in and out of the Soap since the beginning) has never had any trouble picking up men, as if Carter says yes, he will be number 10.
Its all along way from the 1980’s when gay characters first started appearing on TV when usually ever single one was either a caricature or just desperately lonely and suicidal. The one common fact was that they were never allowed to be was happy. Homosexuality may been legalized in the UK in 1969 bit it wasn’t until the 1980s that it felt safe to be gay, or portray gay.
Its most important to us that we see our community portrayed positively in the media, and I’m sure it is particularly important for the people who are starting to explore their sexuality that being gay/genderqueer etc is more than alright
