View Full Version : Jacqui McQueen
After a six-month wait, Hollyoaks' 'Who Shot Calvin?' mystery reaches its surprising climax next week as we finally arrive at the point foretold by the titular event at the end of last year. All five of next week's episodes cover the events of Calvin and Carmel's second wedding day, which culminates in Calvin's murder. But which member of the wedding party - or, indeed, any other village resident - could muster the guts to pull the trigger as the happy couple share their first dance? Digital Spy recently caught up with Jacqui McQueen actress Claire Cooper to discuss wedding week, Ricky Whittle, Calvin's death and who she thinks the murderer is.
What's Jacqui's state of mind in the run up to the wedding?
"Everything's quite positive until she finds out about Mercedes's seedy affair with Calvin. Jacqui's genuinely very excited and has been very supportive of the whole wedding process with Carmel. Jacqui likes to pull the family together. Mercedes pulls Jacqui aside and says, 'I've been having an affair with Calvin', and that's enough for Jacqui to want to speak to Calvin and iron out a few things and find out what's been going on - although the way Jacqui deals with things isn't too diplomatic! She later finds out that Theresa has complications with Calvin. That tops it for Jacqui - it's enough to make her a suspect..."
What does she find out about Theresa during wedding week?
"That she's pregnant by Calvin. Just the thought that this guy's been through all her sisters and there's Carmel who is genuinely and utterly in love with this guy and he's done that?"
Does she feel left out?
"Yeah - she's probably a bit jealous - she wanted her turn with him as well! (Laughs) No. It's all about family for Jacqui and she's never cheated on any of her sisters, touch wood. She's got morals and this isn't good enough. With Mercedes, the whole aspect of what she did to Tony and Jacqui rears its ugly head a little bit. Jacqui's got a lot of venom towards Mercedes."
It's interesting that Jacqui's the one with morals...
"I know, and the audience still think she's a bitch - it's really strange!"
What's the ultimatum at the end of the week?
"She says to Mercedes she wants her out of the house - and Malachy as well I think. She doesn't want to see them ever again. She says, 'You don't want to be in the house when mum finds out about this; I want you to pack your bags and go'. So she gives that ultimatum but also, with the whole process of the wedding, Jacqui goes to Calvin's house and she picks up the gun in the process of all the meetings they've had. So Jacqui is the one with the gun for most of the episodes and it's been passed between different people but always seems to come back to Jacqui."
Is she capable of murder?
"Right, I don't think she's capable of cold-blooded murder but I think she is capable of protecting her family. If that was someone running at her with the gun she would pull the trigger first but I don't think she would actively pull the trigger on someone. She's brighter than that and she's a bit more clued up, it doesn't matter what someone's done to her. I think she'd rather be more torturous to them."
Are the original scenes from the flashforward used?
"We've done all the ones in between that add up to those ones, all the ones that were missed out are going to be slotted in. We didn't have to refilm any, thank God! Although one of the scenes I really wanted to refilm because I looked awful outside - my mum actually phoned me up and said: 'Claire, what is wrong with your face? You look bad on the show but you looked ill!'"
Did you have to watch the episode back to remember how you played the scenes?
"We did - we had an idea where we were placed but we all kept it quite fresh in our minds anyway and we had the original scripts so it was all as one. All the scenes that we had shot were in the scripts like any other script so we could follow it."
Are you disappointed to see Ricky Whittle leave?
"I really like the character and I think he's going to be sorely missed. Not only is Ricky a great actor but he's got a massive following and he's sexy on screen so people will miss him. He's very popular within the cast as well. I do wish him all the best and success in the future."
Who did you want to be the killer?
"I don't think she'd like it to be any of her family. She's kind of pushing Malachy to do it so - if anyone - maybe him. I don't think she wants him dead. Genuinely, if she could choose she wouldn't pick anybody. She just wants somebody to put the fear of God into him."
What's the atmosphere like on set now that Paul's in charge?
"Excellent. It's so lifted. I'm buzzing - I'm really enjoying myself. It's mainly because I'm working and I'm getting some fantastic scripts through and I can get my teeth into it. I'm really lucky to be here and playing Jacqui."
Jacqui McQueen was left devastated on Hollyoaks last month after Gilly Roach was found not guilty of raping her on Valentine's Day. Following the verdict, which was reached off-screen by a real-life jury of 12 people, Jacqui decided to leave the village for some time to clear her head away from boyfriend Rhys. However, viewers will soon see that she has returned to Chester secretly and made the surprise decision to be a kidney donor to William's daughter Emily. As she settles back in at home and tries to get her life back on track, it becomes clear that Jacqui's journey is only just beginning… Claire Cooper, who plays the troubled character, recently chatted to Digital Spy about Jacqui's return.
What was your reaction when you found out about the trial verdict? Were you disappointed?
"For Jacqui I was disappointed, but I'd mentally prepared myself for both outcomes. I was disappointed for Jacqui that she didn't get the verdict that she'd wanted in the trial, but the story now progresses. The outcome of the trial makes the story more complex and that gives me other opportunities, which I'm filming at the moment."
We know that Jacqui will soon be returning to the village, so where does the rape storyline go from here?
"With either outcome from the jury, Jacqui still had to recover from the trial and what happened to her, and the journey doesn't end here - it's an ongoing story and it is going to be concluded. I don't know when that will be, but there will be a resolution."
Did you only find out the jury's verdict when the episode went out, or were you told beforehand?
"Initially it was the plan for us to find out when the episode aired, but for various reasons, we were told shortly beforehand - so I found out the day before."
Jacqui has no regrets about reporting the incident and taking it to court, does she?
"Jacqui has no regrets - her only regret is that Gilly wasn't found guilty. For Jacqui, that's her truth and that's the story that I'm telling - I believe Jacqui. Some people believe Jacqui and some people don't, but the story progresses and the conclusion to the story will happen later in the year."
Will viewers ever get a firm idea of what happened between Gilly and Jacqui that night, or will the grey area always be there?
"I think there'll still be a grey area, but Jacqui knows her truth, that's her story and that's never going to change or waiver. I think the viewers will gain a better insight into what happened and there is a very clear message to the storyline."
Some viewers have questioned whether real-life rape victims could have been discouraged from contacting the authorities after seeing Gilly's not guilty verdict. What are your thoughts?
"We sincerely hope that isn't the case and having consulted with a number of charities and organisations including Rape Crisis, SARC, Don't Cross The Line and legal experts, they also don't believe this is the case either. We hope that the storyline has encouraged anyone affected by the issue of rape to seek help and information. Great care has been taken to ensure that the storyline takes a responsible approach to dealing with the issue of rape and we ran on-air and online support messages signposting where people affected by the storyline can seek help from such organisations."
We've already seen one scene between Jacqui and Gilly after the trial verdict - have you filmed any more with Anthony Quinlan yet?
"Oh, I can't tell you! We'll have to wait and see whether Gilly returns, but at the moment my lips are sealed."
When we see Jacqui again, she's agreed to be a kidney donor for Billy's daughter Emily. Why has she made that decision?
"Jacqui can't be pushed into anything - she had to make a choice in this situation and this is the right choice for her. If she knows that she can save somebody's life, then that's a good enough reason for her. She's not been cornered or pushed into doing this - I don't think many people could push Jacqui into doing something!"
Has Jacqui's fragile state of mind influenced her decision when it comes to helping Emily?
"Right now, she is in a delicate state of mind, but she knows what she's doing when it comes to Emily. It's a choice that she feels is the right one. Things have gone wrong in her own life, and if she feels that she can help somebody else, that's the right choice for her. She's quite coherent in her decision-making when it comes to this - she may not be in other areas of her life, but she's sure that this is the right thing to do."
What happens between Jacqui and Rhys once they're reunited in the village?
"Jacqui and Rhys have a complex bond, but it's going to take some time for Jacqui to re-establish what they initially had, because so many bridges have been broken and it'll take time for things to heal. There certainly won't be an immediate remedy and it won't be an easy ride. It'll be a bit of a rollercoaster over the next few months, but I hope we take the audience with them. It'll be uncomfortable between them at times."
Shortly after her return, Jacqui decides to propose to Rhys. Is she making the right choice?
"Well, this is where I think Jacqui's mind is not in the right place. As Claire playing Jacqui, I don't think she should be doing this, but she does do it - and in a very Jacqui way! She's quite forceful, she's banging on Rhys's door, she wants a quick wedding and it's not the way that it should be done. Jacqui deserves so much more - she deserves a big gypsy wedding, a big dress, the McQueens all dressed up and God knows what else! Jacqui is quite irrational when it comes to Rhys, but who knows what could happen between them after the proposal? We'll have to wait and see…"
We'll see Tony give Jacqui some advice about Rhys, won't we?
"Yes - it was really nice working with Nick [Pickard] and to touch base with him. Tony is a good rock for Jacqui and I really like working with Nick. It was nice to do that, because Tony knows Jacqui very well - they've had so many ups and downs themselves when they were a couple previously. It's nice that Jacqui gets that support."
Have you enjoyed working with Richard Graham, who plays Jacqui's dad?
"Yeah, I've loved working with Richard - we get on really well. We've got similar interests in films and things like that, and we've had a laugh. We socialise quite a bit outside of work."
The Savage family seem to have made a big impact on the McQueens - have you had any scenes with them yet?
"I've not really done anything with them yet. So far there haven't been any scenes. It'll be interesting to see what would happen between the Savages and Jacqui, though - it'd be a fiery scene, no doubt!"
You've made it onto the shortlist for the Soap Awards with nominations for 'Best Actress' and 'Best Dramatic Performance'…
"I can't believe it! It's amazing that the public have voted and put myself this far, and the same with Emmett and Jennifer. It's really hard to put it into words, but it feels fantastic - you feel like you and the other people in the category have won it already just to have got this far. It's the biggest compliment that you could ask for."
Why do you think we should be voting for all things Hollyoaks this year?
"With Jennifer, I think that we do have the sexiest female in the show - we have lots of sexy females, but I think that Jennifer plays a great, sassy character and she does it so well. Emmett's a fantastic actor - he's got the most nominations and I hope that he comes away with one award, if not all of them. Also, I think Kieron and Emmett's on-screen partnership has been mesmerising and captivating all year. I'm rooting for Hollyoaks big time! We've got some great nominations and I'm really proud to be up there with them, along with the actors from the other shows."
Are you looking forward to the big night itself in Manchester?
"Yeah, I think it's going to be something different this year - we're up north this time so it'll be different to London, and it should be a good night. It's nice because all of the cast get to go - it's not just a few people, it's everyone and I think that's really important. We all get to celebrate together."
The Soap Awards have been a bit disappointing for Hollyoaks in the past couple of years, but are you all feeling more positive this time around?
"Yeah, I think we've had a really strong year. We've gone through a few changes over the past few years, and I think that we're doing some great stuff at the moment. There's strong actors in the show, strong storylines and I think we're going to go away with our heads held high this year. We're proud of what we've done. We've had fantastic support from fans on Twitter, Digital Spy and everywhere on the internet in general. We're really grateful for all of the support that we get from the fans!"
Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe has predicted that her character Mercedes McQueen will continue her cheating ways in the coming weeks.
Mercedes has enjoyed an on-off fling with pub landlord Carl Costello this year, despite being engaged to his footballer son Riley (Rob Norbury).
Although Mercedes has recently tried to keep her distance from Carl, the storyline is revisited in next week's episodes as her sister Jacqui (Claire Cooper) finds out about the affair. Jacqui also learns that Mercedes is planning to fake a miscarriage after lying about being pregnant.
Jacqui is left disgusted by her sibling's behaviour and her discoveries leave Mercedes panic-stricken as she believes that her betrayal of Riley is about to be exposed to all.
However, pondering her character's next move, Metcalfe told Soaplife: "She wants Riley. She loves Riley. But she can't help fancying Carl. There's a difference between love and lust in Mercedes's eyes. Carl is really keen and if she gave him the nod, he'd be right back in there.
"If Jacqui keeps her mouth shut, Mercedes will be relieved she's still got Riley and won't be thinking about Carl - although I think they could end up in bed together again!"
Metcalfe also admitted that keeping Jacqui quiet will prove a difficult task as she seems determined to reveal the truth.
She said: "It's horrible. Mercedes feels like her world could collapse around her at any moment."
Hollyoaks screens the latest twists for Mercedes and Riley next week.
Hollyoaks star Claire Cooper has decided to leave the soap after six years playing Jacqui McQueen, Digital Spy can confirm.
The actress is bowing out to pursue new projects and her final scenes will air in April.
Speaking of her decision to move on, Cooper explained: "I have had the most incredible and unforgettable time at Hollyoaks. Jacqui McQueen has been a fascinating part to play and I have nothing but gratitude to Channel 4 and Hollyoaks for giving me the opportunity.
"I would especially like to thank [executive producer] Bryan Kirkwood, whom I adore and have nothing but respect and praise for.
"It's sad that I'm leaving when Hollyoaks is at such a high-point, especially with Bryan back at the helm, but it's the right time for me personally to explore other avenues and see what other stories I can tell.
"To my family, friends, colleagues and fans, thank you for your support - it's been one hell of a ride for Miss McQueen and an inspirational one for me."
Bryan Kirkwood added: "Claire Cooper has created an unforgettable soap character in the indomitable Jacqui McQueen. I feel very protective and proud of Claire's wonderful, tough, sexy, funny creation and she has struck a perfect balance of portraying Jacqui's 'hard as nails' exterior, as well as her crushing vulnerability.
"I'm devastated to be losing Jacqui, but after six years of her wearing those thigh-high PVC boots, I respect Claire's need to explore other roles. I wish her the best of luck - not that she'll need it."
While little is known about exactly how Jacqui leaves the village, show bosses have teased that her departure involves "a dramatic effort to bring her family back together".
A show statement teased: "Jacqui's departure comes shortly after the arrival of her former cell-mate, Trudy Ryan, with whom she shares a dark secret. Could she be behind Jacqui's exit from the village?"
Cooper first appeared on Hollyoaks in September 2006 and has established Jacqui as one of the show's most popular characters.
Jacqui's major storylines have often revolved around her fierce loyalty towards the rest of the McQueen clan. The tough character will also be remembered for her relationships with Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) and Rhys Ashworth (Andrew Moss).
A hard-hitting rape storyline for Jacqui in 2011 earned Cooper nominations for 'Best Actress' and 'Best Dramatic Performance' at the British Soap Awards.
She also featured prominently in last year's 'Enjoy the Ride' wedding crash episodes, which led to Rhys's death.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.
tammyy2j
21-02-2013, 16:03
All the best are leaving the show
All the best are leaving the show
do they not like bk as some many leaving
All the best are leaving the show
do they not like bk as some many leaving
tammyy2j
22-02-2013, 15:36
She is dating the actor who plays Brendan and he is leaving to try his luck in America so maybe she is going with him
All the good characters are leaving.
moonstorm
22-02-2013, 17:33
There is going to be no one decent left! Oh and lucky Jacky dating Brendan lol
Hollyoaks star Claire Cooper has paid tribute to her soap colleagues after filming her final scenes as Jacqui McQueen.
The actress had her last day on set at the Channel 4 show yesterday (February 26) after more than six years playing the role of Jacqui.
Writing on Twitter last night, Cooper thanked the programme's team, singling out executive producer Bryan Kirkwood for creating her character in 2006.
She said: "So.. I arrived home with my last jacqui Outfit.. Rings, hoops & boots lay on my floor....the Formidable lady Jacqui McQueen rests....
"Thank you to my dear @Hollyoaks @C4Insider family ...You guys are incredible people, I've had a life changing 6yrs & the cast, crew & every dept...have made it so very special.... Always a place in my heart #unforgettable #hollyoaks.
"My dearest Bryan Kirkwood... Thank you... Thank you ...You are incredible ... thank you for creating Miss J McQueen @Hollyoaks .. Coops xx"
So.. I arrived home with my last jacqui Outfit.. Rings, hoops & boots lay on my floor....theFormidable lady Jacqui McQueen rests....
— CLAIRE COOPER (@CLAIREECOOPER) February 26, 2013
Thank you to my dear @hollyoaks @c4insider family ...You guys are incredible people, I've had a life changing 6yrs & the cast ,crew....
— CLAIRE COOPER (@CLAIREECOOPER) February 26, 2013
& every dept...have made it so very special.... Always a place in my heart #unforgettable #hollyoaks
— CLAIRE COOPER (@CLAIREECOOPER) February 26, 2013
My dearest Bryan Kirkwood... Thank you... Thank you ...You are incredible ... thank you for creating Miss J McQueen @hollyoaks .. Coops xx
— CLAIRE COOPER (@CLAIREECOOPER) February 26, 2013
Cooper announced her decision to leave Hollyoaks last week, explaining that she wanted to "explore other avenues and see what other stories I can tell".
Show boss Kirkwood said at the time: "I'm devastated to be losing Jacqui, but after six years of her wearing those thigh-high PVC boots, I respect Claire's need to explore other roles. I wish her the best of luck - not that she'll need it."
Hollyoaks will air Jacqui's final scenes in April as she bows out in "a dramatic effort to bring her family back together".
I can't believe it's been six years!!
Holllyoaks star Claire Cooper has revealed that she decided to leave the soap over a year ago.
The actress announced that she was bowing out as Jacqui McQueen last month and filmed her final scenes a few days later.
However, speaking to Inside Soap, Cooper confirmed that Jacqui's exit had been planned for a long time.
She explained: "I handed in my notice over a year ago, but I've had to wait for certain things to play out on screen before I could go. Now [executive producer] Bryan Kirkwood is back and Hollyoaks is on top form again. It's such an exciting time to be here - but I'm leaving!
"The great thing is that Bryan created the character of Jacqui, so now he gets to come up with her exit plot as well."
Teasing Jacqui's final storyline, she continued: "It's really exciting - but that's all I can say to you right now."
Cooper added that she will be taking away fond memories from her six-year stint at Hollyoaks.
She said: "I've loved every minute of playing Jacqui McQueen - it's been incredible. Usually when you're in a soap, you play someone who's quite similar to yourself. It's been great for me to play someone who's completely different from what I'm like in real life."
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.
tammyy2j
07-04-2013, 21:18
Jacqui McQueen leaves the village for good after making a brave attempt to save her sister Mercedes from her kidnapper.
With Clare Devine still demanding a huge ransom in exchange for Mercy's safe return, Jacqui (Claire Cooper) knows that drastic action is needed to get her back - which means carrying out more work for Trudy Ryan.
Jacqui hatches a plan to con a dangerous guy called Trevor, who is one of Trudy's contacts.
The scheme involves selling an empty van to Trevor for £50,000, under the pretence that it contains a big stash of vodka. They'll then sell the actual vodka-laden truck to Nana McQueen's dodgy friend for another £50,000.
Phoebe (Mandip Gill) soon throws a spanner in the works by insisting on coming with Jacqui as she embarks on the risky plot.
The pair are then left with a big decision to make when Jacqui goes to inspect the cargo in the van and finds five illegal immigrants smuggled away. What will Jacqui do about them?
Later in the week, Jacqui's troubles are only just beginning as Trevor is on the warpath following her attempt to con him.
A dangerous showdown almost leads to Jacqui's death as Trevor furiously confronts her, and it's her on-off love interest Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) who saves the day by smashing a computer monitor over his head.
Realising that life in the village is no longer safe for her, an emotional Jacqui departs Hollyoaks alone after saying a heartbreaking goodbye to Tony, who has been planning to propose to her.
It's clear that Jacqui has missed out on her own happy ending, but has she done enough to save Mercy?
Hollyoaks airs these scenes on Friday, April 19 at 6.30pm on Channel 4.
tammyy2j
07-04-2013, 21:18
.
does phoebe leave with her?
Hollyoaks fans see one of the show's most popular characters bow out next week as Jacqui McQueen makes her departure from the village.
When Jacqui resorts to desperate measures to secure her sister Mercy's safe return, the target left on her back is so big that she has to leave the village behind.
We recently caught up with Claire Cooper, who played Jacqui, for the inside scoop on her character's exit and why it was the right time to leave.
Were you pleased with Jacqui's exit storyline?
"I was! I think there were lots of different options and choices that they were coming up with for Jacqui's exit, but then I had a meeting with Bryan [Kirkwood] and he told me what he was thinking.
"Funnily enough, I'd had a similar idea for Jacqui's exit, so I was really, really pleased. It's funny that we both thought the same thing, and it was also a bit surreal. It was great to see all of that manifest itself, so I was very pleased indeed with my exit!"
Had you made any suggestions?
"To be honest, I'm not one to do that! I'd only ever intervene if I felt that a storyline was completely wrong. Generally I just like the stories to play out, so throughout my time at Hollyoaks, I'd get my scripts and I'd play out what was there.
"I always trusted that the writers and the story team knew the character, and if anyone knows Jacqui McQueen, Bryan Kirkwood does. He knows how to write for Jacqui and knows what situations to put her in. Knowing that Bryan was back as executive producer, I definitely didn't need to worry!"
What can the viewers expect from Jacqui's final week on screen?
"It's going to be emotional. Well, I hope it's going to be emotional, as it certainly was when we filmed it! On her last day in the village, the clock is ticking a little bit as Jacqui knows that she has to get things sorted once and for all - so I hope that sense of pressure will come across.
"Jacqui is trying to get money together to pay the ransom money and get Mercedes back, but things keep going wrong. Every time she thinks she gets it right, something else happens. There's so many parts to this Jacqui exit saga, that it's almost exhausting!
"There are a few times where it seems that Jacqui's going to be fine and she'll be able to stay in the village. But it's just one thing after another, so in the end she can't!"
Part of that is because of a dangerous character called Trevor, who Jacqui tries to con. What can you tell us about that?
"Jacqui pretends to be Trudy, so there's a phoney Cockney accent that she uses! Jacqui finds that amusing at first, but then it turns quite serious as they're talking about a lot of money.
"Trevor is definitely dangerous. At 6.30pm, it's very difficult in terms of what we can show. If Hollyoaks was on later, it would be a lot more brutal, a lot more violent, and probably a lot more frightening. But I think our younger viewers and even some of our older ones will find this scary.
"As a character, Trevor is aggressive and a bad egg. He could kill Jacqui, due to the situation that she puts him in. He might kill Jacqui!"
Were you pleased to see the Jacqui and Tony pairing revisited in the build-up to your exit?
"I thought that was really nice. When they broke us up years ago, I was not happy! (Laughs.) You just have to roll with it, but I was sad because I loved working with Nick Pickard and we had a really good time.
"It was really good for us to touch base again, and it really was like nothing had changed. Nick is very professional, we know how to work together and we're on the same page. I was really lucky. Having Bryan back, he knew that this part of the storyline needed to be concluded in one way or another. That's why the Jacqui and Tony saga has been re-opened again."
Do you think they're soul mates?
"Yeah, I think you have soul mates who come into your life at different points. Some stay forever, while others are just there for certain times in your life. I think Jacqui and Tony have always been soul mates. I also think that Rhys and Jacqui were soul mates at the point they were together.
"Jacqui and Tony have a really strong connection and they've always had a lot of respect for each other. They're there for each other as friends, but when they allow it, they also allow feelings in.
"I don't think Jacqui would ever have cheated on Rhys with Tony as she's not that type of girl, but now that the opportunity has been there again, she's let Tony back in."
What's your take on the Jacqui and Trudy scenario?
"I think there was a friendship there between them initially when they were in prison together, but Trudy is a hard woman. Jacqui is too, so they're very similar in that respect. Trudy is a lot more manipulative, though!
"Jacqui has got an incredible heart that's just full of compassion - almost too much compassion, which is why she gets into so many tricky situations when she's trying to help people.
"Jacqui is as fierce as Trudy, but Trudy can be very manipulative and cruel with what she subjects people to. However, they definitely have a friendship deep down."
How did you find working with Danniella Westbrook?
"Danniella is awesome with a capital A! She's brilliant and I really mean that - she's a wonderful friend and a fantastic actress. We had the best time working together.
"It was just perfect that Danniella came in for my exit, as it was exactly what I needed. I'd finished my stories with certain people, but then Trudy brought in a new energy. Danniella is good fun and we've got a really good friendship. I like real people and people who are sincere, which is exactly what Danniella is."
How does Jacqui feel about saying goodbye to Phoebe?
"This is one of the difficult things, as Jacqui is put in a position where she has no other choice. If she could have it any other way, she would take Phoebe with her, but it's too much of a risk. She has to think of the greater good a little bit here.
"Jacqui wants Phoebe to grow as a person and have a family around her, but it's really hard for Jacqui to say goodbye to Phoebe. She can't protect her anymore - she can't watch her grow up and be the woman that Jacqui hopes she'll be. It's going to be emotional for both of them."
Do you think Mandip Gill, who plays Phoebe, has a strong future on the show even with Jacqui gone?
"Yeah, I think Mandip is awesome - again with a capital A! She's another really good friend of mine who's very talented, very giving and she's open to learning.
"It's great that we got to do the scenes that we did together, because Mandip took risks with the performances and there's a lot more to explore there. We've seen the beginning of that, but if Hollyoaks develop the character and invest in her, the future's bright for Mandip. She's brilliant and a really nice person."
With a big storyline ahead for them, do you think Tony and Diane will be a good couple?
"I think they will make a good couple. When I heard that Nick was going to be working with Alex Fletcher, I was really pleased. Both of them are great actors and they deserve that chance to shine, because I think they've been put on the backburner for a while.
"It's time to bring out some adults and let them shine, as they're very good at what they do. I'm sure they'll do the story beautifully and I'm looking forward to watching that."
Which of your co-stars will you miss working with the most?
"I miss Andy Moss a lot. Obviously he left a few months before I did, but I did miss him when he was gone. I'll miss Mandip massively as I've done so much with her, and also Danniella, Nick and Jen Metcalfe.
"Those were the people I was closest to. I was also very close to Karen Hassan, but she left too. A lot of the people I was closest to left before I did, so I've only got a few close, close friends there. But I will obviously miss a lot of people I saw in passing in corridors and things like that!"
What was your last day on set like? Did Hollyoaks give you a good send-off?
"Well, I haven't done a leaving party or anything like that, as I had such a tight schedule on the last week. I was working 15 hours a day, and then I had to go on-location for two days. After that, I had to go straight to LA. My final week went so quickly, and I was so exhausted once I got to LA, so I slept for about two days and was like a zombie! It was just what I needed.
"Also, I'm not one to throw my own party, if I'm honest. I brought in cupcakes for every department as a little thank you to everyone, so that was about 250 mini cupcakes, which had a leopard print design in tribute to Jacqui! I love celebrating other people's achievements but I get a bit embarrassed when it's my own."
Which storylines were your favourites?
"I loved the big church plot with Niall. That was a good story and it developed over a period of about ten months, so it could be told properly. I always think stories like that are awesome.
"I loved the rape storyline as well, because it was real and a very sensitive subject. I think we tackled that as well as we possibly could. It was very difficult to do at 6.30pm, but I think Hollyoaks and Channel 4 did it superbly, and the impact it had was amazing.
"I'm also taking away lots of fun memories of the family stuff that we've done with the McQueens, so there's so many! You can only really remember the ones that you've just done.
"I've definitely had the opportunity to explore every avenue of Jacqui, and that's part of the reason why I'm going. I handed my notice in a year ago, but that doesn't mean you want to leave at that point, it means that you're building up your storyline to leave.
"I felt like I didn't want this formidable woman to become a wallflower, so I had to protect Jacqui's legacy. They did try to make me stay a couple of times, which was very lovely and flattering. But I just felt it was something I needed to do, although it was very hard and not an easy decision."
How do you feel about being up for 'Best Actress' at the British Soap Awards?
"I didn't expect it at all. There's so many brilliant actresses, so to be nominated is brilliant. I'm so chuffed, and the support that I'm getting on Twitter is amazing. The fans out there for Hollyoaks are just fantastic. We've honestly got the best fans in the world and they do an incredible job. To be put out there and acknowledged really does mean the world to me. It's the icing on the cake."
Which other prizes are you hoping Hollyoaks wins this year?
"I'd love for us to win 'Best Soap'! Wouldn't that be cool? I remember one year when we won eight awards, and all the other soaps came up to us saying, 'We thought you were going to get 'Best Soap'!' It'd be amazing to get up on that stage as a united company and be acknowledged, but I know all the other soaps do incredibly well too.
"I'd love to see us get 'Best Actor', 'Best Villain' and 'Best Partnership', because I think we're very strong in those areas. Also, 'Spectacular Scene of the Year', as our stunt with the bus crash was incredible. There's also 'Best Newcomer', so I'd love to see us win quite a few.
"But it is just down to the viewers. If they like what they see and they want to see us win awards, it really is just down to placing votes as that's how it works!
Hollyoaks fans see one of the show's most popular characters bow out next week as Jacqui McQueen makes her departure from the village.
When Jacqui resorts to desperate measures to secure her sister Mercy's safe return, the target left on her back is so big that she has to leave the village behind.
We recently caught up with Claire Cooper, who played Jacqui, for the inside scoop on her character's exit and why it was the right time to leave.
Were you pleased with Jacqui's exit storyline?
"I was! I think there were lots of different options and choices that they were coming up with for Jacqui's exit, but then I had a meeting with Bryan [Kirkwood] and he told me what he was thinking.
"Funnily enough, I'd had a similar idea for Jacqui's exit, so I was really, really pleased. It's funny that we both thought the same thing, and it was also a bit surreal. It was great to see all of that manifest itself, so I was very pleased indeed with my exit!"
Had you made any suggestions?
"To be honest, I'm not one to do that! I'd only ever intervene if I felt that a storyline was completely wrong. Generally I just like the stories to play out, so throughout my time at Hollyoaks, I'd get my scripts and I'd play out what was there.
"I always trusted that the writers and the story team knew the character, and if anyone knows Jacqui McQueen, Bryan Kirkwood does. He knows how to write for Jacqui and knows what situations to put her in. Knowing that Bryan was back as executive producer, I definitely didn't need to worry!"
What can the viewers expect from Jacqui's final week on screen?
"It's going to be emotional. Well, I hope it's going to be emotional, as it certainly was when we filmed it! On her last day in the village, the clock is ticking a little bit as Jacqui knows that she has to get things sorted once and for all - so I hope that sense of pressure will come across.
"Jacqui is trying to get money together to pay the ransom money and get Mercedes back, but things keep going wrong. Every time she thinks she gets it right, something else happens. There's so many parts to this Jacqui exit saga, that it's almost exhausting!
"There are a few times where it seems that Jacqui's going to be fine and she'll be able to stay in the village. But it's just one thing after another, so in the end she can't!"
Part of that is because of a dangerous character called Trevor, who Jacqui tries to con. What can you tell us about that?
"Jacqui pretends to be Trudy, so there's a phoney Cockney accent that she uses! Jacqui finds that amusing at first, but then it turns quite serious as they're talking about a lot of money.
"Trevor is definitely dangerous. At 6.30pm, it's very difficult in terms of what we can show. If Hollyoaks was on later, it would be a lot more brutal, a lot more violent, and probably a lot more frightening. But I think our younger viewers and even some of our older ones will find this scary.
"As a character, Trevor is aggressive and a bad egg. He could kill Jacqui, due to the situation that she puts him in. He might kill Jacqui!"
Were you pleased to see the Jacqui and Tony pairing revisited in the build-up to your exit?
"I thought that was really nice. When they broke us up years ago, I was not happy! (Laughs.) You just have to roll with it, but I was sad because I loved working with Nick Pickard and we had a really good time.
"It was really good for us to touch base again, and it really was like nothing had changed. Nick is very professional, we know how to work together and we're on the same page. I was really lucky. Having Bryan back, he knew that this part of the storyline needed to be concluded in one way or another. That's why the Jacqui and Tony saga has been re-opened again."
Do you think they're soul mates?
"Yeah, I think you have soul mates who come into your life at different points. Some stay forever, while others are just there for certain times in your life. I think Jacqui and Tony have always been soul mates. I also think that Rhys and Jacqui were soul mates at the point they were together.
"Jacqui and Tony have a really strong connection and they've always had a lot of respect for each other. They're there for each other as friends, but when they allow it, they also allow feelings in.
"I don't think Jacqui would ever have cheated on Rhys with Tony as she's not that type of girl, but now that the opportunity has been there again, she's let Tony back in."
What's your take on the Jacqui and Trudy scenario?
"I think there was a friendship there between them initially when they were in prison together, but Trudy is a hard woman. Jacqui is too, so they're very similar in that respect. Trudy is a lot more manipulative, though!
"Jacqui has got an incredible heart that's just full of compassion - almost too much compassion, which is why she gets into so many tricky situations when she's trying to help people.
"Jacqui is as fierce as Trudy, but Trudy can be very manipulative and cruel with what she subjects people to. However, they definitely have a friendship deep down."
How did you find working with Danniella Westbrook?
"Danniella is awesome with a capital A! She's brilliant and I really mean that - she's a wonderful friend and a fantastic actress. We had the best time working together.
"It was just perfect that Danniella came in for my exit, as it was exactly what I needed. I'd finished my stories with certain people, but then Trudy brought in a new energy. Danniella is good fun and we've got a really good friendship. I like real people and people who are sincere, which is exactly what Danniella is."
How does Jacqui feel about saying goodbye to Phoebe?
"This is one of the difficult things, as Jacqui is put in a position where she has no other choice. If she could have it any other way, she would take Phoebe with her, but it's too much of a risk. She has to think of the greater good a little bit here.
"Jacqui wants Phoebe to grow as a person and have a family around her, but it's really hard for Jacqui to say goodbye to Phoebe. She can't protect her anymore - she can't watch her grow up and be the woman that Jacqui hopes she'll be. It's going to be emotional for both of them."
Do you think Mandip Gill, who plays Phoebe, has a strong future on the show even with Jacqui gone?
"Yeah, I think Mandip is awesome - again with a capital A! She's another really good friend of mine who's very talented, very giving and she's open to learning.
"It's great that we got to do the scenes that we did together, because Mandip took risks with the performances and there's a lot more to explore there. We've seen the beginning of that, but if Hollyoaks develop the character and invest in her, the future's bright for Mandip. She's brilliant and a really nice person."
With a big storyline ahead for them, do you think Tony and Diane will be a good couple?
"I think they will make a good couple. When I heard that Nick was going to be working with Alex Fletcher, I was really pleased. Both of them are great actors and they deserve that chance to shine, because I think they've been put on the backburner for a while.
"It's time to bring out some adults and let them shine, as they're very good at what they do. I'm sure they'll do the story beautifully and I'm looking forward to watching that."
Which of your co-stars will you miss working with the most?
"I miss Andy Moss a lot. Obviously he left a few months before I did, but I did miss him when he was gone. I'll miss Mandip massively as I've done so much with her, and also Danniella, Nick and Jen Metcalfe.
"Those were the people I was closest to. I was also very close to Karen Hassan, but she left too. A lot of the people I was closest to left before I did, so I've only got a few close, close friends there. But I will obviously miss a lot of people I saw in passing in corridors and things like that!"
What was your last day on set like? Did Hollyoaks give you a good send-off?
"Well, I haven't done a leaving party or anything like that, as I had such a tight schedule on the last week. I was working 15 hours a day, and then I had to go on-location for two days. After that, I had to go straight to LA. My final week went so quickly, and I was so exhausted once I got to LA, so I slept for about two days and was like a zombie! It was just what I needed.
"Also, I'm not one to throw my own party, if I'm honest. I brought in cupcakes for every department as a little thank you to everyone, so that was about 250 mini cupcakes, which had a leopard print design in tribute to Jacqui! I love celebrating other people's achievements but I get a bit embarrassed when it's my own."
Which storylines were your favourites?
"I loved the big church plot with Niall. That was a good story and it developed over a period of about ten months, so it could be told properly. I always think stories like that are awesome.
"I loved the rape storyline as well, because it was real and a very sensitive subject. I think we tackled that as well as we possibly could. It was very difficult to do at 6.30pm, but I think Hollyoaks and Channel 4 did it superbly, and the impact it had was amazing.
"I'm also taking away lots of fun memories of the family stuff that we've done with the McQueens, so there's so many! You can only really remember the ones that you've just done.
"I've definitely had the opportunity to explore every avenue of Jacqui, and that's part of the reason why I'm going. I handed my notice in a year ago, but that doesn't mean you want to leave at that point, it means that you're building up your storyline to leave.
"I felt like I didn't want this formidable woman to become a wallflower, so I had to protect Jacqui's legacy. They did try to make me stay a couple of times, which was very lovely and flattering. But I just felt it was something I needed to do, although it was very hard and not an easy decision."
How do you feel about being up for 'Best Actress' at the British Soap Awards?
"I didn't expect it at all. There's so many brilliant actresses, so to be nominated is brilliant. I'm so chuffed, and the support that I'm getting on Twitter is amazing. The fans out there for Hollyoaks are just fantastic. We've honestly got the best fans in the world and they do an incredible job. To be put out there and acknowledged really does mean the world to me. It's the icing on the cake."
Which other prizes are you hoping Hollyoaks wins this year?
"I'd love for us to win 'Best Soap'! Wouldn't that be cool? I remember one year when we won eight awards, and all the other soaps came up to us saying, 'We thought you were going to get 'Best Soap'!' It'd be amazing to get up on that stage as a united company and be acknowledged, but I know all the other soaps do incredibly well too.
"I'd love to see us get 'Best Actor', 'Best Villain' and 'Best Partnership', because I think we're very strong in those areas. Also, 'Spectacular Scene of the Year', as our stunt with the bus crash was incredible. There's also 'Best Newcomer', so I'd love to see us win quite a few.
"But it is just down to the viewers. If they like what they see and they want to see us win awards, it really is just down to placing votes as that's how it works!
tammyy2j
08-05-2013, 01:06
Claire Cooper has said she doesn't think her character Jacqui McQueen was ever a Hollyoaks 'babe'.
The 33-year-old actress has just bowed out of the soap after seven years playing the chavy ex-con Jacqui, and told fans in a live question and answer session on Twitter what it meant to her to be a McQueen.
Claire said: "Hollyoaks is known for its babes, but I wouldn't class Jacqui as a 'babe'. The McQueens brought something different."
The soap star is very different to tough girl Jacqui in real life, but admitted she would miss her accent.
Claire confessed: "To be honest, I love talking in Jacqui's accent. It's like turning on a switch. Low, growling. It's fun!"
The actress was only signed up to appear in the soap for three months at first, before she ended up staying for seven years.
Of her first day on set she recalled: "I got a sweaty upper lip. I had so much fake tan on and was so nervous. I had mixed feelings!"
Claire revealed Jacqui's 'yellow hoodie' was one of her favourite costumes, adding: "I look like a hooligan in it." But Claire is happy to leave her signature gold hoop earrings behind.
tammyy2j
08-05-2013, 01:06
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..-fake-jacqui-funeral.html#ixzz2WYPlXoyY[/url]
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Hollyoaks' McQueen clan will be forced to fake Jacqui's death next month.
The popular family resort to the extreme measure when bad boy Trevor Royle (Greg Wood) threatens them, still wanting revenge against Jacqui after their big showdown in April.
Viewers will see the storyline begin when Phoebe McQueen approaches Trevor as she wants to purchase a fake passport for her new friend Vincent Elegba (John O'Mole), who fears being deported.
Well aware of Phoebe's connection to Jacqui, ruthless Trevor immediately takes action.
Mandip Gill, who plays Phoebe, told All About Soap: "She gets kidnapped by Trevor. To be fair, when she heads off, she doesn't realise she's going to be dealing with Trevor - she wouldn't put herself in that position. Phoebe realises she's in big trouble.
"[Trevor] wants Jacqui, but Phoebe knows she can never tell him where she is. Luckily, George and Vincent come to her rescue, and Ste manages to convince Trevor to release Phoebe.
"There's a big catch, though - Trevor keeps Vincent, and he warns Phoebe that unless she brings Jacqui to him within 48 hours, then he'll kill him and the rest of the McQueen family."
When cunning Doctor Browning (Joseph Thompson) finds out what's going on, he tells the McQueens that they need to convince Trevor that Jacqui is dead. Browning even brings along a real corpse to place in a coffin at the McQueen house.
Gill explained: "Only Browning could come up with a plan that crazy! He tells the McQueens he'll get a fake body and then they're going to have a fake funeral. The plan is that Trevor will fall for the scam, think it's Jacqui and leave the family alone.
"But no-one, apart from Myra, actually realises that he's got hold of a real dead body! When [Trevor] comes round to the house, the body falls out of the coffin!"
Hollyoaks airs these scenes in early July on Channel 4
tammyy2j
23-08-2013, 13:28
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tammyy2j
23-08-2013, 13:28
Well she is due back in Hollyoaks very soon.
Is she back for Myra's funeral?
now trevor dead she can return :p
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