Marc Silcock Interview

Earlier this year, former Hollyoaks actor Marc Silcock joined Emmerdale as Jackson Walsh, a new love interest for sexually confused teen Aaron Livesy (Danny Miller). Having met Jackson in a gay bar, Aaron took a keen interest and the pair eventually shared a kiss outside a club, witnessed by Adam Barton (Adam Thomas). Aaron and Jackson's friendship, however, took a turn for the worse when Aaron punched him in The Woolpack - presumed by locals to be a homophobic attack. Aaron's case reached court and with Jackson sat in the public gallery, Aaron seized the opportunity to publicly come clean about his sexuality. Here, we chat to Marc about Aaron and Jackson's future, Pauline Quirke and Emmerdale's rejuvenation.

What are your thoughts on the reaction to the Aaron and Jackson storyline?
"It's been unbelievable the amount of people that have been in contact with myself and Danny throughout the storyline. We set out to make a point and showcase the issues that we have been. Personally, I never expected it to be as big as it's become. It's a massive weight off our shoulders to know that people in the same situation are relating to the characters. It's been fantastic."

Do you think Aaron and Jackson are meant to be together?
"There are points where it looks like they're the perfect couple but on the other hand, there are underlying problems with both characters, especially Aaron. It'd be difficult for them to be together forever - it's probably be too much of a fairytale for Aaron to settle down with his first ever boyfriend. They'll be together for a while, but it'd be Disneyland to think that they'll end up as 40-year-old blokes getting married and adopting kids."

Are you excited about Pauline Quirke joining?
"Pauline's such a fantastic actress - I'm so excited that I'm going to be working with her. It'll be great to know a little more about Jackson's family!"

What's it like working with Danny?
"When he's out of work, he's one of the funniest guys but when he's at work, he's so focussed on every single scene. It's scary sometimes having to work with him because you know that at no point there'll be any let-up! He knows exactly where his character is from the scene before, what time it was… It's fantastic, though, because it makes me want to work harder!"

Were the kissing scenes awkward to start with?
"Danny and I sat down and had a quick chat about it beforehand. We're not going to lie and say that it's not difficult for two straight guys to kiss each other, because it was difficult and a bit awkward. But it's only as uncomfortable as you make it, so we had a chat, decided what we were comfortable with and just got on with it. We're not going to start doing it in our spare time!"

Do you think Danny deserved to pick up something from the Soap Awards?
"Don't even get me started on the Soap Awards! It's the way the voting goes, though. Danny apparently had the problem of coming second in a lot of categories. The stuff he filmed with Dominic Brunt was incredible. I do think it was wrong that he didn't get anything, but there's always next year. It's brought the whole cast together and it's made us all want to work that bit harder so we don't go through the same thing next year."

Aaron turns to Jackson during next week's episodes and confides that he's being bullied at community payback…
"The relationship between Aaron and Jackson's still a bit frosty since Aaron attacked him. Now Jackson's working in the village, they're trying to make it a little easier for each other to get along. Aaron 'lets slip' that someone is bullying him at his community service for being gay. Jackson's quite dismissive of him, though."

What happens when Jackson sees Aaron about to be attacked by Wayne?
"The bully, Wayne, follows Aaron back to the village and Jackson sees their altercation - Wayne's actually threatening him with a spanner! Jackson eventually goes over to help Aaron and sort Wayne out. Jackson knows that if Aaron gets into another incident, he'll be sent to prison. Wayne eventually skulks off and that's the key turning point in the thawing of Aaron and Jackson's relationship. As soon as you see it, you see that Jackson really does like Aaron."

What happened after that?
"They end up going to the pub and talk turns to Aaron's suicide attempt. It's the first time Aaron's opened up about it and Jackson just wants to understand why. At this point, you actually start to see that Jackson wants a relationship with Aaron because it seems like he's finally coming to terms with his sexuality. From that, they take the next step and end up back at Smithy where they have their first passionate kiss. It all leads from there."

Aaron and Jackson become involved in Holly's drug story, don't they?
"Yeah, they do. With Aaron comes Jackson and they get trapped by the whole situation and have to start keeping secrets from everyone else. But where that leads I actually don't know."

The role of Jackson's so far removed from your Hollyoaks part as Eli - what's it been like playing someone who's real?
"At Hollyoaks, I had free reign to do what I wanted to do! Nobody could see or hear me apart from Newt! Finally getting the opportunity to play Jackson has been great because I finally get to work and speak with other characters!"

What do you think of Gavin's rejuvenation of Emmerdale?
"It's just been unbelievable. Going into meetings with Gavin, he's so focussed on the show. You just feel in such safe hands when you speak to him - there's no stone unturned. What he's done with Emmerdale in just over a year is amazing. I think it shows in the performances we're turning out what confidence we have in him."

You're slowly working your way around the country's soaps - which do you have your eye on next?
"I know Bryan Kirkwood's at EastEnders and I loved working for him at Hollyoaks, so we'll have to wait and see! That's if he'd hire me back! You need a bit of Northern down there, don't you?!"

Were you planning on returning to Hollyoaks for Newt's exit story?
"No, there was no contact between me and Hollyoaks for Nico [Mirallegro]'s exit. I think the whole stunt with myself, Nico and Alice [Barlow] was my ending full stop. I don't think it helped with the change of producers but I would have been interested in going back… It's just one of those things."

What are your thoughts on the state of the show at the minute?
"It's been through a bit of a rocky patch. The shakeup that Paul Marquess is doing at the minute will take it one of two ways. It'll either go back to what it was in its heyday - back 18 months, two years ago - or it'll go in another direction. It's a bit upsetting to see a show that gave me my first big chance on screen in such a troubled spot. It happens sometimes, though."

Emmerdale star Marc Silcock has admitted that he does not foresee a long-lasting romance for his character Jackson Walsh and troubled Aaron Livesy.

The actor was cast in the Yorkshire-based soap earlier this year as a love interest for Aaron, and his alter ego has been a key influence in the mechanic's journey of self-discovery.

However, speaking in an interview with DS, Silcock hinted that it could be unrealistic to see Aaron securing long-term happiness with Jackson so soon after opening up about his sexuality.

The show newcomer commented: "There are points where it looks like they're the perfect couple but on the other hand, there are underlying problems with both characters, especially Aaron.

"It'd be difficult for them to be together forever - it'd probably be too much of a fairytale for Aaron to settle down with his first ever boyfriend. They'll be together for a while, but it'd be Disneyland to think that they'll end up as 40-year-old blokes getting married and adopting kids."

Aaron actor Danny Miller made similar comments in an interview with DS last month, arguing that it would be "too convenient" for the pair to settle down and be happy.

Emmerdale actor Marc Silcock has revealed that the show's cast are already looking ahead to the 2011 British Soap Awards following their disappointing night at this year's ceremony.

The Yorkshire-based serial was nominated in every category at last month's event, but its only recognition in the final results went to long-serving writer Bill Lyons, who won the 'Special Achievement' prize.

Silcock - who plays Jackson Walsh on the programme - has now told DS that he and his co-stars are aiming to do better next year.

Asked whether his screen love interest Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy) deserved a prize, Silcock replied: "Don't even get me started on the Soap Awards! It's the way the voting goes, though. Danny apparently had the problem of coming second in a lot of categories. The stuff he filmed with Dominic Brunt was incredible.

"I do think it was wrong that he didn't get anything, but there's always next year. It's brought the whole cast together and it's made us all want to work that bit harder so we don't go through the same thing next year."

EastEnders was the big winner at this year's event, taking home the 'Best Soap' gong and nine other prizes.

danny miller interview


There has been blood and violence, and Aaron has landed in court – all because he couldn’t admit he was gay. Now, as his relationship with Jackson moves up a gear, ‘We Love Soap’ chat to Danny Miller about playing the part…

How is Aaron feeling now the whole village knows he’s gay?
He’s embarassed about coming out. He thinks it was a bit of a mistake.

What happens with Jackson?
There is a kiss. It’s quite a romantic kiss, actually. It was a very strange experience. I sat Marc Silcock (who plays Jackson) down and we discussed what we were going to do. We were both nervous, and in the end we said let’s not talk about it any more.

How did it go?
We only had to do it twice. We wanted to keep it to a minimum. I was relieved afterwards because I felt i’d done well. We wanted to do justice to an emotional story.

Is it tough being a straight man playing a gay character?
Your an actor playing a role, that’s all. I’ve got gay friends and they are proud of me. I’ve spoken to them about homophobia and coming out.

What about fans’ reactions?
Mainly positive. But a month ago I was at a petrol station and someone leaned out of their car and shouted, “Oi, you big gay boy!” Unbelievable. It infuriated me. It gives you a real insight into what people go through.

Is it hard filming such emotional scenes?
Yes, it’s been very draining sometimes. Eventually your tear ducts run out. But i’ve walked away and thought, “That was a real day’s work”.

On behalf of Kayliee94


aaron and jackson spoiler

video and pic for you to check out

http://aaronlivesy.wordpress.com/

thanks siobhan

ive just watched marc silcock on loose women and he said he will be in emmerdale until february 2011 :)

another interview with danny miller and marc silcock at http://aaronlivesy.wordpress.com/

Emmerdale's Marc Silcock has praised his co-star Danny Miller.

The actor, who joined the ITV soap as Jackson Walsh earlier this year, told Digital Spy that he was happy to finally see Miller scoop accolades for his role.

"His performances have been unbelievable," he said. "Those awards are the realisation that it is time for Danny to get some recognition for what he has been doing."

Last week, Miller was a double winner at the Inside Soap Awards, where he landed the 'Best Actor' and 'Best Dramatic Performance' gongs.

Silcock admitted that he found it "unbelievable" that it took so long for his co-star to be recognised for his role as Aaron Livesy.

"It's been fantastic to finally see him win the awards that he should have won a long time ago," he said.

Silcock, who recently received a 'Best Newcomer' nomination at the National Television Awards, said that the prizes encourage the cast to keep raising their game.

"It just lifts the whole cast and the storyline," he said.

So there we have it. Alone in his van, reaching for his mobile - a night out for Jackson Walsh ended in disaster. After a special screening of the dramatic episode, I sat down for a quick chat with Emmerdale's Marc Silcock to find out his reaction to the plot and what fans can expect in the months ahead. Despite Marc having recently extended his contract with the soap, things are not getting any easier for Jackson and Aaron...

How did you feel when you heard about the crash?
"[I was] ecstatic, really. It wasn't to me a storyline in itself, more of a switch that starts a new storyline, a new chapter in their relationship and kick-starts Jackson's own storyline in a way. It was a big thumbs-up from everybody upstairs - all the bosses and the producer Gavin Blyth saying, 'We've enjoyed you for the past six months and let's see what you can do'. It's brilliant!"

It's been mentioned that the storyline will continue well into next year, will you be sticking around?
"At the moment, I know I'm there until early next year. I'm there for the first couple of months of 2011 which will be great as it will see me through a year. What happens after that is completely up to the bosses but all I know is that."

Aaron and Michael Jackson in Emmerdale
Is it true that we are going to be meeting Jackson's father soon?
"Yes! Michael J. Jackson comes in and plays my father Jerry. This is a big key to understanding why Jackson is like he is, why he is so understanding of Aaron and why the relationship is as it is. We understand that a lot seeing his father and seeing the interaction between Pauline Quirke (Hazel) and Michael. We will understand a lot of Jackson's background."

So is it a strained relationship Jackson has with Jerry?
"Very strained! Jerry was not very open to Jackson's sexuality so it is very strained and we'll see the outcome of that in future episodes. What the two characters went through together, and I think the crash and what Jackson has to go through, is a huge strain on Jerry - but that just makes him hold on tighter to Jackson, rather than let him go."

Will Jackson blame Aaron for what has happened?
"I think for a long time Jackson is just glad to be awake. I think there's an empty blame there, a hope that if he was to blame somebody else it would take a little bit of the pain away from him and the situation. However, I think he quickly comes to terms with the fact that what's happened has happened and that he has to focus on where he wants to be and what he wants to do. Blaming everybody and anybody doesn't take any of the blame away. Jackson answered the phone, Jackson was driving the van - nobody else. There's a lot to come to terms with and a lot of strain and strife to get through the fact that there is nobody else to blame. It's on him. This is his life and this is what he has to go through."

How would Aaron cope if Jackson was to die?
"I don't know, really. Aaron is his own character and would have reacted in a number of different ways. I think, with his relationship with Jackson, it would either have gone one way or another. It would have been a case of, my personal opinion on the character of Aaron, I think he would have allowed him to blame himself and his sexuality. With the self-loathing storyline, the way it's gone, I think it would have given Aaron a chance to self-implode again. To be honest, I don't know the way Aaron would have reacted but I think there would be a huge difference in Aaron if Jackson were to die in the crash."

What has the fan reaction been like for yourself and the character of Jackson?
Marlon presses Paddy over Jackson and Aaron.

"It's been fantastic! When I first came into Emmerdale I was part of the storyline and now I've become entwined with the storyline. It's brilliant. People don't see it anymore as a gay relationship, just as a relationship - which is brilliant and what we wanted to get to. The whole storyline is about being comfortable with yourself and when fans become comfortable with the relationship and not seeing it as two men together, it makes you realise that it's worked."

Have you had any negative feedback about the plot?
"99.9% of the fans [that] come up to you, from teenagers to 70-year-olds, don't mention the fact that it's a gay relationship. They just go, 'You and Aaron', or, 'Aaron and Jackson', or, 'You two are great together', and it makes you realise that what you are doing is now not a gay relationship - it's about the emotions after and trying to portray what a real relationship is like. Obviously you get the 0.1% people that aren't appreciative, but everyone is entitled to their opinions. Everybody is entitled to express what they want to express in their own way. Although, that is drowned out vastly by the positive reaction and feedback that we get. The response from the audience and the response from the producers; well, we wouldn't be getting these storylines and we wouldn't be getting the response from everybody [otherwise]. Danny [Miller] wouldn't be winning awards if these people didn't like it."

Absolutely - and he now has two Inside Soap Awards to his name...
"His performances have been unbelievable! Those awards are the realisation that it is time for Danny to get some recognition for what he has been doing. It took a while, and it was unbelievable that it took that long, but it's been fantastic to finally see him win the awards that he should have won a long time ago. Now, being in the storyline, it's not as easy as everyone thinks it looks. Danny's obviously worked extremely hard for it and it only helps everybody else get their game up a little bit. When you look at it and you're facing that and the cameras are watching you, and Danny's doing what he is doing - what he is being awarded for - it just makes you want to fight a little bit harder and box at your weight. It just lifts the whole cast and the storyline. That's why the storyline is so popular, because people believe in the characters and the performances."

Aaron is uncomfortable with Hazel around
How does Hazel deal with events?
"Hazel's character is bright and chirpy and always looking on the bright side of life. For the very first time, we see that crust crack a little bit. This isn't something that can be laughed off. This isn't something that a cup of hot chocolate is going to make better. She's going to really struggle now, not only with the arrival of her estranged husband and how that affects Jackson and their relationship, but she's now got to worry about Jackson. Not about Jackson and Aaron and how they are doing or how she's doing - she's got to focus on Jackson now and it's a heavy weight for Pauline to go through. You have to believe that you are losing a son or that your son is going through this and I know Pauline has a son and she's been fantastic. Some of the stuff that I've been in the room for that she has been doing has been unbelievable. All the stuff after Jackson wakes up with himself and Aaron, himself and Jerry and Pauline - it's just been unbelievable to be a part of. It's been brilliant."

How do you feel when you're called a role model?
"It's a bit strange! I personally don't see myself as a role model but I do see the relationship as one. And I see the way that Aaron has come to terms with his relationship to everybody else as a role model for how it should be. Obviously that is not real life - people react in different ways and people have different families and different opinions but I don't consider myself as much of a role model as I do the relationship that's now been formed."

As a couple, Aaron and Jackson have a strong fanbase which has many hopes for their future. Where do you see the relationship going?
"I think when the storyline [was] set out there was always going to be an end for it. There was never going to be a fairytale ending because the two characters are polar opposites. Although there is an attraction, it's very difficult for two people like that to come together and mesh. I'm ecstatic that the fans are worried about the characters. Again it shows a great relationship between the characters on screen and the fans off it. I think it's very difficult in the situation that the characters are finding themselves in to pluck at that silver lining. It would be very difficult for any relationship to survive the struggles that everybody is going to go through over the coming months."

Emmerdale star Marc Silcock has admitted that he was surprised when the soap's bosses offered him a new contract earlier this year.

The actor announced last month that he had renewed his deal with the ITV1 show, meaning that he will continue playing Jackson Walsh until at least spring 2011.

In an interview with Inside Soap, Silcock was asked to name the biggest shock he has received since taking on the role of Aaron Livesy's (Danny Miller) love interest.

He replied: "I'd say being asked to stay in Emmerdale! Our producer Gavin [Blyth] took me up to his office and asked if it was okay to keep me on. I'd expected to come in, help with the storyline and then go - so that was the biggest shock."

Meanwhile, asked about the reaction to Jackson and Aaron's romance storyline, Silcock commented: "Everybody has been brilliant. On the whole, viewers see Aaron and Jackson's partnership as a relationship, not a homosexual relationship. But there is the odd negative person, and of course that's difficult.

"It annoys me when I get unpleasant comments in the street, because if I wasn't playing this character and I went over to someone and spoke that way, I'd end up getting knocked out! Luckily, those kinds of remarks are few and far between."

Jackson's current storyline follows him as he recovers from a tragic accident which saw a train crash into his van.