Episode 4043
| Episode 6465 | |
|---|---|
| Hollyoaks episode | |
| Episode no. | Episode 4043 |
| Directed by | Clive Arnold |
| Written by | Steven Fay |
| Original air date | 21 January 2015 |
| Running time | 23 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
Episode 4043 of the British soap opera Hollyoaks aired on 21 January 2015. The episode soley focussed on Ste Hay (Kieran Richardson) and his husband John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) being tested for HIV after Ste is told that a man he had sex with has tested positive. This was the beginning of Ste's HIV long-running storyline, which was announced in 2014. The storyline made Ste the first regular gay character in a soap opera to be diagnosed with HIV. Hollyoaks worked with the British sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust for the storyline and they hoped that the storyline would encourage people to practise safe-sex and test for HIV. To prepare for the episode, Richard took a HIV test himself. The storyline was well-received and encouraged people to get tested for HIV, which Richardson believed saved lives. The episode was praised and shortlisted for "Best Single Episode" at the 2015 British Soap Awards. Richardson revealed that many viewers expressed surprise over how simple it is to get a HIV test.
Plot
[edit]Ste Hay (Kieran Richardson) has just told his husband John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) that he might have HIV after being told that a man he had sex with, Connor (Jonno Davies), has tested positive. John Paul and Ste discuss the situation and John Paul says that they will get tested in the morning. When they wake up, John Paul rings a sexual health clinic and books HIV tests for both of them. Ste ignores talking about the situation and hangs out with John Paul's family. John Paul's cousin Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter) is struggling over the departure of her love interest Dodger Savage (Danny Mac). John Paul and Ste keep the testing a secret from the family. Ste does not want to go, and when his half-sisters Tegan (Jessica Ellis) and Leela Lomax (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) arrive, he decides to go to his niece Peri Lomax' (Ruby O'Donnell) piano recital instead, despite opposition from John Paul. However, at the recital Ste rushes off and joins John Paul at the clinic.
John Paul and Ste engage in small talk and talk about HIV. Ste believes that HIV and AIDS are the same thing, but John Paul corrects him. Ste notes that he was very unwell and wonders if it was symptoms of HIV. Ste panics and rushes to the bathroom after hearing a voicemail message from his children Leah Barnes (Ela-May Demircan) and Lucas Hay (William Hall). A stressed Ste considers not getting tested and tells John Paul that he is not sure about how he will tell his children. John Paul expresses frustration that Ste has not asked him how he is coping and he snaps at Ste for having unprotected sex. The couple admit that they both are scared but John Paul says that he is going to stick by Ste as he loves him and wants to spend the rest of his life with him, assuring that they will get through this together.
Whilst waiting, Ste and John Paul play a game and discuss music. The pair are then called in and get tested separately. The couple get asked questions about their sexual history separately and are asked if they have people that can support them if they test positive. John Paul says that he is close with his family whilst Ste says that he could speak to his half-sisters but not his children. Ste and John Paul are then both tested for HIV using a finger rapid prick HIV test. John Paul is told that he has tested negative whereas Ste is told that his test was positive. Ste is told about how his doctor will be contacted and what will happen next, but he is in shock that he is HIV positive. John Paul then comforts a stunned Ste.
Background and development
[edit]In November 2014, it was announced that Hollyoaks character Ste Hay (Kieran Richardson) would be diagnosed with HIV in a new storyline, which would begin when Ste has unprotected sex with a stranger.[1][2] This made Ste the first regular gay character in soap operas to be diagnosed and shown living with HIV.[1][3] Other soap opera characters, such as Mark Fowler (Todd Carty) in EastEnders and Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick) in Emmerdale, had been diagnosed with HIV in storylines, but they were heterosexual.[2] Joe Wallace (Jason Rush) had also been a guest gay character on EastEnders who lived with HIV in the 1990s.[1] This was part of Hollyoaks's 2015 "year of safe sex", which featured storylines in the soap regarding the "implications" of having unprotected sex.[2][4] Richardson felt honoured to portray the storyline and said "if people think I'm HIV positive in real life, let them".[2] Richardson revealed that he felt uneducated about sex as his school had not covered it and that when he first got tested for HIV, he was worried that he would die if he found out he got it, saying, "Waiting for the results was terrifying. I associated HIV with the 1980s".[2][5] The storyline had been in development for several months and Hollyoaks worked with the British sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust for the storyline.[2][1] The charity's head of media, Will Harris, said that the storyline was "rooted in reality", adding, "Every day in the UK, around eight more gay or bisexual men are told they have contracted HIV, most of them from someone who hadn't yet been diagnosed. We each have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our partners by using condoms and testing regularly."[6] Harris explained that Ste did not use a condom as he did not see the risk.[4] Hollyoaks executive producer Bryan Kirkwood revealed that the soap had wanted to have this storyline for a "long time", saying, "while HIV can affect anyone, infection rates in young gay men remain too high and to ignore that is to do the gay audience a disservice. Hollyoaks is in a unique position to be able to talk directly to millions of young viewers and if the safe-sex message is not coming through education we can help with that both on screen and through multi-platform support".[2][5]
"I think we're all humans and we're all equal, so the story is not about sexuality. Ste has made a mistake by not having safe sex, but it's not because he's gay that he's contracted HIV. I'm surprised people are saying it's quite a groundbreaking thing, as Ste is just a regular guy who has made a massive mistake and now he's got to live with the consequences"
Richardson had known about the storyline since April 2014 and teased a story that had not "been done before" at the 2014 British Soap Awards.[7][8] The actor felt grateful to have time to prepare and said that he could not thank the Terence Higgins Trust enough for their support, adding, "Normally with scripts you don't have much time to do your homework, but with this we've had months and months to get it absolutely right".[7] When Richardson found out about the storyline, he was happy to do it but did not realise how much of an impact it would have on changing the myths and stigmas of HIV, and he hoped that viewers would "get something back" from the story.[7] He was happy that Hollyoaks was promoting safe sex as he believed that it would could impact viewers to take advice and apply it to their own lives, such as by getting tested and using condoms.[7] Hollyoaks spoke to people who had been diagnosed with HIV and wanted to learn about their emotional response as research for the storyline.[9]
Richardson revealed that some people had opined that the storyline should not go ahead due to the stereotype of just gay people getting HIV, but he believed that that was not the case and added, "that probably is why it hasn't been done before because people are shying away from it. We can't get away from the fact that unfortunately it is predominately on the rise at the moment within the gay community. We do need to talk about it so people go and get tested. I think there is over 26,000 people living in the UK that don't actually know they have got HIV so if this storyline makes people go and get tested, then it stops the virus spreading".[1] Richardson also revealed that he has friends living with HIV and that he was glad that Hollyoaks was giving "a voice to the LGBT community".[10] It was also revealed that the storyline would also explore Ste's relationship with John Paul McQueen (James Sutton), as well as the affect on Ste's children, marriage and physical and psychological wellbeing.[1][10] Speaking about the storyline on This Morning, Richardson explained, "It's great because [the storyline] is two people's journeys. It's not just Ste's, it's John Paul's as well - how he deals with his husband having HIV. It's great and then in a couple of weeks' time, the whole village have to find out and it's everyone's reactions".[10][11]
Production
[edit]Episode 4043 was written by Steven Fay and directed by Clive Arnold.[12] It was broadcast on 21 January 2015 at 6:30pm on Channel 4.[13] This was a special episode which focuses John Paul and Ste going to a sexual health clinic to get HIV tests and begins Ste's long-running HIV storyline.[7][11][13] The episode's sole storyline was focussed on this, which Richardson was happy about.[7] The episode aired the day after the intense and dramatic departure of Dodger Savage (Danny Mac), and Richardson was unsure how viewers would react to the episode as he believed that they may be still missing Dodger's character and that the soap "moved straight onto [Episode 4043] with a very different and real story".[7] Episode 4043 was filmed in "real time", with Ste being shown waking up in the morning and deciding to go to the clinic to get tested.[1] Richardson explained, "Everything that happens in the clinic from getting these instant results – they do a prick in your finger and it takes minutes – you see the journey of all of that through the episode. It's quite harrowing and shocking".[1] The actor revealed that Ste initially does not want to go to get tested and wants to carry on as normal, but he cannot do that as he is in a relationship with John Paul.[10] Digital Spy teased that Ste's life would change "forever" and that emotions would run high in the episode.[13]
The outcome reveals that Ste has HIV, leaving him devastated and "floored".[10][11][13] Richardson believed that Ste would cry and believe that his life is over, but after Richardson spoke to people who went through, he was told that "you get this numb feeling that goes through you and then work out what is the next available option".[1] Richardson revealed that the storyline would have a positive outcome and hoped that it would be "eye-opening" and convince people to get tested.[1] To prepare himself for the episode, Richardson went to have a HIV test beforehand to put himself in the situation, which he was nervous about.[11] Talking about the storyline's future development, Richardson revealed that Ste's reaction would be true to his character and that he would initially blame Connor and not take responsibility for the fact that he did not use a condom.[7] Richardson believed that was the wrong way to deal with the situation, adding, "Ste is very uneducated about it all, but over the next couple of weeks, you'll see him get his head around the situation a bit more and start to do the right thing".[7] Ste also wonders how his diagnosis will affect his relationship with John Paul and he has a "wake-up call" when his sister Leela Lomax (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) tells him that it is his fault for not using protection.[7] Richardson also revealed that Ste would not be defined by his HIV status at all and that the following weeks would see the reactions of other characters, such as Ste's children, to the news, in addition to storylines for Ste unrelated to having HIV.[7] The actor also revealed that Ste would face some ignorance from characters over having HIV, which Richardson believed had to be showed in the soap as it happens in real life.[7] Richardson revealed that the episode had a positive and "massive reaction", which he described as "probably one of the biggest reactions I've had so far and in a really positive way", and that a few people had asked him if Ste's diagnosis meant that he would die, which was not the case, and was one of the reasons that Richardson believed that the storyline should be told in order to change perceptions.[7]
Reception and impact
[edit]The episode was shortlisted for "Best Single Episode" at the 2015 British Soap Awards.[14][15][16] Richardson believed that the episode "went down a storm".[7] The actor explained that many viewers expressed surprise over how easy it was to take a HIV test.[7] People who were diagnosed with HIV praised the storyline.[9]
A writer from Digital Spy included Ste's HIV diagnosis on his list of Ste's 10 most memorable moments, writing that whilst the soap "caught some criticism for stereotyping by having one of its few gay characters contracting the virus", Hollyoaks had "sensitively handled" and informed viewers on "the subject of day-to-day management of the virus without scaremongering", with Ste being shown having relationships, going to his job and taking his medication whilst also being "angry, frightened and in denial", which the writer believed was an "interesting and detailed picture" of how people deal with HIV long-term.[17] Daniel Kilkelly from the same website believed that Ste flinching when John Paul tried to kiss showed that the pair faced a "very uncertain future".[13] A writer from Soaplife called Ste's situation a "nightmare".[4] Laura Denby from Radio Times opined that Ste's HIV diagnosis was an example of soap operas breaking boundaries portraying LGBTQ+ issues, writing that "Richardson earned much praise for his poignant performance, as Ste became the first gay soap character to be diagnosed with the condition".[18] Denby noted that Ste and John Paul had been able to get tested soon as "Medical developments now meant that someone could get tested and diagnosed with the condition on the same day", and that Ste was since "living a stable, healthy life while on medication to control the illness".[18]
A poll in January 2015 showed that 96% of respondents believed that the storyline would encourage LGBTQ+ men to get tested and break down stigma.[9] Matthew Hodson from men's health charity GMFA said that the storyline would help "generate discussion about HIV and sexual risk, particularly among younger people", whereas a London research group showed that younger gay men thought it was unlikely that HIV would personally affect them and thus Hodson hoped "showing a well-liked character come to terms with his HIV diagnosis, Hollyoaks will be able to counter some of the myths and misrepresentations of HIV that contribute to stigma".[9] Richardson said in 2016 that the storyline had saved lives as he had received letters from people who got diagnosed early after they got tested due to seeing the storyline.[19]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Roberts, Scott (2 December 2014). "Kieron Richardson: Hollyoaks HIV storyline is not a stereotype". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g McLennan, Patrick (19 November 2014). "Ste Hay to be diagnosed HIV positive in Hollyoaks". What to Watch. Future plc. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ Lord, Eden-Olivia (8 June 2016). "Hollyoaks: 30 surprising facts you never knew!". Closer Online. Bauer Media Group. Archived from the original on 27 June 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ a b c "Ste's HIV Bombshell!". Soaplife. No. 346. 17–30 January 2015. pp. 14–15.
- ^ a b Rigby, Sam (19 November 2024). "'Hollyoaks' to have soap's first gay character with HIV". Attitude. Stream Publishing Limited. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ Denham, Jess (20 November 2014). "Hollyoaks set for ground-breaking HIV storyline". The Independent. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Kilkelly, Daniel (24 January 2015). "Hollyoaks Kieron Richardson interview: 'Ste won't be defined by HIV'". Digital Spy. Hearst Communications. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel; Mansell, Tom (25 May 2014). "Hollyoaks star teases big new Ste story: 'It hasn't been done before'". Digital Spy. Hearst Communications. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d Rowlands, David (30 January 2015). "HIV storyline in UK TV soap Hollyoaks changing perceptions". Pharmaphorum. EVERSANA Life Science Services. Archived from the original on 30 June 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Kilkelly, Daniel (16 January 2015). "Hollyoaks' Kieron Richardson: 'HIV story is two people's journeys'". Digital Spy. Hearst Communications. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d Forrester, Katy (15 May 2015). "Hollyoaks' Kieron Richardson admits he was nervous having HIV test to prepare for storyline". Irish Mirror. Reach plc. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (13 January 2015). "Ste and John Paul go for HIV tests". Digital Spy. Hearst Communications. Archived from the original on 30 June 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Dainty, Sophie (13 January 2015). "Hollyoaks: Ste Hay's HIV story begins in new pictures". Digital Spy. Hearst Communications. Archived from the original on 30 June 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
- ^ Ruby, Jennifer (15 May 2015). "British Soap Awards 2015: Full list of nominations, where to watch and everything else you need to know". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ Wareing, Charlotte (21 May 2015). "Who won British Soap Awards 2015? Find out all the winners as EastEnders steam ahead of Coronation Street". Daily Mirror. Reach plc. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel; Dainty, Sophie (16 May 2015). "Who won at British Soap Awards 2015? See the winners list in full". Digital Spy. Hearst Communications. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ "Hollyoaks: 10 of Ste Hay's most memorable moments, including Stendan, Starry and his HIV diagnosis". Digital Spy. Hearst Communications. 14 July 2016. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ a b Denby, Laura (1 June 2022). "14 times soaps broke boundaries portraying LGBTQ+ issues". Radio Times. Immediate Media Company. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ Lindsay, Duncan (6 March 2016). "Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson: 'Ste Hay's HIV storyline has been saving lives'". Metro. DMG Media. Archived from the original on 30 June 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.