Russ Owen
Encyclopedia
Russell Charles "Russ" Owen is a fictional character
from the British Channel 4
soap opera
Hollyoaks
, played by Stuart Manning
. He first appeared in August 2004 with his on-screen family and has been involved in storylines including being diagnosed with testicular cancer and kidnapping his son. It was announced in April 2009 that Manning had quit the role. He last appeared on 3 June 2009.
securing the role.
In 2009, it was revealed Manning had quit. Speaking of his decision to leave the show, Stuart Manning
said: "I've had a great time at Hollyoaks over the last five years and I've learnt so much. Russ has been a fantastic character and he's had some great storylines which have been great fun to play - but there's also been lots of hard work! I'll obviously be sad to leave as I've worked with some great people but I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into new projects." Series producer Lucy Allan
also commented on Manning's decision, stating: "Stuart has been a valued member of cast over the last five years. Russ has gone through some pretty rough times and this story sees the straw that breaks the camel's back. We feel that this is the just and fitting end to a character that has shown great diversity and been pushed so far. We'd all like to wish Stuart all the best in the future."
The departure of Russ from the series followed fellow cast members Jamie Lomas
, Chris Fountain
and Emma Rigby
's decisions to leave their portrayals of Warren Fox
, Justin Burton
and Hannah Ashworth
respectively.
and Darren Osborne
. Darren owes money to local thug Scott Anderson
. Scott gets his friends to beat Darren, Ben and Russ up. The three are tied up and tape gagged. After some time, they are released. Russ's first major storyline came in the form of his discovery of testicular cancer
. Russ, after being diagnosed, is extremely depressed. He undergoes an operation to remove the cancerous testicle, which is replaced by a prosthetic one. During this time, Russ's brother Sam
supports him. Getting over the cancer, Russ strikes a relationship with Dannii Carbone
, who leaves him when he does not believe she was raped by Andy Holt. Andy, a serial rapist, attempts to rape Russ's sister Nicole
. Russ is attacked by Andy with a metal pole. Andy dies and Sam, also a rapist, is arrested.
Russ falls in love with Sophie Burton
, who he begins a relationship with, despite her being raped by Sam. Sam, in hospital, escapes the police and disappears. Russ begins an affair with Mercedes McQueen
. Sam returns for revenge on Sophie, by setting fire to The Dog in the Pond
. The pub blows up, killing Sophie's sister Mel. Russ, who at the time is sleeping with Mercedes, rushes to the pub. When there, Sam is killed in the flames. Students Joe Spencer
and Olivia Johnson
also die. Russ gets Sophie to safety. However, she dies in his arms of smoke inhalation. The following week, Russ refuses to attend Sam's funeral, racked with guilt for sleeping with Mercedes. Russ is a pallbearer at Sophie's funeral and he also makes a speech. Sophie's brother Justin
discovers Russ's affair with Mercedes and attacks him. The two later make up, however, and Russ helps Justin come to terms with the tragedy. Following Sam's revenge, the Owen family, except Russ, leave Hollyoaks. Russ and Mercedes begin a relationship, and they move in together. Russ and Mercedes then become engaged. However, Mercedes' sister Tina
plans her wedding to Dom Reilly on the same day. After an argument, it is agreed that the couples will have a double wedding. Despite this, Mercedes sleeps with Warren Fox
on her hen night. During the wedding ceremony, Louise Summers arrives and claims that Mercedes had slept with Warren, in order for her to give him an alibi for the night an attempt on Clare Devine
's life was made. Mercedes convinces Russ to go ahead with the wedding as her sister Jacqui punches Louise. After the honeymoon, Russ and Mercedes' marriage ends when she gives Warren an alibi, revealing her infidelity. Mercedes attempts to apologise to him. However, he tells her it is over. Russ grows closer to Mercedes' other sister Carmel
. However, the pair agree not to begin a relationship to spare Mercedes' feelings.
After Tina is sexually harassed by her boss Pete Webster, and Dom does not believe her, Russ stops Pete from raping her but then later sleeps with her himself. The pair agree to keep quiet. Months later, Tina falls pregnant with a surrogate child for Jacqui and Tony Hutchinson
. However, when Tina is told of how old the unborn child is, she realises the baby is Russ's. She admits this to Jacqui, who gets her to keep quiet. She then gives birth to Max McQueen. Russ, unaware of his child, begins a relationship with Caroline Cooper. The pair plan to leave Hollyoaks for a new life. However, Tina tells Russ he is Max's father. A shocked Russ leaves, but later returns realising he needs to be Max's father. For Max's sake, Russ and Tina begin a relationship when Dom leaves her. After Tina is killed by secret brother Niall Rafferty
, Jacqui takes Max and begins to raise him, refusing Russ any rights.
Now living with Nancy Hayton
and Ravi Roy
, Russ is shocked when bisexual Ravi tries to kiss him. When Nancy and Ravi split up, Russ and Nancy start a relationship. Russ struggles living without Max, and tells Nancy they should flee the country with him and Nancy's nephew Charlie Dean. Nancy shrugs it off and convinces him that it is a bad idea. Russ catches Nancy in bed with her ex-boyfriend Kris Fisher
. Knowing the relationship is over, Russ heads off to Mel and Sophie's grave, where he meets with Justin. The pair have a heart-to-heart and Russ decides to take Max. Carmel allows Russ to see Max, and when she exits the room, he leaves with the baby, stopping at the flat to ask Nancy to come with him, which she refuses. Russ then leaves, picking up Justin, who is running away from police for apparently burning down The Loft. Jacqui is destroyed by Max's disappearance and leaves for France after a sighting of Russ and Max. Months after leaving, Russ sends Jacqui a postcard saying Max is okay and that he is sorry.
. Virgin Media
said "poor Russ Owen had a rough time of it." Citing several of his traumatic storylines they jested "no wonder he got the heck out of there."
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the British Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Hollyoaks
Hollyoaks
Hollyoaks is a long-running British television soap opera, first broadcast on Channel 4 on 23 October 1995. It was originally devised by Phil Redmond, who has also devised shows including Brookside and Grange Hill...
, played by Stuart Manning
Stuart Manning
Stuart Bernard Manning is an English actor and model.He is best known for the role of Russ Owen in the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, which he played from 2004 until 2009....
. He first appeared in August 2004 with his on-screen family and has been involved in storylines including being diagnosed with testicular cancer and kidnapping his son. It was announced in April 2009 that Manning had quit the role. He last appeared on 3 June 2009.
Character creation
Regular auditions were held in 2004 for the part of Russ, with actor Stuart ManningStuart Manning
Stuart Bernard Manning is an English actor and model.He is best known for the role of Russ Owen in the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, which he played from 2004 until 2009....
securing the role.
In 2009, it was revealed Manning had quit. Speaking of his decision to leave the show, Stuart Manning
Stuart Manning
Stuart Bernard Manning is an English actor and model.He is best known for the role of Russ Owen in the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, which he played from 2004 until 2009....
said: "I've had a great time at Hollyoaks over the last five years and I've learnt so much. Russ has been a fantastic character and he's had some great storylines which have been great fun to play - but there's also been lots of hard work! I'll obviously be sad to leave as I've worked with some great people but I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into new projects." Series producer Lucy Allan
Lucy Allan
Lucy Allan is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Canberra United FC in the Australian W-League.-References:...
also commented on Manning's decision, stating: "Stuart has been a valued member of cast over the last five years. Russ has gone through some pretty rough times and this story sees the straw that breaks the camel's back. We feel that this is the just and fitting end to a character that has shown great diversity and been pushed so far. We'd all like to wish Stuart all the best in the future."
The departure of Russ from the series followed fellow cast members Jamie Lomas
Jamie Lomas
Jamie Lomas is an English actor best known for his role as bad boy Warren Fox on the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks....
, Chris Fountain
Chris Fountain
Christopher Ryan Fountain is an English actor best known for his role as Justin Burton on the Channel 4 teen soap Hollyoaks, a role he played from 2003 until his departure in June 2009. He is also now known for playing Tommy Duckworth in Coronation Street. He played the role of PC Paul Tait in...
and Emma Rigby
Emma Rigby
Emma Catherine Rigby , is an English actress, best known for her role in Hollyoaks as Hannah Ashworth.-Career:In February 2010 Emma Completed, with International Fashion Photographer Rory Lewis.-Television:...
's decisions to leave their portrayals of Warren Fox
Warren Fox
Warren Fox is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jamie Lomas. He first arrived in 2006 as an old acquaintance of Sean Kennedy and quickly became known as the show's main villain...
, Justin Burton
Justin Burton
Justin Burton is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Chris Fountain. The character arrived in 2003 and departed on 3 June 2009. Justin arrived in a family of six, however by September 2006, his entire family had left the show...
and Hannah Ashworth
Hannah Ashworth
Hannah Rose Ashworth is a fictional character from long-running Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, played by Emma Rigby. Hannah first appeared on-screen from October 3, 2005 until her exit on February 12, 2010....
respectively.
Storylines
Russ first appears as a new student at Hollyoaks Community College. Russ starts friendships with Ben DaviesBen Davies (Hollyoaks)
Benjamin "Ben" Davies is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Marcus Patric. He first appeared in 2000 and, after departing from the main show in 2005, made further appearances in spin-offs, Hollyoaks: Let Loose and Hollyoaks: In the City, which...
and Darren Osborne
Darren Osborne
Darren Osborne is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. Darren was introduced by executive producer Phil Redmond as part of the Osborne family. Darren made his first on-screen appearance on 18 November 1996 and was initially played by Adam Booth, before the Booth...
. Darren owes money to local thug Scott Anderson
Scott Anderson (Hollyoaks)
Scott Anderson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Daniel Hyde.-Storylines:Ambitious and possessive, Scott had a mean streak that can quickly offend, but when need be he can easily turn on the charm...
. Scott gets his friends to beat Darren, Ben and Russ up. The three are tied up and tape gagged. After some time, they are released. Russ's first major storyline came in the form of his discovery of testicular cancer
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system.In the United States, between 7,500 and 8,000 diagnoses of testicular cancer are made each year. In the UK, approximately 2,000 men are diagnosed each year. Over his lifetime, a man's risk of...
. Russ, after being diagnosed, is extremely depressed. He undergoes an operation to remove the cancerous testicle, which is replaced by a prosthetic one. During this time, Russ's brother Sam
Sam Owen
Samuel Liam "Sam" Owen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Louis Tamone. He first appeared in 2004, before the character was killed off in 2006 in the well-known fire at The Dog.-Storylines:...
supports him. Getting over the cancer, Russ strikes a relationship with Dannii Carbone
Dannii Carbone
Dannii Carbone is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Christina Baily. She first appeared in 2004, before leaving in 2006.-Storylines:...
, who leaves him when he does not believe she was raped by Andy Holt. Andy, a serial rapist, attempts to rape Russ's sister Nicole
Nicole Owen
Nicole Owen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Ciara Janson. First appearing in 2004, Janson left the soap in 2006, making a brief return in 2007.-Storylines:...
. Russ is attacked by Andy with a metal pole. Andy dies and Sam, also a rapist, is arrested.
Russ falls in love with Sophie Burton
Sophie Burton
Sophie Burton is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by actress Connie Powney. She first appeared in 2003 with on-screen family, the Burtons, including twin sister Mel, who was played by Powney's real life twin Cassie Powney.-Character...
, who he begins a relationship with, despite her being raped by Sam. Sam, in hospital, escapes the police and disappears. Russ begins an affair with Mercedes McQueen
Mercedes McQueen
Mercedes Fisher is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jennifer Metcalfe. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 19 June 2006 as the first character to be introduced to the serial by series producer, Bryan Kirkwood...
. Sam returns for revenge on Sophie, by setting fire to The Dog in the Pond
The Dog in the Pond
The Dog in the Pond is a fictional public house in the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. It has been at the centre of the show's setting since it began in 1995. The pub was burnt down in episodes airing in September 2006 during the 'Fire at The Dog', which killed five regular characters...
. The pub blows up, killing Sophie's sister Mel. Russ, who at the time is sleeping with Mercedes, rushes to the pub. When there, Sam is killed in the flames. Students Joe Spencer
Joe Spencer (Hollyoaks)
Joseph "Joe" Spencer is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Matt Milburn. He debuted on-screen during episodes airing in 2003 and left in 2006 after his character was axed by Bryan Kirkwood.-Storylines:...
and Olivia Johnson
Olivia Johnson
Olivia Johnson is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Rochelle Gadd. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 22 December 2005...
also die. Russ gets Sophie to safety. However, she dies in his arms of smoke inhalation. The following week, Russ refuses to attend Sam's funeral, racked with guilt for sleeping with Mercedes. Russ is a pallbearer at Sophie's funeral and he also makes a speech. Sophie's brother Justin
Justin Burton
Justin Burton is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Chris Fountain. The character arrived in 2003 and departed on 3 June 2009. Justin arrived in a family of six, however by September 2006, his entire family had left the show...
discovers Russ's affair with Mercedes and attacks him. The two later make up, however, and Russ helps Justin come to terms with the tragedy. Following Sam's revenge, the Owen family, except Russ, leave Hollyoaks. Russ and Mercedes begin a relationship, and they move in together. Russ and Mercedes then become engaged. However, Mercedes' sister Tina
Tina McQueen
Tina Chastity Reilly is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Leah Hackett. Since making her first appearance in August 2006 as part of the McQueen family, Tina has been involved in storylines including sexual harassment and surrogacy.-Character...
plans her wedding to Dom Reilly on the same day. After an argument, it is agreed that the couples will have a double wedding. Despite this, Mercedes sleeps with Warren Fox
Warren Fox
Warren Fox is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jamie Lomas. He first arrived in 2006 as an old acquaintance of Sean Kennedy and quickly became known as the show's main villain...
on her hen night. During the wedding ceremony, Louise Summers arrives and claims that Mercedes had slept with Warren, in order for her to give him an alibi for the night an attempt on Clare Devine
Clare Devine
Clare Devine is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Gemma Bissix and Samantha Rowley. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 26 December 2005 and was introduced by series producer David Hanson as a new love interest for Max Cunningham...
's life was made. Mercedes convinces Russ to go ahead with the wedding as her sister Jacqui punches Louise. After the honeymoon, Russ and Mercedes' marriage ends when she gives Warren an alibi, revealing her infidelity. Mercedes attempts to apologise to him. However, he tells her it is over. Russ grows closer to Mercedes' other sister Carmel
Carmel McQueen
Carmel Valentine is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Gemma Merna. She debuted on-screen during episodes airing in August 2006 and was introduced by series producer Bryan Kirkwood as part of the McQueen family...
. However, the pair agree not to begin a relationship to spare Mercedes' feelings.
After Tina is sexually harassed by her boss Pete Webster, and Dom does not believe her, Russ stops Pete from raping her but then later sleeps with her himself. The pair agree to keep quiet. Months later, Tina falls pregnant with a surrogate child for Jacqui and Tony Hutchinson
Tony Hutchinson
Anthony "Tony" Hutchinson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Nick Pickard. Tony first appeared on-screen on 23 October 1995, the first episode of the series, and is the only original character still on the show to the present day...
. However, when Tina is told of how old the unborn child is, she realises the baby is Russ's. She admits this to Jacqui, who gets her to keep quiet. She then gives birth to Max McQueen. Russ, unaware of his child, begins a relationship with Caroline Cooper. The pair plan to leave Hollyoaks for a new life. However, Tina tells Russ he is Max's father. A shocked Russ leaves, but later returns realising he needs to be Max's father. For Max's sake, Russ and Tina begin a relationship when Dom leaves her. After Tina is killed by secret brother Niall Rafferty
Niall Rafferty
Niall Rafferty is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Barry Sloane. He first appeared during an episode broadcast on 3 December 2007. Former Brookside actor Sloane was cast as the "mysterious" hairdresser Niall and was introduced by the series' producer...
, Jacqui takes Max and begins to raise him, refusing Russ any rights.
Now living with Nancy Hayton
Nancy Hayton
Nancy Anne Hayton is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jessica Fox. The character first appeared on 6 July 2005. Since the character's inception she has been involved in many notable storylines such as a three-way open relationship, drug taking,...
and Ravi Roy
Ravi Roy
Ravi Roy is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Stephen Uppal. He first appeared in an episode airing on 20 May 2008, introduced by series producer Bryan Kirkwood. Since then he has been central to a bisexuality storyline and living with an aneurysm...
, Russ is shocked when bisexual Ravi tries to kiss him. When Nancy and Ravi split up, Russ and Nancy start a relationship. Russ struggles living without Max, and tells Nancy they should flee the country with him and Nancy's nephew Charlie Dean. Nancy shrugs it off and convinces him that it is a bad idea. Russ catches Nancy in bed with her ex-boyfriend Kris Fisher
Kris Fisher
Francis "Kris" Fisher is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Gerard McCarthy. The character first appeared on-screen in September 2006 and left in August 2010 after McCarthy quit the show...
. Knowing the relationship is over, Russ heads off to Mel and Sophie's grave, where he meets with Justin. The pair have a heart-to-heart and Russ decides to take Max. Carmel allows Russ to see Max, and when she exits the room, he leaves with the baby, stopping at the flat to ask Nancy to come with him, which she refuses. Russ then leaves, picking up Justin, who is running away from police for apparently burning down The Loft. Jacqui is destroyed by Max's disappearance and leaves for France after a sighting of Russ and Max. Months after leaving, Russ sends Jacqui a postcard saying Max is okay and that he is sorry.
Reception
Stuart Manning has been nominated for several awards for his portrayal of Russ, including the 'Sexiest Male' at the 2006 British Soap AwardsBritish Soap Awards
The British Soap Awards is an annual awards ceremony to honour the best of British soap operas.The first event took place in 1999 and takes place in May each year. Although it is an ITV production, the events were held at the BBC Television Centre, in London until 2010. The 2011 awards relocated to...
. Virgin Media
Virgin Media
Virgin Media Inc. is a company which provides fixed and mobile telephone, television and broadband internet services to businesses and consumers in the United Kingdom...
said "poor Russ Owen had a rough time of it." Citing several of his traumatic storylines they jested "no wonder he got the heck out of there."
External links
- Character profile on the E4 website