- Doug Carter
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Doug Carter 
Hollyoaks character Portrayed by PJ Brennan Introduced by Paul Marquess Duration 2010, 2011— First appearance 13 September 2010 Classification Present; regular Spin-off appearances Hollyoaks Later (2011) Profile Home 3 Oakdale Drive Occupation Drug dealer (2010-11) Doug Carter is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by PJ Brennan. He initially appeared in the programme's online spin-off series Hollyoaks: Freshers, before debuting in the main series in the episode airing 13 September 2010. He left on 17 September before returning on 13 January 2011, this time as a regular. He was introducd as an American character and one of the new student group for September 2011. His storylines have included drug dealing and a relationship with Jenny which ended in her murder at the hands of serial killer. Doug has been described as a fan favourite.
Contents
Casting and Creation
Doug was created as one of three new characters for the Hollyoaks online spin-off Hollyoaks: Freshers who also appear in the main show, along with Jamil Fadel (Sikander Malik) and Leanne Holiday (Jessica Forrest) and casting for Doug was announced on 15 July 2011.[1] Brennan left the soap but later returned with his return being announced on 14 December 2010.[2] Doug was Brennan's first role which he auditioned for in April 2010 upon completing his three-year degree at the Central School of Speech and Drama.[3] Brennan originally appeared in a guest role from 13-17 September 2010 and upon becoming a regular said "when I first came in I was told that I'd come in with the Freshers', my character would be the catalyst for changes in everyone else, but I would leave at the end of those five episodes. My episodes aired last September, and then I wasn't told until the beginning of October that I was coming back. Before that, I did have my fingers crossed because I hadn't been killed off, and that's always a good sign! But I actually really enjoyed coming in for that one week - it had a beginning, a middle and an end, so it was a great story to tell."[3] After Doug was removed from the opening titles Brennan said commented that it wasn't for long and Doug is "sticking around and you should hopefully start seeing a bit more of him too. He's hopefully becoming a slightly bigger player in the show".[4]
Development
Characterisation
E4 described him as a "charming Fresher with a dark past" who is "another new kid on the block at HCC. He's also the first American character to have appeared in the SU bar" and a "sly dog".[5][6][7] Brennan described Doug saying "he's a drug dealer who's very bad at his job! But I think that's changed over time, and he is very complicated. I think Doug is someone who has the best intentions but doesn't make the best choices, so the situations that he gets himself into are his own fault and his own making, but he's not a bad person at heart. I think that's why I really enjoy playing him - he's not two-dimensional, he has ups and downs, and he has a bad side and a good side."[3] Brennan said that upon Doug's return "he became someone who you could empathise with perhaps a bit more than the first time".[3] Brennan later added that Doug has "been constantly aware of keeping on the straight and narrow. Ever since his return, that's what Doug has been focused on. Doug's had a few missteps, but something like his friendship with Riley is so important for him. There's no part of it that's based on dirty dealings or anything like that, and it's a friendship that's very important for Doug to maintain. I do think that Doug's actions are always influenced by the fact that, at one point, he was a person who hurt other people and didn't make the best choices".[8] Brennan later branded Doug "quite a moral person".[4] Digital Spy described him as a "villain" and "complex" before they described his first stint as "destructive" and added that he was a "bad lad".[3][9]
Brennan has admitted he is often asked if his accent is real but "has changed" which he said "works well with the storyline" as "Doug himself has been abroad for a while".[3] Brennan has commented on Doug's clothing dubbing it "his itchy Christmas jumper collection" before adding "I think he must have gone crazy in Topman at some point. He tends to dress pretty preppy, but I probably don’t wear chinos quite as often as he does."[10]
Storyline development
After arriving in the Village Doug begins dealing drugs at “Chez Chez” and deals drugs to fellow student Charlotte Lau (Amy Yamazaki). Charlotte has an accident leaving Doug "horrified". He later contemplates his actions.[11] Doug begins feeling guilty before he overdoses on cocaine and is found by Jamil. He later leaves the village. When Doug returns he is no longer dealing drugs but later agrees to help Texas "deaden the pain" of having to attend her sister's funeral by buying drugs for her.[12] Doug and Texas later sleep together which she regrets.[13] Doug is forced to sell drugs by Brendan. Noah Baxter (Law Thompson) finds out and forces him to throw them away but Gaz Bennet steals them. Brendan later tells Doug he owes him money for the drugs. Brennan commented that Doug was a "drug dealer who's very bad at his job".[3] Caroline Fitton of the Daily Mail described the fresher's initial week as containing the usual "drug deals" and "a burglary".[14]
Doug is reunited with Jenny (Daisy Turner), a past holiday romance. She begins to scam Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) but instead decides to meet up with a man from an internet dating site. She meets up with him only for him to be revealed to be Silas Blissett (Jeff Rawle). Silas drugs Jenny before murdering her. Digital Spy chose Rebecca and Doug's reunion as their "Pic of the day" feature.[15] Brennan commented on the storyline saying "I liked the surprise of the character being killed. Hollyoaks did their best to keep that a secret until the last minute, and it just heightened the whole story. We knew that we had a very small window of time to make it seem like we had a significant backstory, and I was lucky that Daisy was so giving as an actress, as we immediately had chemistry" and commented he would like Doug to become involved in Silas's exposure saying "I have my fingers crossed that Doug will be somehow involved, as I'd love him to be. When I first found out that I was going to get involved in that storyline, I was very excited. I keep saying that I hope a little bit of a Scooby Gang gets together and figures it out, as there's quite a few characters in the village who are involved in some way or another. Maybe those characters could all be brought together in solving the crimes."[3]
Doug finds out that Mercedes has had an affair with Carl. Brennan commented on Doug's dilemma of whether or not to tell Riley saying "I think it's very complicated because Doug doesn't want to be the one to say anything to Riley. That's partly because of the threats coming from Warren, but also because Seth knows and Doug thinks that the news would be better coming from Riley's own brother. Also, I think Doug is very separate from the truth of the matter. He knows the secret, but only by chance, while Seth knows all of the people and circumstances involved. That adds to Doug's belief that Seth should be the one to tell the truth, because he's the one with first-hand information about it".[8] Brennan commented on the friendship between Doug and Riley saying "Doug values his friendship with Riley far too much to just stand by and do nothing" adding that "Doug realises that it's do or die, and it might just have to be him that is the bearer of bad news".[8] Doug is threatened by Warren not to tell Riley as he plans on blackmailing Carl. Brennan commented that to Doug "the threats feel very real" and "the big question is whether Doug's friendship with Riley is strong enough to overpower those threats…"[8]
Storylines
Doug first arrives in online series Hollyoaks: Freshers when he takes fellow students Charlotte, Jamil and Dave Colburn (Elliot James Langridge) to France. What the group do not know however is that Doug is a drug dealer. On arriving to college in September, Doug makes an impact as he kisses Jem Costello (Helen Russell-Clark) and Leanne and starts dealing drugs for Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan). He supplies Charlotte with drugs after she wants to try new experiences, but later, she falls from an archway and damages her spine. Doug later feels guilty and overdoses on cocaine. While in hospital, Carl Costello (Paul Opacic), who is against Doug being in Jem's life, orders him to return to America. He then threatens him, and admits the attack earlier in the week was by him. A terrified Doug then leaves the village.
Doug returns in January 2011 to make amends. He is caught by Lee Hunter (Alex Carter) and Leanne breaking into the student accommodation. Doug tells them he is here to make amends and begins replacing stolen items. Doug steals Silas' dead wife's ring but later returns it. After India Longford (Beth Kingston) is murdered her sister, Texas (Bianca Hendrickse-Spendlove) struggles to deal with India’s upcoming funeral and so begs Doug to get her some drugs. At first, he refuses; however, he soon gets the drugs off Brendan and gives her the drugs. She takes the drugs and then sleeps with Doug, but she soon regrets sleeping with him, so she takes more drugs. On the day off India's funeral, Texas takes more drugs and although Doug tries to help her she was consequently unable to attend India's funeral. Doug is asked by Brendan to help sell Cocaine and use Rae Wilson (Alice Barlow) to do so. Upon her arrival at the deal she is arrested. Riley (Rob Norbury) takes Doug to a party. Riley gets drunk and kisses Alex (Annie Cooper) before leaving the party with Doug. Riley drives while drunk and is pulled over by Ethan Scott (Craig Vye). Before Ethan can see who is driving Doug and Riley switch places so Riley's career isn't damaged.
Doug bumps into Jenny, who he knows as "Bex", and it is revealed he was once in a relationship with her. They decide to leave together and decide to scam Brendan in a scam Jenny is involved in which she was going to scam Warren. The plan fails and the money is moved before they can take it so in order to fund their new life Rebecca decides meets with Silas who she intends to drug and scam. He realises what she is going to do and drugs her before murdering her. Doug tries to phone her but her body has already been buried and is later discovered by Texas. Doug is distraught and accuses Brendan of murdering her but he is not charged. While on a night out Doug and Riley meet underage Ruby Button (Anna Shaffer) who introduces herself as Alisha. Doug and Ruby decided to go back to Doug's flat where a drunk Ruby passes out. Doug discovers Ruby's student ID and her true age before she leaves. He later finds her and takes her home.
In Hollyoaks Later Doug goes on Riley's stag do. Seth Costello (Miles Higson) confides in him about Carl Costello's affair with Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe). While water rafting, Riley is injured and Doug asks for Warren's help. Warren wants to find out Seth's secret so in exchange for Warren's help Doug tells him of the affair. In September 2011 after Rae Wilson is murdered he is told that Brendan has been charged. He begins to blame Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh) for Rae's death stating that if she had not given Brendan a false alibi for the time of Rebecca's death then Brendan would have been imprisoned sooner and Rae wouldn't have been murdered. Doug becomes uneasy about Riley's upcoming wedding to Mercedes and asks Seth to tell Riley about Mercedes infidelity. Warren threatens him, telling him not to as he plans on blackmailing Carl.
Lynsey Nolan (Karen Hassan) tells Doug of the task set by Silas for her, she must identify his next target before Halloween. Doug believes her and begins to help her piece together clues as to who the potential victim is.
On Halloween, Silas unintentionally kills his daughter, Heidi Costello, and comforts Lynsey when she thinks that she was his intended victim.
Reception
Digital Spy described him as a "fan favourite".[3] His debut episode was watched by 1.3m before his exit episode from his initial stint was watched by 1.05m.[16][17] Brennan has said that he is often recognised for his part in the role.[3] In a poll run by E4 to find audiences favourite fresher Doug came first with over 2000 votes at 36.47%.[7] AfterElton responded positively to Doug's relationship with Riley, Noah and Ethan saying they "make an interesting (and very cute) quartet, and I like the way they relate to one another – boys being boys, joking around and playing dumb jokes on one another" and said they found Doug's reaction to Noah being gay as "I liked Doug’s reaction at the news in that he didn’t have much of one at all. He was just a little surprised, like anyone would be. I just kept thinking that if it was a U.S. made show we’d have a scene where the straight guy would freak out and be all nervous that a gay guy was touching him."[18] When questionned why he thought Doug was a "popular character among Hollyoaks' online fans" Brennan answered saying "I think it's because he's a bit of an underdog! Doug definitely seems to get himself involved in situations that are not his choice or not of his making, and people seem to empathise with that. He's a character who always seems to be in a pickle, so maybe the audience pity him for that and he's someone who they can root for. I'm very flattered by the positive reaction but I think it's more a credit to the writing and the show itself".[4]
References
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (15 July 2011). "Meet the new 'Hollyoaks' students". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/scoop/a244534/meet-the-new-hollyoaks-students.html. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel. "Gaz and Doug return to 'Hollyoaks'". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a293137/gaz-and-doug-return-to-hollyoaks.html. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kilkelly, Daniel. "'Hollyoaks': PJ Brennan on Doug, Brendan, Bex and Silas". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/scoop/a327249/hollyoaks-pj-brennan-on-doug-brendan-bex-and-silas.html. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
- ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (25 October 2011). "'Hollyoaks' PJ Brennan on Doug, Silas and Brendan: Interview". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/scoop/a347288/hollyoaks-pj-brennan-on-doug-silas-and-brendan-interview.html. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
- ^ "Doug Carter (played by PJ Brennan)". E4.com. (Channel Four Television Corporation). http://www.e4.com/hollyoaks/cast/boys/dougcarter.html. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
- ^ "Doug (Played by PJ Brennan)". E4.com. (Channel Four Television Corporation). http://www.e4.com/hollyoaks/freshers/characters/doug.html. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ a b "Hot Topic: Who's your favourite fresher?". E4.com. (Channel Four Television Corporation). http://www.e4.com/blog/rhsJ0CIw9a3qKZ6r7mi3fN/view.e4. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ a b c d Kilkelly, Daniel (14 October 2011). "'Hollyoaks' wedding interview: PJ Brennan on Doug's big dilemma". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/scoop/a345497/hollyoaks-wedding-interview-pj-brennan-on-dougs-big-dilemma.html. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel. "3019: Tom faces his day in court". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/spoilers/a302475/3019-tom-faces-his-day-in-court.html. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: We talk to Hollyoaks' PJ Brennan about streaking and Darren's bum!". Heat (Bauer Media Group). 19 March 2011. http://www.heatworld.com/Entertainment/TV/2011/03/EXCLUSIVE-We-talk-to-Hollyoaks-PJ-Brennan-aka-Doug-about-streaking-and-Darrens-bum/. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel. "2909: Charlotte's life hangs in the balance". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/spoilers/a272103/2909-charlottes-life-hangs-in-the-balance.html. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel. "3006: Warren makes a discovery". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/spoilers/a299668/3006-warren-makes-a-discovery.html. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel. "3007: Texas is plagued by regret". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/spoilers/a299669/3007-texas-is-plagued-by-regret.html. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ Fitton, Caroline (10 September 2010). "SOAP WATCH: The ultimate insight into the week's soaps". Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1310864/SOAP-WATCH-The-ultimate-insight-weeks-soaps.html#ixzz1YzpjSd9N. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel. "POTD: Doug receives a shock in 'Hollyoaks'". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a315535/potd-doug-receives-a-shock-in-hollyoaks.html. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ Millar, Paul. "Soaps Ratings Roundup: September 13". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/news/a276711/soaps-ratings-roundup-september-13.html. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ Millar, Paul. "Soaps Ratings Roundup: September 17". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/news/a277591/soaps-ratings-roundup-september-17.html. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ D. Langford, Anthony (16 January 2011). ""Hollyoaks" Video Update: Just say Noah". AfterElton. (Logo). http://www.afterelton.com/tv/gayslives/02-03-2011-hollyoaks-update. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
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Lists of characters Hollyoaks Community College students in Hollyoaks Darren Osborne · Doug Carter · Leanne Holiday · Texas Longford · Ash Kane · Barney Harper-McBride · Scott Sabeka · Annalise Appleton · Rob EdwardsCategories:- Hollyoaks characters
- Fictional characters introduced in 2010
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