Rhys Ashworth

Infobox soap character
series =Hollyoaks


caption=
name = Rhys Ashworth
portrayer = Andrew Moss
creator =
first = October 2005
born = 1987
occupation = Student
parents= Noel Ashworth (father)
siblings=Josh Ashworth (halfbrother)
Hannah Ashworth (halfsister)
Beth Clement (halfsister)
grandparents= Bill Ashworth
aunts/uncles= Neville Ashworth
cousins= Hannah Ashworth
Josh Ashworth
Jamie "Fletch" Fletcher

Rhys Ashworth is a fictional character on the long-running Channel 4 English television soap opera "Hollyoaks".

He is played by actor Andrew Moss.

Character history

Rhys first arrived in Hollyoaks to inspect the new family home (previously owned by the Hunters); he pulled up to the village in his flashy sports car (which his dad bought and paid for him). His parents were working and his younger siblings were in school, so it was up to Rhys to negotiate a price with the Hunters. When the family did move in, Josh and Hannah were fighting with their parents over who should get the biggest bedroom, however Rhys had already moved his stuff in and told his siblings that he would need the biggest room for when his best mate Gilly Roach came to stay.The following day Gilly came round and they decided to check out the courses at Hollyoaks Community College. After some really bad choices they eventually decided to go exploring the campus and stumbled on to the girls sports team. They volunteered to help the sports tutor Kathy Barnes by assisting her students. Rhys saw a girl he really liked and the following day he waited for her to show, but Gilly got bored waiting and they left but a few seconds later the girls' college sports team did show up.

Relationship with Sarah Barnes

He finally managed to find out her name was Sarah Barnes and she told him she was a student teacher. What Rhys didn't know was that she was a schoolgirl who was the same age as his little sister Hannah. In fact she and Hannah were at the same school and in the same class and the two girls had become friends. Sarah was only at the college because her mum was a tutor there. Rhys eventually found out the truth about Sarah when she was at his house for a study session with Hannah. Rhys called off the relationship when he found out.

This romance then resurfaced, much to the annoyance of Sarah's bossy mother Kathy who vowed to put a stop to it - even going to the lengths of sleeping with Rhys to prove he couldn't really love Sarah. Sarah found out about this and broke off her relationship with Rhys. They got back together much to the annoyance of Sarah's mother and Rhys' little sister, Hannah. He is best friends with Gilly Roach, but his relationship with Sarah slowly made a gap in the friendship. Gilly suspected that Rhys was going under the thumb with Sarah, and it seemed as though Rhys considered it too when Sarah asked about a two-week holiday using his Grandad's inheritance money, and then spoke to him about what it would be like living together.

He got jealous because he thought that Sarah was flirting with Craig Dean. Sarah then got angry and said hurtful things which annoyed Rhys. Sarah kept texting Rhys for forgiveness. When she found him, he was in the pub and it looked like he was flirting with another girl. Sarah angrily accused him of having an affair and Rhys ended the relationship. Sarah was deeply upset over this and in desperation offered Rhys a casual, almost open relationship which he accepted. However it is clear that she was unhappy with this arrangement. When the two were in bed together, Rhys told Sarah that he wanted a picture of her naked. He photographed her on his phone and boasted to Darren Osborne of the pictures when he was in the SU Bar watching a football match. When Rhys went to the toilet, Darren saw that Rhys had left his phone, leading to the photos being sent to everyone in the SU Bar, and even published in a lads mag. Sarah dumped Rhys because of this. Rhys became increasingly jealous over the way that Gilly, his best friend, and Sarah were getting on well. When he confronted Gilly about his and Sarah's relationship at Kathy's birthday party, Gilly and Rhys argued over Sarah and Gilly angrily let slip in front of everyone that Rhys had slept with Kathy.

Rhys and Gilly fell out, and didn't speak for 3 months, whilst Sarah would start a relationship with Craig Dean. Rhys and a very drunk Sarah kissed at Hannah's 18th birthday party, but were broken up by Craig angrily attacking Rhys after he saw them kissing. Although Sarah said that it was a drunken mistake and she did not want to be with Rhys any more, Rhys once again found it difficult to accept.

Early 2007

Rhys then began meeting up with a mysterious older woman. It was revealed that he has been working as a male escort (for the Candour escort agency) to earn money. But his mother found one of his cards and assumed Neville was having an affair so she booked the escort she thought was seeing Neville. Meanwhile Gilly found out about Rhys's new job he hounded Rhys to get him a job there but he failed at an interview, Gilly then desperately needed a job as he had meet a girl who wanted him to go back home with her to another country and Gilly asked Rhys for some cash, so Rhys gave him some of his work. The first job ended bad when a woman asked Gilly for Sex, only it turn out to be a threesome with her Husband. Meanwhile Rhys started to become jealous of Gilly's girlfriend, so when he gave Gilly his next job, he told his girlfriend that Gilly was cheatiing on her and told her where they were meeting, however the woman turned out to be Suzanne (but Gilly's girlfriend couldn't tell it was her), she came back and had sex with Rhys, before going home by herself. Rhys then went down to the local pub to tell Gilly his girlfriend was leaving him but he was stunned to over hear Gilly consoling his mum about Nevilles affair, Rhys then explained to Suzanne that he was the escort, which made her feel silly. Suzanne then made Gilly give up the escort job to focus on his college work.

Rhys, Elliot Bevan, and Darren Osborne participated in a "Dating Game" with Zoe Carpenter. Zoe selected Rhys, and they seemed to get along. Before Rhys could pursue more of a relationship, Zoe's psycho boyfriend Will stole her cell phone and under her name, sent a slew of possessive, obnoxious text messages to Rhys' phone. Rhys was put off and told Zoe he wanted nothing to do with her. Will then made Zoe and Kris think Rhys had put an ad on the school bulletin board which said to contact Zoe for sex. Kris humiliated Rhys on his radio show, and Rhys went down to the station to threaten him. Eventually, they found out Will was responsible for the harassment, not Rhys.

When Rhys found out that it was Josh who put Mike Barnes in hospital he encouraged him to keep quiet. Josh was arrested and Rhys and Gilly provided him with a false alibi, saying they spent the evening with him playing computer games.

Paternity

Rhys discovered that Neville's brother Noel is his biological father (thus making Josh and Hannah his half-brother and half-sister respectively, and cousins because although they share the same mother, Neville Ashworth is their father), he was appalled and devastated by this. Noel only returned to try to bond with Rhys when he only had a few months to live. Rhys told him he wasn't interested, as he considered Neville his father.

Hannah

When Hannah told Rhys that Gilly had touched her inappropriately, a furious Rhys hit Gilly. Gilly swore he was innocent and that something was wrong with Hannah. Rhys refused to believe this and was very upset when he and the rest of the Ashworths realized Hannah was suffering from bulimia and anorexia. Suzanne had Hannah sectioned, which Rhys did not agree with. Meanwhile, Rhys tried to console Sarah when she found out Craig was sleeping with best friend John Paul McQueen. She accepted his kind words, but indicated to him that she still cared about Craig, thus leaving no relationship for her and Rhys.

Beth

In October 2007 Rhys met Beth Clement and along with falling under his car Beth fell for his charms. After knocking Beth over, Rhys offered to take her to a concert. She agreed and they began a relationship.They found they had many things in common such as music and zest for life. Nevertheless, Rhys wanted to take it slowly as he thought that Beth might not like him for taking things too fast. However, Beth had other ideas and, on the 12th October, they slept together. Afterwards, Rhys was worried that Beth was avoiding him and ignoring his texts and calls. Fortunately he was wrong when Beth later replied.

Over the next few days that followed, Beth suddenly stopped contacting Rhys. This was especially difficult for Rhys because his biological father had died of cancer. On the day of the funeral, Rhys stopped trying to contact Beth and decided she had finished their relationship. Eventually, Josh managed to persuade Rhys to go to Noel's wake. There, Neville met Rhys' half-sister a young woman that none of the family had ever been aware of. Neville thought it best to introduce Rhys to her. Suddenly, Rhys and Beth were being introduced to each other as half-brother and sister.

Rhys ordered Beth to leave town, but she refused. She began to get to know his family, and Gilly. Rhys tried to get used to her presence in his life, but he still had feelings for her, thus sending him into fury when he saw her flirting with other men. He told Beth the family hated her and to just leave them alone, but his mother told him not to speak to Beth that way.

Following Beth and Gilly becoming romantically involved, Rhys rekindled his relationship with Sarah, although it remained clear from both Rhys and Beth's behaviour that there was unfinished business between them and they still cared about each other on a level more than a mere sibling relationship. When Sarah told Beth that she did not believe Rhys had strong feelings for her, Beth suggested she do what she thought was best. Sarah then broke up with Rhys.

On Christmas Eve Rhys and Beth had an argument after Rhys found out that Beth had advised Sarah to dump him. After going home Rhys realised how much he loved her and the incestuous pair slept together. They tried to forget about it the next day and when Gilly revealed that he was going travelling to Thailand, Beth decided to go with him but not before she and Rhys confessed their feelings to each other and Rhys tried to persuade her to run away with him to Spain. However, despite Rhys' efforts, Beth felt it would be wrong and left for Thailand with Gilly.

Mercedes

In January 2008, Rhys, Zak, and Elliot entered the Mr. Hollyoaks competition. Mercedes McQueen also entered the competition, in spite of being a female, and won. Rhys' wallet fell out of his pocket after talking to Mercedes outside the SU bar (where Mr. Hollyoaks was being held), and the next day, Mercedes returned it to him. When he told her no one else was home, they spent the next few hours having sex throughout the house (this was not shown). The next day, Rhys was working in Drive'n'Buy and was upset to see a photo sent to him by Beth and Gilly. Mercedes and Jacqui dropped into the store to shop. After Jacqui left, Mercedes put the "CLOSED" sign on the door and went to the storeroom with Rhys. Her ex-husband Russ Owen came into the shop and caught them as they were putting their clothes back on.

Beth and Gilly return

About a week later, Rhys and Mercedes entered a pool competition. They both lost to Elliot, with Mercedes sabotaging Rhys because the prize was a date with Sarah. Rhys shows Mercedes tenderness due to her family problems, and they begin to admit that they care about each other beyond just sex. After the competition is over, the two go back to Rhys's house, alone. They were interrupted mid-clinch when Beth and Gilly came back from Thailand. Mercedes joked that "His soul mate is back" While Gilly and Mercedes found it funny, Beth and Rhys did not. Making matters worse, Gilly told Rhys he planned to propose to Beth. Beth and Rhys again kissed and were wracked with guilt. Gilly asked Rhys to be his best man, and Rhys agreed, unable to turn down his best friend. Revealing Gilly's proposal to Beth, Rhys was adamant they need to stop their affair. But desperate to be alone, they snuck off to an empty room at HCC to have sex admitting that it would be too painful to be apart. Beth insisted that there was only one choice left… they had to run away together.

Leaving with Beth

Despite Rhys wanting to be with Beth, Hannah gets depressed following her dumping by Danny, and asks Rhys to stay with her so she doesn't start binge eating again. He instantly responds and says he will stay with her to look after his sister. Rhys later tells Beth he cannot go just yet and Beth is slightly abrupt towards this, but helps by taking Hannah out for a drink.Rhys is having a tough time watching Beth and Gilly plan their wedding but is trying to be responsable, pointing out that Gilly doesn't deserve to be betrayed like this, however his love for Beth unables him to be firm with her when she insists on carrying on their affair.

Found Out

Michaela McQueen recently discovered Rhys and Beth's secret after seeing them kissing and told Josh the next day. He initially believes her when he sees Rhys and Beth flirting but when he asks them if they are sleeping together Rhys tells him not to be so sick and tells him not to speak to Michaela again. Josh agrees as he feels guilty for believing her and when she visits the Ashworth house Rhys, Beth and Josh kick her out.

Two days later, when they meet at the SU Bar, Rhys and Beth had a tearful confrontation. Rhys told Beth that despite how much he loves her, he had to do the right thing, and he broke off the affair before anyone else could find out. Soon enough though, the affair was back on, and on the 15th April 2008, Gilly discovers the affair after a family meal out.

An enormous confrontation took place, where the entire Ashworth family were shocked and stunned by the revelations. Josh Ashworth stormed out the house, and blamed his mother on everything. Mercedes McQueen turns up briefly and hears what has happened. She leaves appalled and apologises to Michela for not believing her.

Beth is thrown out of the house and Rhys leaves with her. They spend a few nights in Katie's old bedroom as they decide what to do. Gilly decides to approach the police and when Beth and Rhys are arrested in front of the whole town, the family wonder who could have called the police. Gilly has not yet revealed his role in their arrest. Beth and Rhys are questioned by the police and told to appear in court the next day.

Beth's Death

Beth and Rhys decide to run away together and start a new life rather than face going to prison and being parted. They return to the Ashworth home to pack and get Rhys' passport when Gilly and the family see them. There is a brief confrontation with the family where it is clear that Neville and Josh would rather them leave, whereas Suzanne begs for Rhys to stay and they cast Beth out. Hannah has a brief relapse and is caught throwing up by Josh, who blames Beth and Rhys. Gilly, on the other hand, asks Beth to come back to him and they can still get married and be together. Beth tells him she can't because, though she loves Gilly, she doesn't love him nearly as much as she loves Rhys.

Gilly hands Rhys the keys to the camper van he had bought for him and Beth and tells him that he won't need it anymore. Rhys and Beth then leave the family and drive off. They're driving in the rain and talking but Rhys' attention is taken off the road for a few seconds and they crash headon with a truck.

The Ashworth's (minus Hannah) all rush to the hospital when they hear Rhys has been in accident. There is no news about Beth until the doctor tells Gilly that she died on the scene. Suzanne wonders how she will tell Rhys the news when he wakes up, but Gilly tells her he'll do it. When Rhys does come to, he asks about Beth and is told about her death. Rhys is devastated by the news. Once he returns home from the hospital, the rest of the family are not very pleased to see him and so he decides to visit Beth's parents' home to sort out the funeral arrangements.

Rhys' Return

After spending a few weeks at Beth's mums' house, Rhys returns back home. Josh and Gilly are not pleased to see him, however, so they move out. They later come back and Gilly make ups with Rhys. Josh initially hated him although, he has since warmed to his brother and together the Ashworths have pieced their lives back together.

The Dirty Diegos

Rhys, Josh and Gilly are now in a band called The Dirty Diegos. Their first gig didn't go acccording to plan as the t-shirt's Gilly made were wrong and so Rhys and Gilly pulled out of the gig so Josh did it himself.

External links

* [http://www.hollyoaks.com/andrewmoss.asp Rhys Ashworth] on the [http://hollyoaks.com Hollyoaks website]