Al Haskey
Al Haskey | |
---|---|
Doctors character | |
Eve Haskey | |
Uncles | Terry Haskey |
Aunts | Sheila Haskey |
Dr. Al Haskey is a fictional character from the
Midlane has been nominated for numerous for awards for his portrayal of the character. He has gone on to win the Best Acting Performance accolade at the 2013
Development
Characterisation and introduction
Al was introduced into the series as a "cynical" general practitioner. Writers partnered him with Jimmi Clay (Adrian Lewis Morgan), who is "uptight" and initially struggles to get along with Al.[2] A writer from BBC Online described Al as not being a typical GP because he is "lazy, sarcastic and a bit of a glutton." Al is happy to accept accusations of hypocrisy and dislikes "time wasters and anything that's too saccharine". Writers also gave the character a side hobby as an inventor, with Al having become interested in making gadgets as a child.[3] The profile also read that Al is not "what you would imagine as a typical GP, he delights in being a rebel and an individualist."[4]
Al is immediately given a dramatic story in which a patient is stabbed and Jimmi leaves Al to tend to his injuries.[2] In 2013, Midlane opined that the character was conflicted over science and religion in his mind. He added that finding love is the "greatest mystery of all for Al."[5]
Stalker mystery
When writers created Al, they devised a stalker mystery story that featured him and fellow doctor
The story received a slow build-up on-screen and Midlane found it "really satisfying" and "rewarding to take Al to the brink".[5] He told Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy that he did not think Al was a stalker but did think he harassed Jas. In one incident, Al is found outside Jas' home, a plot device which makes him a strong suspect.[5]
Midlane explained that Jas makes Al feel good and a number of personal grievances make him vulnerable. Al was "broke" and had no one to support him and "he started this peculiar behaviour [...] Jas became a comfort to him, a hope of better things. In looking after her, he could heal himself. Then circumstance made things really, really bad."
Relationships
In 2014, Midlane signed a new contract to remain in Doctors due to the range of stories writers conjured up for him. His first romance story soon followed and they paired him with Niamh Donoghue (Jessica Regan).[8] The story begins with Niamh developing feelings for Al, which he does not respond well to. Midlane explained that Al is still reminded of what happened with Jas and struggles to trust Niamh. He added "when someone seems to come to Al with warmth and real affection, he presses the alarm button."[8]
Al and Niamh are both looking for someone to spend their lives with. They both want to settle down and commit, but Midlane noted "I think it'll be a question of whether one of them is really suitable for doing that."[8] Another issue is that Al lacks "emotional intelligence" and it is a "real struggle for him to open up his heart". The actor enjoyed filming the story and believed that viewers would enjoy watching Al and Niamh's "blossoming romance."[8]
Writers developed a double-act between Al and Jimmi. The pair were played as friends from Al's debut and in 2019, writers created a new business venture story for the pair as they take over a bar in Letherbridge, the Icon. The story added comic relief as their opening night is marred by their house beer going missing during transit.[9]
Upbringing and family
Producers decided to create an episode centric to Al's backstory via the use of flashbacks scenes. The scenes portray a young Al at school where he is bullied by fellow students.[10] The episode also explains how the character became obsessed with science fiction and explores his relationship with his aunt Sheila Mills (Helen Phillips).[10] In the scenes, Al is played by Xandi Steele.[11]
Writers introduced Al's mother,
Attack ordeal
In September 2023, Al became the centre of another issue-led storyline.
Frankie returns two days later with "heavies": her husband, Vic Butt (Neil Sheffield), and one of their scary friends.[20] Al and business manager Bear Sylvester (Dex Lee) confront Frankie in the reception area. Frankie and Vic later wait outside of the Mill for Al and the pair attack him.[21] The Mill "reels" from the attack and Jimmi notes that the impact Al's brain has taken may result in a changed personality.[22]
Reception
In 2013, Midlane revealed that he did not like to read about negative opinions about Al posted by viewers on social media because they left him with "hurt feelings".[5] During his second month on-screen, an Inside Soap reporter opined that Al has a "lamentable lack of bedside manner" and he behaved with a lack of "appropriate sensitivity".[23]
For his portrayal of Al, Midlane the award for Acting Performance at the
In March 2022, Metro's Chris Hallam wrote a piece opining that Al is Doctors' best character in the history of the series. He felt that the producers had "struck gold" when they created Al and accredited Midlane's acting skills with the enjoyment of the character.[35] Hallam wrote that in his decade on the soap, Al had "gradually developed into one of the most entertaining and fully realised characters in the Doctors universe".[35] Hallam admitted that Al can be "arrogant and unfeeling towards his colleagues", as well as "bombastic and overbearing, often overeager to impose his opinions on issues trivial and not so trivial", but felt that this contributed to the complexity of the character.[35] He appreciated the depth of the character, comparing the different aspects of Al: the "fortysomething mummy's boy who seems more interested in science fiction, pub quizzes, the latest app or grabbing a pint" in contrast to the "acutely sensitive" person who cares about his friends and patients.[35] Hallam concluded his piece by billing Al as "far more than simple comic relief" and noted that his characterisation was a huge success for the show and its viewers.[35] A FreshersLive journalist agreed, opining that Al "has contributed to the show's enduring success" and has slowly become "an integral part of the show's narrative tapestry".[1]
References
- ^ a b P, Swetha (14 September 2023). "Is Al Haskey Leaving Doctors? What Happened to Al Haskey?". FreshersLive. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK): 29. 17–23 November 2012.
- ^ "Al Haskey". BBC Online. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ "Al Haskey". BBC. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK). Archivedfrom the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ Preece, Loretta (3 September 2013). "Doctors: My inspiration for the stalker plot". BBC Online. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ Wilson, Victoria (6 September 2013). "Jas meets her stalker!". What's on TV. (TI Media). Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ Hearst Magazines UK). Archivedfrom the original on 20 December 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
- ^ Timblick, Simon (26 November 2019). "Doctors spoilers: Will Clash Of The Icons be a disaster?". What's on TV. (TI Media). Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ a b Timblick, Simon (26 March 2019). "Doctors spoilers: The origins of Al Haskey revealed in special flashback". What's on TV. (TI Media). Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ "Doctors - S20 - Episode 100". Radio Times. (Immediate Media Company). Archived from the original on 20 December 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
- ^ Producer: Grainne O'Boyle; Writers: Mark Hiser and Bridget Colgan; Director: Dominic Keavey (6 March 2017). "Life after Death". Doctors. BBC. BBC One. Archived from the original on 13 June 2020. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ^ "Al has a heart to heart with his mum". What's on TV. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
- ^ "Will Al be able to deliver a heartfelt eulogy?". What's on TV. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
- ^ "Al tricks his mother". What's on TV. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
- What to Watch. (Future plc). Archivedfrom the original on 4 September 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
- What to Watch. (Future plc). Archivedfrom the original on 4 September 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
- What to Watch. Archivedfrom the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
- ^ Hughes, Johnathon (29 August – 4 September 2023). ""Scarlett has had to grow up and get better at her job!"". Inside Soap. pp. 50–51.
- What to Watch. Archivedfrom the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
- What to Watch. Archivedfrom the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
- What to Watch. Archivedfrom the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
- Hearst Magazines UK): 30. 1–7 December 2012.
- ^ "Doctors". BBC. Archived from the original on 18 October 2013. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (11 March 2013). "British Soap Awards 2013 voting opens, nominations revealed". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (22 April 2013). "'Coronation Street' leads British Soap Awards shortlist". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (17 March 2014). "British Soap Awards 2014 voting opens, longlist announced". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 17 March 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2014.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (28 April 2014). "Hollyoaks tops British Soap Awards 2014 shortlist". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 28 April 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (30 March 2015). "British Soap Awards 2015 voting opens, longlist nominees revealed". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 1 April 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (27 April 2015). "EastEnders tops British Soap Awards 2015 shortlist". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
- ^ Shepherd, Jack (3 June 2018). "British Soap Awards 2018 winners list in full: Coronation Street named best soap". The Independent. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ Barrett, Kerry (2 May 2023). "The British Soap Awards 2023: shortlist nominations, categories, how to vote and all we know". (Future plc). Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
- ^ Fitzpatrick, Katie (2 June 2019). "The full list of all the winners at the British Soap Awards 2019". Bristol Post. (Reach plc). Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ Lang, Paul (2 July 2019). "Cast your vote in the Inside Soap Awards!". Inside Soap. Archived from the original on 9 August 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ a b c d e Hallam, Chris (9 March 2022). "Al Haskey is Doctors' best ever character – his new role will bring fans endless entertainment". Metro. (DMG Media). Archived from the original on 13 May 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2022.