Silas Blissett
Silas Blissett | |||||||||||||||||
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Hollyoaks character | |||||||||||||||||
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Introduced by |
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Spin-off appearances | Hollyoaks Later (2011) | ||||||||||||||||
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Silas Blissett is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jeff Rawle. Rawle's casting was announced in December 2010 and it was revealed that he would portray a serial killer. Rawle was approached by Hollyoaks and met with series producer, Paul Marquess, who explained the role of Silas and his storyline. Rawle found the storyline something which he would like to "have a crack at". The actor said that the role of Silas is "very interesting" for him as he had not played a murderer in his career before. He made his first on-screen appearance in episode 2979, originally broadcast on 23 December 2010. However, Silas departed for the first time on 4 November 2011. Silas returned on 19 July 2012, as a guest stint. Silas returned again in 2016 as well as making two further returns in 2020 and 2022 with this being his last return as he was killed off in a final showdown with the McQueens.[1]
Silas was credited as "Mystery Man" in his first episode to keep his identity hidden. He is revealed to be Heidi Costello's (Kim Tiddy) father and the grandfather of Riley Costello (Rob Norbury), Seth Costello (Miles Higson) and Jason Costello (Victoria Atkin). Silas is a serial killer who is described as sinister, scary and complex. Marquess called him mild-mannered and likened him to a bogeyman. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy described Silas as a dual role of the affable older man and sinister killer. Silas is "old-fashioned" and dislikes women with "loose morals"; believing his murders as a positive, cleansing service to society.
Silas' storylines have mostly focused on his various murders. From his onscreen murders and his scrap book, Silas has seventeen confirmed victims on the show, and is believed to have killed up to 100 women. Silas murders
The character made an unannounced return in 2016 as part of the show's new serial killer story. In his return, Silas works with murderous doctor Lindsey Roscoe (Sophie Austin) before killing her. Rawle reprised the role again in October 2020 for Hollyoaks' 25th anniversary, departing again in episodes originally broadcast in January 2021. The character and Rawle's portrayal has been well-received by viewers, critics and his co-stars alike, with Silas being considered as one of the soap’s most popular and infamous villains. Rawle won "Best Villain" at the 2012 All About Soap Bubble Awards.
Storylines
2010–2012
Texas Longford (Bianca Hendrickse-Spendlove) joins an internet dating website, and starts corresponding with a man named Cameron. Texas' sister, India Longford (Beth Kingston), makes contact with Cameron and they agree to meet. On her way to their arranged date, India meets Silas, who reveals that he is Cameron. Silas murders India and takes the ring from her finger before burying her body in the woods. He is revealed to be Heidi Costello's (Kim Tiddy) father when he visits his family at Christmas. It soon emerges that Silas killed his wife and Heidi's mother, Joan, after discovering that she was having an affair with her neighbour. Silas meets Nancy Hayton (Jessica Fox) and prepares to strangle her to death, however he is interrupted by her boyfriend. Silas intends to strangle an intoxicated Texas to death, but refrains when she explains that she pressured India into internet dating.
Silas is angry with Lynsey Nolan (Karen Hassan) after hearing her give sexual health advice on the radio, and seeing her on the radio's webcam wearing a scantily clad nurse costume. Silas stops Lynsey from gaining a promotion by telling her place of work about the radio show. Silas attacks Lynsey but her screams alert her neighbours, causing him to flee. Lynsey realises that Silas was her attacker and confronts him on numerous occasions, but her allegation is ignored. Lynsey also accuses Silas of murdering India and his grandson, Riley Costello (Rob Norbury), begins to question Lynsey's allegations. Silas experiences a heart attack after Riley questions him. In hospital, Lynsey is assigned as Silas' nurse and withholds his treatment as she assumes he is feigning the attack. Silas later recovers. Silas sees Lynsey giving Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh) weight loss drugs and secretly swaps them with his heart medication. Cheryl takes the medication more frequently to suppress her appetite. Whilst Cheryl is alone in her nightclub, she climbs upon the bar and becomes drowsy, causing her to fall. She is found unconscious by Lynsey and begins to recover in hospital. Lynsey is told by a doctor that tests showed a high amount of sedative in Cheryl's system. Silas makes Cheryl doubt Lynsey's state of mind when he tells her that he thinks Lynsey could be capable of swapping the drugs.
Silas develops a feud with Lynsey. He plans to murder Texas again, but Lynsey foils his plan. Lynsey attempts and fails to frame Silas after planting India's necklace on him and contacting the police. Silas attempts to make Lynsey appear unstable by moving things around in her flat and playing tricks on her. Lynsey's friend, Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan), sees Silas watching Lynsey and becomes suspicious of him. Brendan warns Silas to stay away from Lynsey. Silas plans to strangle Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter) to death, but refrains after he learns that she has a daughter. Rae Wilson (Alice Barlow) tells Silas that Brendan threatened to kill her. She annoys Silas by telling him she plans to use men for flings after being hurt by them. Silas brutally beats and strangles Rae to death and takes her necklace. He then frames Brendan for her murder. Lynsey arranges to meet a girl who has been sending Texas messages on an internet dating website, convinced that it is Silas. Lynsey confronts Silas in the woods and hits him over the head with a rock, leaving him unconscious. Lynsey returns to the woods with the police to find Silas gone. Silas is contacted by the police and tells them he is holidaying in France and denies any knowledge of the attack.
Silas holds a heavily pregnant Mercedes captive in the basement of The Dog in the Pond after she confesses to having an affair with Riley's father, Carl Costello (Paul Opacic). Mercedes' family assumes she has gone on holiday to Dubai. On Halloween, Silas tells Lynsey he is going to kill her, but she attacks him and escapes. Silas later sees a woman in the same Halloween costume as Lynsey and hits her over the head with a brick and strangles her to death. However, he realises that the woman is his daughter Heidi, leaving him devastated. Silas finds Lynsey and Riley searching through his belongings. Lynsey smashes an urn containing Silas' late wife Joan's ashes. Amongst the ashes, Lynsey and Riley find jewellery belonging to the murder victims. Riley sees Mercedes' engagement ring, but Silas does not tell him where Mercedes is. Riley demands Silas admit to Jason and Seth that he murdered their mother and he is then arrested, however, he refuses to tell the police where Mercedes is. Silas tells Lynsey that she will have to play a game of chess in order to find Mercedes, but she refuses. Lynsey taunts Silas about his involvement in Heidi’s death and he angrily tells her that Mercedes is in the gutter. Lynsey explains this to Riley, who finds Mercedes. Lynsey visits Silas one last time, telling him he no longer scares her. Silas is last seen in his jail cell, staring at a chess piece, accepting that he'll spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Silas is not put on trial as he is moved to a mental institution when he is deemed insane. In July 2012, Lynsey is strangled by an unseen person in similar circumstances to Silas' victims. When Silas demands to see Texas in relation to possible information on Lynsey's murder, Texas visits him in the mental health institution where he is serving his sentences. Silas taunts Texas by explaining how he killed her sister India. He tells Texas that another young woman will die the following day. Texas visits him again a few days later, and tells Silas that she is no longer frightened of him. Silas warns her that another copycat killing will soon occur. He explains that to prevent this he will tell her the identity of the killer if she gives him India's ring. Texas agrees and he tells her that the killer is
2016
Silas visits
In April 2016, Lindsey is finally exposed as the Gloved Hand Killer. When Lindsey tries to hide from the police, Silas contacts her and helps her escape. She recognises him from the hospital, and he reveals his true identity to her. Silas tells her that he wants to help her as he, "knew a Lynsey once before", and it is a beautiful name. He expresses a deep admiration for her work so far and offers her the chance to go into hiding with him as he feels that with the right tuition from him, the pair would make an unstoppable force. As Lindsey gives him a willing smile, the two serial killers drive off into the night. Lindsey later calls Silas in desperate need of his help after she attempts to convince Kim to steal her son,
Kim meets Silas once again in the hospital while it is temporarily shut down. Silas and Lindsey put their plan into action and break into the Roscoe home but Mercedes is not there. Angered by this failure, Silas disowns Lindsey and tells her he will go after Mercedes alone. However, Lindsey's waters break and she goes into labour. Alarmed, Silas bundles her into the Roscoe garage, steals Joe's phone and abandons her. Later that day, Mercedes answers the door to find Silas. Meanwhile, Lindsey has managed to summon Kim for help and gives birth to a baby girl at the hospital with the reluctant help of Tegan and
2020−2022
Four years later, the McQueen family begin to be blackmailed by an anonymous source, who communicates using a porcelain doll. They threaten to expose the family's sins in return for money. It emerges that Silas is the anonymous source and when Mercedes refuses the blackmailer's demands, he attempts to kill her. However, when he learns that she is pregnant, he refrains. It soon emerges that he is working with someone else. Silas finds Mercedes' stepdaughter
Silas gets Seth to collect fake passports while he picks Bobby up from the airport, he sends Bobby off on a scavenger hunt before calling Mercedes to taunt her and inform her he has got Bobby. Mercedes meets with Silas where he offers two solutions; Bobby will stay with Silas and Mercedes can live, or Bobby can stay with the McQueens but it means Silas must kill Mercedes. Mercedes chooses to let Silas kill her, after making him promise that he will let Bobby go, but before he can do so, Theresa knocks Silas out, allowing Mercedes to escape. Bobby finds Silas and gives him first aid. He then flees the scene before the police arrive, having decided not to pursue Mercedes, but he secretly stays in contact with Bobby, playing chess with him under the username 'G'.
A year later, after
Casting and characterisation
In December 2010, it was announced that India Longford (Beth Kingston) would be murdered in a "dark" new storyline.[3] It was announced that actor, Jeff Rawle, had been cast in the role of India's murderer.[3] Rawle was best known as playing Amos Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005. Rawle was approached by Hollyoaks and met with series producer, Paul Marquess, who explained the storyline.[2] Rawle found the storyline interesting and something which he would like to "have a crack at".[2] Rawle took on the role to highlight the dangers of online dating.[2] Rawle said that the role is "very interesting" for him as he had not played a murderer in his career before.[2] Rawle made his first appearance as Silas on 23 December 2010.[4] Silas was credited as "Mystery Man" in his first episode[5] to keep his identity hidden.[4] He was revealed to be the father of Heidi Costello (Kim Tiddy).[6] In 2011, Rawle revealed that he is delighted to be playing Silas, stating "It's the best role to have. Judy Garland once said, 'If you have to be in a soap, make sure you don't play the worst part'. She was talking about her own life being a soap, but she's right."[7] Rawle opined that the role of Silas is the "best part" and said that other cast members are jealous as they want to play a villain.[7] Silas made his final appearance on 4 November 2011.[8]
Silas is described as "sinister" and "scary".[9] Rawle said that Silas is "very interesting" and complex.[9] Hollyoaks series producer, Paul Marquess, called him mild-mannered[10] and likened him to a bogeyman.[11] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy described Silas as a dual role of the affable older man and sinister killer.[4] Rawle explained that Silas is "old-fashioned" and dislikes women who have loose morals.[12] Silas actually appeared to enjoy killing people and although he mockingly apologised to some of his victims, he clearly didn't mean those apologies. There are only two known murders that he actually felt regret for; murdering his own daughter and killing India but these instances have not stopped him from killing people. The official Hollyoaks website said of Silas: "Eep! Who knew that when Heidi’s cuddly dad Silas showed up in the village he would turn out to be the local serial killer with a penchant for strangulation?"[6] They also call him a "killer grandad".[6] Silas becomes more unstable and in October 2011, Rawle said "He's a psychopath and he has slightly lost the plot now. He's very dangerous. He thinks he hasn't got a lot of time left to live and feels he has nothing to lose."[13]
Character development
India Longford's murder
In December 2010, it was announced that India Longford (Beth Kingston) would be murdered after an experiment with online dating goes "horribly wrong".[3] Hollyoaks worked closely with the University of Central Lancashire's Cyberspace Research Unit on the storyline, in a bid to raise awareness of internet safety.[3] Speaking on behalf of the Research Unit, Dr Jo Bryce commented: "If the storyline can remind one young person to protect themselves when engaging in online activity, then that can only be a positive thing. Too many youngsters think they are immune to online risks and this storyline is a reminder that you don't always know who you're talking to online."[3] Hollyoaks series producer, Paul Marquess, added: "This is a terrifying murder that highlights the dangers of meeting strangers online. The storyline, which launches at Christmas, will take us right through 2011 and audiences will be gripped to find out if the dangerous killer will strike again."[3] Marquess said he was surprised that the show had not done a big storyline about "stranger danger" on the internet before, branding it "absolutely key Hollyoaks territory".[11] Hollyoaks writer, Steve Hughes, explained that the storyline was inspired by a real-life incident, where a friend had her identity stolen on social networking service Facebook.[14]
India's friends start a game to see who can get the most dates online.[15] India is initially sceptical and writes up a rules list because she is aware of the dangers.[15] But when Silas, calling himself Cameron, starts talking to India online she is intrigued.[15] Silas then sends a photo of Cameron and India thinks he is gorgeous.[15] Kingston stated that India is excited and agrees to meet him with her friends as chaperones.[15] Cameron does not turn up to the meeting, but suggests they meet somewhere else. Kingston said that "[India] thinks, what the heck? So she goes off ... to a horrible end."[15] On her way to the meet Cameron, India is grabbed in a "dark and empty" alleyway and is murdered by Silas.[3]
In January 2011, India's sister, Texas (Bianca Hendrickse-Spendlove), ends up at Silas's mercy after taking drugs to help get through India's funeral.[16] Hendrickse-Spendlove explained the situation to Inside Soap, saying "Texas has sex with Doug to get cocaine and a cocktail of tranquillisers. But she's in such a state that she misses the funeral."[16] Texas is a "complete wreck" and after she is thrown out of Chez Chez nightclub, Silas finds her and takes her to the woods.[16] Hendrickse-Spendlove said that "It really looks like she's about to meet the same horrible fate as her sister".[16] Silas eventually decides not to kill Texas. Commenting on Silas's decision, Hendrickse-Spendlove said "In her drugged-up state, Texas says it should have been her who died rather than sweet India. Silas feels a pang of guilt and tries to redeem himself by taking Texas to hospital."[16] The actress added that even though Silas has let her off this time, he could strike again.[16]
Jenny's murder
It was reported that Silas sets newcomer
Feud with Lynsey Nolan
Silas sets his sights on
In March 2011, Hassan revealed that Silas sees an opportunity to get even with Lynsey when he sees her handing over diet pills to Cheryl.
Lynsey gets back into Silas's "bad books" when he finds her looking at his hospital records.[32] Silas then tries to scare Lynsey off with a menacing warning.[32] In August 2011, Rawle confirmed that Silas would start terrorising Lynsey.[33] Rawle explained that Silas is intent on discrediting Lynsey as she knows he is a killer.[33] He said "[Silas's] job over the next few weeks, it's like a war of attrition - [He is] going to wear her down and send her mad."[33] Lynsey is determined to see Silas punished for his crimes as the investigation into India's murder gathers pace.[34] Of this, Hassan told Inside Soap "When Silas realises that Lynsey is on his case again, he basically tells her to bring it on."[34] Silas "gets off" on the idea that Lynsey is trying to stop him from killing again and Hassan said "it makes the game a lot more interesting".[34] Lynsey's suspicions are reconfirmed when she sees Silas among the press at a televised appeal about India's attacker.[34] Lynsey frames Silas by planting India's necklace on him before ringing the police anonymously.[35] Hassan said that Lynsey hopes Silas's "web of lies" will unravel.[34] Lynsey's attempt to frame him backfires.[36]
Silas plots to discredit Lynsey by making it seem as if she is having a breakdown.[37] Silas plans to send Lynsey mad so that no one will listen to her.[37] Rawle said that Silas delights in the idea that Lynsey thinks she is good enough to play him.[37] Silas puts a webcam in Lynsey's flat in order to watch her.[37] He sneaks into the house and plays tricks on Lynsey by turning the gas on and writing a "sinister" message on her mirror with lipstick.[37] Of this, Rawle explained: "Silas alters Lynsey's reality – so when she insists that one thing is happening, it appears not to be the case the next minute."[37] Silas sneaks into Lynsey's flat at night and moves her things around which Rawle said is "a subtle way of sending a person barmy".[37] Lynsey's friends do not believe her accusations and question her state of mind, so she leaves the village.[37] Lynsey's friend, Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan), sees Silas watching Lynsey as she is leaving and Hassan said that "[Brendan] starts to think there's something odd about him".[38]
In September 2011, Lynsey becomes intrigued when Texas tells her that she is receiving messages from a girl on the internet dating website that India used.[39] Lynsey is convinced that Silas is posing as the girl and goes through Texas's phone to make contact with the girl.[39] Lynsey arranges to meet with the girl and convinces journalist Nancy Hayton (Jessica Fox) to come with her.[39] However, Lynsey is left alone after Silas sends Nancy on a job at the last minute and the girl does not arrive.[39] Lynsey arranges another meeting with the girl.[40] Lynsey realises she is in the woods with Silas alone and Hassan said that Lynsey is "absolutely terrified".[40]
Rae Wilson's murder
In August 2011, a video was leaked containing footage of Silas supposedly preparing to attack
When the episodes aired, Silas does not murder Theresa and in a dark storyline twist, Rae Wilson (Alice Barlow) becomes his next victim.[45] Viewers were not informed that Barlow was leaving the show and Rae's departure storyline was kept secret.[45] Rae tells Silas that Brendan has threatened to kill her. She annoys Silas by telling him she plans to use men for flings after being hurt too many times.[45] Silas realises he has an opportunity to frame Brendan.[45] Silas brutally beats Rae and strangles her to death in an alleyway. In the months leading up to her exit, viewers began to speculate that Rae would become the Silas's next victim.[45] Barlow had to attempt to discredit the rumours and denied speculation that she was leaving Hollyoaks. She did this because she wanted viewers to be "surprised and shocked" by her exit.[45] Barlow said the fact that Rae's death aired in late night episodes of the serial made an opportunity to be creative with the content. There were "no limits" and they could "do whatever they wanted with it".[45] The actress described Rae's death scene as "absolutely incredible" and said she loved working with Rawle.[45] On-screen Silas plans to frame Brendan for Rae's murder and places her body in Brendan's car.[46] Silas also plants the murder weapon in Brendan's bedroom.[46] Brendan is arrested and charged for Rae's murder after evidence is found against him.[46]
Storyline climax
In August 2011, Rawle revealed that Silas's storyline would soon come to a conclusion.
Mercedes McQueen
In May 2011, Silas takes a dislike to Riley's fiancé, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe),[47] after he learns of her promiscuity. Silas attempts and fails to attack Mercedes with a candlestick when her back is turned. Metcalfe later hinted that Mercedes may have to watch her back in the future when it comes to Silas.[47] She said "[Silas] is a tough cookie, isn't he? I think every girl in the village needs to watch their back where Silas is concerned..."[47] In October 2011, it was reported that Silas would hold Mercedes captive in a vault.[48] Silas decides to teach heavily pregnant Mercedes a lesson after she confesses to an affair with Riley's father, Carl Costello (Paul Opacic).[49] Silas's plan is to keep Mercedes alive until she has given birth and then murder her.[49] Metcalfe called the plot "brilliant" and said it was "quite flattering" to be trusted with it.[49] The actress explained that Mercedes thinks that she is going to die whilst being help captive.[49] Mercedes also fears that her baby is going to die.[49] Metcalfe said that it does not take long for Mercedes to realise that Silas is responsible for the recent murders.[49] Silas wants to keep the baby alive, but not Mercedes. Therefore, Silas does the "bare minimum" for Mercedes, giving her water, a small amount of food and keeping her warm.[49] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy opined that storyline sounds "really dark" and asked Metcalfe whether Hollyoaks are pushing the boundaries with it.[49] Metcalfe revealed that "they are a little bit", saying "It's all shot in a very clever way, so it was fine when it came to compliance. But it was difficult and there was a lot of stuff that we had to be really careful about when we were filming it."[49] Metcalfe would not reveal whether Mercedes survives her encounter with Silas.[49]
Halloween
In October 2011, Silas tells Lynsey that he is planning to murder again and that she has until midnight on Halloween to identify his next victim.[50] He promises Lynsey that if she works out who his next victim is he will confess his crimes to the police, but if she fails another girl will die.[50] Lynsey has to go along with Silas's mind game after everyone still refuses to believe her claims about him.[50] Hassan explained that Silas does not care if he gets caught or perishes in the process.[51] He reminds Lynsey of his plan by sending her clues and presents, such as a chess queen and a pumpkin containing the message "Tick tock, time is running out".[50] Lynsey confides in Doug and tells him what Silas is doing.[50] Silas picks out four potential victims: Lynsey, Texas, Theresa and Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies).[52] He then marks each one of them with chess pieces which are planted in their homes or bags.[52] Silas sends Lynsey a Catwoman outfit with an instruction to wear it at the fancy dress Halloween party at Chez Chez nightclub.[52] Lynsey confides in Doug and tells him what Silas is planning[50] and Brennan said he was "very, very happy" to be involved in the storyline again.[53] Doug believes Lynsey, of which Hassan said "On one hand, she feels like she shouldn't be dragging [Doug] into this mess, but she knows that she needs someone on her side". The actress added that Lynsey cannot believe her luck as Doug show her kindness and friendship and she wonders why she did not confide in him months ago.[54] Rawle revealed that nobody in the village is safe, saying "Theresa's already in his sights, Lynsey is a possible and so is Mercedes - he really doesn't like the McQueens!"[13] He added that there are "lots of other women" whose morals Silas would find questionable.[13]
On-screen, Silas accidentally murders his daughter, Heidi Costello (Kim Tiddy).[55] Silas reveals to Lynsey that she was his intended victim and vows to kill her.[55] When Lynsey manages to escape from Silas, he follows her and confuses Heidi with Lynsey as they are wearing identical Catwoman costumes.[55] Silas hits Heidi, who he mistakes for Lynsey, over the head with a brick,[56] before strangling her to death.[55] Silas is devastated when he realises that he has killed Heidi.[55] The Daily Star had previously reported that Silas would kill Heidi, but this was not confirmed by Hollyoaks producers.[57] Tiddy called the storyline "fantastic" and said the twist of Silas killing Heidi was "great".[55] Tiddy opined that Heidi's death would affect Silas, saying "I think we'll see some remorse from him, as killing Heidi was a genuine mistake, and that's what is so great about the storyline. I hope we see some remorse!"[55]
2012 return
On 18 June 2012, Rawle was pictured on a night out with the cast, which started speculation that Silas would return. The following day a paparazzo travelled to the set of Hollyoaks where he managed to picture Rawle with reading scripts. Digital Spy's Kilkelly reported that the cast been celebrating Rawle's "shock comeback".
Rawle explained that Silas has accepted he is to be in the secure psychiatric unit until he dies so he plans to manipulate the outside world from inside as a means of living out his murderous fantasies.
2016 return
The character was reintroduced in January 2016 as part of the show's latest serial killer story. Producers kept his return under a
Silas' return builds towards the conclusion of the Gloved Hand Killer story.[72] Rawle liked the story and thought it was a "really good idea" with a surprising ending.[68] Austin teased that her character may work with Silas in "explosive scenes".[73] This was later confirmed via a promotional video.[74] A show spokesperson said that Silas teams up with Lindsey in "a tale of old buried grudges and new nemeses".[75] Silas and Lindsey eventually meet when he poses as a HR representative at the hospital. He tells Lindsey that he is admires her career, suggesting that he knows she is the killer. Following this, Hollyoaks released a promotional image of Silas and Lindsey.[76] Austin's departure from the series was announced on 20 March 2016. She confirmed that Silas and Mercedes would feature in her exit, calling it "tense" and "exciting".[77] When Lindsey is exposed as the killer, she goes on the run with help from Silas.[78] Daisy Wood-Davis, who portrays Lindsey's sister Kim Butterfield, told Charlotte Tutton of OK! that she would star opposite Rawle as part of the story.[78] The scenes feature Kim arranging to meet a man online - revealed to be Silas - after seeking answers about Lindsey.[79]
Writers created a showdown for Silas and Mercedes as part of his return stint. A promotional clip of the meeting was released on the show's social media featuring the pair playing chess to decide on whether she lives or dies.
Reception
For his portrayal of Silas, Rawle received a nomination in the "Villain of the Year" category at the 2011 British Soap Awards.[82] In 2012 he received a British Soap Awards nomination in the category of "Best Villain".[83] At the All About Soap Bubble Awards Silas won "Best Villain" and the scenes in which he murdered Heidi won the "Best Episode" award.[84] Digital Spy readers voted the Silas storyline the "Best Soap Storyline" of 2011 in a poll run by the entertainment website.[85]
Kilkelly described India's murder episodes as "unmissable" and "two of the strongest episodes of the year".[4] He later labelled Silas "one of [Hollyoaks'] best ever villains".[67] In a poll run by Digital Spy, Texas visiting Silas was voted the plot viewers were most looking forward to with 63.1% of the total votes.[86] The following week readers voted Silas's escape as the storyline they were most looking forward to watching with 64.2% of the total vote.[87] Tutton (OK!) named Silas "possibly the creepiest villain in soap".[88] A Digital Spy journalist dubbed Silas and Lindsey "the most murderous duo of them all".[74] In March 2016, Sophie Dainty from the website named the character the worst soap villain currently appearing in a British soap opera, and the second worst male soap villain of all-time.[89][90] She called Silas "without a doubt the most cold-blooded psychopath in Soapland".[89]
In 2016, Rawle revealed that the character had received a "cult following", which surprised him due to Silas' murderous ways. He called Silas "the ultimate baddie" with "no redeeming features whatsoever" and dubbed him "almost
Norbury (Riley) opined that it was "unbelievable" to work with Rawle, saying "You can learn everything from Jeff - he's been there, done it and he knows everyone!"[31] Kingston (who plays India) called Rawle "amazing" and said she was pleased upon learning that he would play Silas.[15] Kilkelly of Digital Spy praised Rawle's performance, stating: "Jeff Rawle [...] does a fantastic job of portraying the dual role of the affable older man and sinister killer. He should definitely be one to watch out for as he becomes a more permanent fixture in the village in the weeks ahead."[4] Rachel Shenton (who plays Mitzeee) described Rawle as "brilliant" and said the storyline is "really interesting".[91] In September 2011, Porter (Theresa) praised Rawle, calling him a "brilliant actor".[43] Barlow (Rae) said Rawle was "amazing" and a "dream come true" to work with.[45] Hassan (Lynsey) praised Rawle, saying she really enjoyed working with him.[54] She said "Jeff has the ability to turn any scene into a really great, gritty scene, so for me it's been like taking a masterclass, really."[54]
See also
References
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External links
- Character profile at the Hollyoaks website Archived 27 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine