Vincent Hubbard
Vincent Hubbard | |||||||||
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EastEnders character | |||||||||
Portrayed by | Richard Blackwood | ||||||||
Duration | 2015–2018 | ||||||||
First appearance | Episode 5015 17 February 2015 | ||||||||
Last appearance | Episode 5693 20 April 2018 | ||||||||
Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||
Created by | Dominic Treadwell-Collins | ||||||||
Introduced by | Dominic Treadwell-Collins | ||||||||
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Vincent Hubbard is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Richard Blackwood.[1] He was introduced by executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins during the show's 30th anniversary celebrations, and was later revealed to be the husband of Kim Fox (Tameka Empson). He made his first appearance on 17 February 2015 during the show's 5015th episode, and returned on two occasions on 19 February, one of which was in a flashback episode in which he gives Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) a gun. During these appearances, he is only credited as "Vincent", concealing his connection to Kim. He returned as a regular character on 21 April 2015.[2]
Blackwood praised bosses for the character of Vincent, stating he knew that his portrayal would surprise viewers given his comedy background.[3] He is described on the BBC website as a smooth operator, whose easy charm and quick wittedness covers a steely, ruthless streak and a reputation as a bit of a bad boy. They also state that Vincent believes himself to be the "main man" in the room, and knows how to play people to his advantage. Despite not appearing until February 2015, the character was foreshadowed by Kim's off-screen marriage during 2014. Blackwood's departure from the series was confirmed on 19 March 2018. He made his last appearance on 20 April 2018. The character was confirmed dead in October 2021.[4]
Storylines
Vincent arrives in Albert Square having followed
The following month, Vincent sends Ronnie a "get well soon" card after hearing she has awoken from her coma, and later visits her. He reminds her of the times they spent with each other when he owned a bar and attempts to romance her, but she quickly informs him that she is married to
Vincent reunites with Kim having promised her that he and Ronnie are no longer together. He later approaches Phil after finding out he was the cause of his arrest and blackmails him, threatening to reveal Ronnie as Carl's murderer if he does not hand The Albert over to him. Phil's wife Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean) disapproves of this, and she and Vincent are forced to share the business. Phil grows irritable about Vincent's involvement in the business and, when Vincent changes the name of The Albert to "Pearl's", Phil attacks him. Kim decides to end their marriage after seeing him covered in blood, but he soon is able to change her mind. Patrick is initially distrusting of Vincent, but they soon begin to bond slowly, especially after Vincent finds an old record Patrick recorded with his former band. Soon after, Vincent kisses Ronnie, but says it was only to show he still could.
After Ronnie and Vincent have sex, Ronnie tells Charlie that their marriage is over. When Charlie fights for custody of their son Matthew, he disappears after being confronted by Ronnie and Vincent. Kim becomes suspicious when Vincent spends long periods of time away from her, and Ronnie unintentionally arouses her suspicions while trying to assure her that she and Vincent are no longer together. Kim confronts Vincent, who later reveals to Kim that he has bought a new house for them and Pearl. Denise and Patrick believe it to be a way of keeping Kim quiet, and force him to leave. Kim misses Vincent, and although they initially agree to give each other some distance and share joint custody of Pearl, they rekindle their marriage and Kim moves in with him. Some time later, Roxy confronts Ronnie over Charlie's disappearance, so Ronnie calls Vincent to get Charlie to call Roxy, revealing that he is alive.
Ronnie is arrested for Carl's murder, but it emerges that the men who arrested her are not real police officers. Ronnie discovers that Vincent is working with the police as an informant, and used his contacts to stop her being arrested, and urges her to leave the country before she is arrested. Vincent reveals he is helping the police take down Phil, and Ronnie agrees to say nothing. When Kim finds Vincent has taken delivery of a large amount of drugs, Vincent tells her he is planning to plant them at Phil's house as revenge for Phil's father
A feud erupts between Phil and Vincent, culminating in Phil kidnapping Pearl and Vincent threatening to shoot the Mitchells. When Pearl is found at the community centre, Vincent pretends to end the hostilities, but attempts to strangle Phil in his home the following night. He is stopped by his friend
Vincent is suspicious when Claudette asks for money, and he later sees Claudette with an unconscious Gavin Sullivan (Paul Nicholas). Claudette lies that Gavin was an intruder but after Gavin escapes, Vincent finds an old photograph with Gavin, Henry and Eric, and Vincent works out Gavin was blackmailing her and she killed Henry. She also reveals that she knew Vincent would be killed so sent Fatboy in his car. When she insults Henry, Vincent chokes Claudette, as Patrick arrives and stops him before learning the truth about Henry. As Patrick tries to call the police, Claudette tries to snatch the phone off him, but falls down the basement stairs, hitting her head on a brick. Patrick leaves to get help but when he returns, Vincent has buried Claudette underneath the basement, and tells Patrick to forget it happened or they will both be arrested for murder. However, unknown to Vincent and Patrick, it is revealed Claudette is alive when she arrives in hospital brought in by paramedics after she was found by the side of a road. When Patrick says he cannot cope with covering up Claudette's death, Vincent says he can go to Trinidad until things settle down. When Patrick sees Claudette in the Square, he tells Vincent she is alive. Vincent visits Donna, and she reveals that Claudette is there and has told her that he buried her. Vincent reveals to Donna that Claudette killed Henry. He then tells her that Claudette caused Fatboy's death. Donna tells Vincent and Claudette to leave but Patrick arrives, confirming that Claudette killed Henry. Donna accuses Claudette of only fostering her as a way to ease her guilt, and Vincent tells her to leave or he will tell Gavin where she is. Patrick makes Vincent vow to protect his family and stop being involved in crime. Later, Vincent gives Donna Fatboy's necklace and she says they should stick together as he is the only family she now has.
Vincent walks in on Donna asking
Kim plans a holiday in Spain when Vincent informs her of a friend who owns a villa. Despite initially being reluctant, Denise agrees to accompany them along with Kush, who she is now dating. Kush's mother
Phil is surprised to find Vincent meeting up with his old friend
Kim confronts Vincent over a letter saying they will be evicted due to not paying the mortgage. Vincent plans to sell his car but it is damaged in a hit-and-run; he visits a police officer saying he will exchange information on the heist for money. The officer says there has been no report of a heist but
Over three years later, Kim overhears a call for a taxi from someone named Vince Hubbard. Thinking that Vincent is nearby, Kim comes across a children's entertainer (Delroy Atkinson) who identifies himself as Vince. Kim is rattled when she notices that he has the same wallet that Vincent had owned with his initials inscribed on it. Kim vows to find out what really happened to Vincent. Meanwhile, Phil reveals to Denise that Aidan did in fact have Vincent killed and he warns Denise to stop Kim from digging for more information about Vincent, as it could lead to fatal consequences. Vince reveals to Kim and Denise that he is actually called
Creation and development
Casting and introduction
Richard Blackwood's casting was announced on 17 January 2015, where it was revealed that Blackwood would make his debut in the show during a live scene on 17 February 2015.[6] He admitted to being nervous, but welcomed into the show with open arms. "I've got to say Jessie [Wallace] and Letitia [Dean] and all the guys, they really made me feel at ease. Adam [Woodyatt] is the nicest guy. He was checking I was alright and all of them made me feel at home."[7] When asked about rehearsing for his live debut, he explained: "They are very pedantic here. The opening scene you saw us do, we rehearsed 20 times. They don't play around and you've got to hit your mark. It has got to be spot on."[7]
Vincent was described as being "connected to everybody" on the square.[6] Commenting on his role, Blackwood said: "I [want to] thank Dominic [Treadwell-Collins] and Julia [Crampsie] for giving me this amazing opportunity. EastEnders is a show I've grown up watching, so to film on Albert Square is something I'll never get used to! To know my first-ever scene will be a live one hopefully means the team believe in me and I won't let them down!"[8] Treadwell-Collins said that Blackwood would bring "warmth, humour and energy, which will add so many layers to this 21st century EastEnders villain."[8] The character was described as "your best friend, and your worst enemy", with Blackwood adding that "he has just got layers, villain is just too basic of a word. He is connected to enough people."[6] Blackwood later stated that Vincent isn't a psychopath, but said that he has a "dark side". He added: "If you are in that world, then he will be dark with you, but to anybody else he's cool. He has got a heart but to the villains, he is villainous."[7]
Vincent is the son of
Vincent's recent history also included his marriage to established character Kim Fox (Tameka Empson), who had been off-screen during 2014 due to Empson's maternity leave. Kim had been on a cruise holiday, informing her family that she had married while away and returning to Walford alone and pregnant in December 2014. Following Vincent's introduction, it is explained that Kim had abandoned him after seeing him covered in blood.
Storyline development
On 14 April 2015, it was revealed that EastEnders would be revisiting Vincent's backstory.
Notable relationships
Vincent's relationship with Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) was alluded to during his first screen appearance after he visited her whilst she was in a coma. It later transpired that he was married to established character Kim Fox (Tameka Empson). His relationship with the two characters added to the contrast of his dark and light personality, which was made clear following his original appearances.[7] With Ronnie, he was shown to be more villainous having given her a gun and committed to several dirty deeds prior to meeting Kim; his scenes with Kim showed him to be more caring and laid-back, wanting to be a father figure for their daughter, Pearl.
Departure
It was announced on 19 March 2018 that Blackwood would depart the series in Spring 2018, after three years in the role. Writers pitched a storyline for Vincent which would conclude with his departure, and Blackwood accepted the idea. Blackwood felt it would be the correct time to leave the show, and told entertainment website Digital Spy that he had enjoyed his time on the show and felt "truly blessed" to have been given his storylines.[12] He added, "when I was presented with my last story, I knew it was time for Vincent to depart Walford."[12] A show spokesperson confirmed the news and wished Blackwood well for the future.[12] His last scenes aired on 20 April 2018.[13]
Reception
Ryan Love from Digital Spy said that Vincent's backstory with Ronnie and Kim has been a "fascinating introduction", adding that "two separate characters are now linked and both under very different circumstances."[14] He went on to say that "[the show] clearly has big plans for Vincent, and I for one can't bloody (sic) wait to see what these are after one of the most intriguing, slow-burn entrances in a long time."[14]
Laura-Jayne Tyler from Inside Soap also commented on the character's name, saying "We love how EastEnders' Richard Blackwood still manages to be all brooding and sexy, even though he's been saddled with surely the most unsexy name in soap".[15] The following year, Tyler bemoaned a lack of storylines for Vincent. She stated, "We love Richard Blackwood in EastEnders, but all Vincent seems to do these days is flap around after Kim. Give him a decent plot of his own, already!"[16]
Blackwood was nominated for Best Newcomer at the
See also
References
- ^ "17 February Credits". BBC. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
- ^ Executive producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Steve Finn; Writer: Pete Lawson (21 April 2015). "Episode dated 21/04/2015". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (13 May 2015). "Richard Blackwood: "EastEnders was smart with Vincent role"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
- ^ "EastEnders confirms Vincent Hubbard is dead". 11 October 2021.
- ^ Daly, Helen (26 July 2022). "EastEnders casts Jaime Winstone as Peggy Mitchell in flashback episode". Radio Times. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
- ^ a b c Finbow, Katy (14 February 2015). "Richard Blackwood on EastEnders role". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
- ^ a b c d Dainty, Sophie (18 February 2015). "Richard Blackwood star on 'villainous' character". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (17 January 2015). "Richard Blackwood cast as new Albert Square villain". Digital Spy. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
- ^ Hardman-Gill, Tara (20 February 2015). "EastEnders spoilers: Is Vincent the father of Kim Fox's baby? And how does he know Ronnie?". Metro. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (13 April 2015). "Vincent's backstory to be revealed". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
- ^ a b Brown, David. "Richard Blackwood on Vincent's dark side - new scenes will "raise the hairs"". Radio Times. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (19 March 2018). "EastEnders exit confirmed for Vincent Hubbard as Richard Blackwood bows out". Digital Spy. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
- ^ "Richard Blackwood said shooting final EastEnders scene was emotional". RTE. 15 April 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ a b Love, Ryan (14 May 2015). "Soap Spy: Has Richard Blackwood been an EastEnders success?". Digital Spy. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
- ^ Tyler, Laura-Jayne (2–8 May 2015). "Hits & Misses!". Inside Soap (17): 98.
- ^ Tyler, Laura-Jayne (29 October – 4 November 2016). "Hits & Misses!". Inside Soap (43): 96.
- ^ "TV Choice Awards 2015 nominations: Poldark and Broadchurch head up longlist". The Independent. 19 May 2015. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
- ^ Inside Soap Awards 2015 longlist revealed: Who's in line for Best Actor, Actress and Newcomer
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 4 November 2017.