Hollyoaks star Jeff Rawle responds to Silas Blissett return
Hollyoaks spoilers follow from Wednesday's E4 first look episode (October 21), which some readers may prefer to avoid.
Hollyoaks star Jeff Rawle has spoken out about his shock return to the role of Silas Blissett.
Silas reappeared in the village in Hollyoaks' 25th anniversary episode on Wednesday evening (October 21), as viewers discovered that he has been blackmailing the McQueen family.
Speaking about the huge storyline twist, Jeff enthused: "I am thrilled to be returning to be a part of Hollyoaks' 25th anniversary. I think Silas has had a big following over the last ten years – I only just realised I started filming my first episode way back in 2010.
"Even when Silas has not been on screen, we always know he's out there somewhere – an ever-present off-stage character is always a great role to play."
Related: Hollyoaks broke with tradition in nostalgic and emotional 25th anniversary episode
Asked why Silas has returned, Jeff replied: "One word – McQueens. Unfinished business with Mercedes. She is 'The Queen' of the McQueens. The most elusive piece on his chessboard.
"Mercedes's son Bobby is Silas's great-grandson. It has long been a cause of dark disquiet with Silas. The time has come to put things right."
Jeff also reflected on Silas's ongoing popularity with fans, which has now led to him reappearing three times since his original exit in 2011.
He laughed: "Everyone loves a psychopath. No – I jest. I think psychopathic killers like Silas are fascinating to us, because none of us can begin to understand how people like him can be so cold heartedly callous. What makes him tick?
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"The truth is his darkness is ultimately unknowable, unless we were to descend into that darkness ourselves. As Silas himself says: 'People should just stay well clear of me if they have any sense'. Sagacious advice indeed.
"Every kill for Silas is a sweet revenge – every swift dispatch is a victory for purity over depravity. His most infamous killing was when he mistook the identity of his intended victim, Lynsey, for his own daughter.
"Lynsey should have been his – it remains one of the greatest regrets of his life that he was robbed of the opportunity to take hers."
Silas's comeback follows days of mystery over the cunning blackmailer who has been targeting the McQueens.
Related: Hollyoaks' Jeremy Edwards "never thought" Kurt Benson died off-screen
However, there were also hints that the story hasn't yet been fully resolved, as Silas was seen exchanging texts and phone calls with another mystery person and didn't seem overly enthusiastic over the "charade" of the creepy doll. Does he have a fearsome accomplice?
Teasing what's to come, a Hollyoaks spokesperson explained: "Something that could put a spanner in Silas's plan this time round is Mercedes's announcement in tonight's episode that she's pregnant. Could Mercedes being with child stop him from causing her harm?
"Silas has murdered six women in total and has attempted to murder six more. The McQueens are up against a calculated, clever, and undefeated murderer – who will come out on top?"
Hollyoaks airs new episodes from Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4. Classic episodes, titled Hollyoaks Favourites, air on Fridays at 7pm on E4.
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