Hollyoaks star Brandon Fellows reacts to unexpected Tommy twist as his true identity is revealed

Hollyoaks has shed some light on Tommy Odenkirk’s (Brandon Fellows) true identity and what he’s really up to after fans suspected a big twist regarding the character’s motives.

The therapist, as viewers know, has been seeing a number of residents in a supposedly professional capacity since rocking up in the eponymous village earlier this month.

Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) is among his clients, with the firefighter having decided to seek some emotional help and guidance in the wake of her rape ordeal last year.

But it soon became apparent that there was much more to Tommy than meets the eye, with the newcomer swiftly becoming the subject of fan speculation after he attempted to kiss Leela during one of their sessions.

At first, it seemed like he was trying to drive a wedge between her and husband Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed) in a bid to win her affection but a big twist at the close of Monday’s (March 17) episode confirmed that it’s not actually Leela that Tommy is obsessed with – it’s Joel.

Fans can expect more to be revealed in the upcoming flashback episode that will explore the events of the ‘missing’ year.

You needn’t wait until then to get some answers, however, as Metro caught up with actor Brandon Fellows for a debrief following that chilling cliffhanger to discuss all-things Tommy and his motives.

Hi Brandon! By the time this chat goes out it will have been revealed that Tommy isn’t who he says he is and he’s got an obsession with Joel. What is going on?

We saw Tommy come on to Leela in the session [last week], and after that the audience will be thinking: ‘Why has he done that?’ It’s a ‘Tommy-wanting-to-see-what-Joel-has’ sort of thing. It’s revealed that behind a cupboard is a collage of photos of Joel and there’s a chicken shop outfit.

Tommy has two alter egos. He has his therapy attire but we find out he has a double life and is working in a chicken shop. And then it’s revealed that it’s Joel who he’s obsessed with and he’s been creating this collage of photos of him that he’s been working on for god knows how long.

So he’s not an actual therapist?

He’s not a proper therapist! He’s been struck off due to gross misconduct previously. He was a therapist before but he’s practising therapy now when he shouldn’t be practising. He’s not a real therapist. He shouldn’t be doing it at all.

You get to see the mask drop and you get to see the real Tommy [in these scenes]. And there is a badge with another name – he has a completely different identity.

How much did you know about Tommy’s story when you landed the part?

I didn’t really know much, to be honest. I knew that he was a therapist and I knew it was going into a different direction. You get a character breakdown when you audition, but with soaps the scripts are always changing. Of course the storyline’s always been there, but when you audition they keep everything very quiet, on the down-low.

I did a screen test with Kirsty-Leigh Porter for my final round audition and even in the audition process they changed it from Leela to another name. It’s all kept very under wraps until you get the job.

The ‘not knowing’ of it all – did that help you get into character since Tommy himself was also harbouring a secret?

It really did. And now knowing Tommy’s back-story… we’ll eventually find out the reason for his obsession, which I’m really excited for the audience to see.

When we first meet Tommy he’s very lonely and he doesn’t have anybody. Even in his flat it’s so minimalistic, there’s no love there. The audience will notice the flat is very bare, there’s not a flower in sight.

How do you think the fans will react to Tommy and what’s to come?

They are going to love to hate Tommy. One hundred percent. I think they are going to potentially feel sorry for him in certain moments, but that will quickly shift when they realise some of the stuff he is doing is completely wrong. He shouldn’t be doing the things that he’s doing. It’s going to be interesting to see that stuff play out.

Should fans be worried for Joel?

That is a good question! [laughs]. Tommy I don’t think sees it like that, definitely not. But the audience will a hundred percent be worried for Joel, I think. Tommy definitely has his manipulative techniques to get what he wants. Working with Jez as well … everybody knows what Jez is like as a character and what he does. Tommy works with Jez to manipulate and get what he wants, really.

You mentioned Tommy and Jez – can you tell me anything more about that dynamic?

I cannot wait for the audience to see it. Those two characters are as strange as each other. They’re both weird and sinister – and with the manipulative thing, Tommy gives Jez a good run for his money, that’s what I will say!

The audience will definitely see that facade slip with Tommy and the mask drops. Tommy is very manipulative in everything that he does and as the episodes go on you’ll see that he is doing what he can to get what he wants – which is Joel.

What’s it been like working so closely with Kirsty-Leigh Porter and Rory Douglas-Speed on this story?

They’re an absolutely brilliant duo to work with. They are lovely and they’ve made me feel so welcomed. Working with two actors who’ve been in the show for such a long time, I couldn’t have asked for two better actors to join Hollyoaks with. They’re brilliant!

Leela and Joel have become such a fan favourite couple over the past year. Do you expect some backlash from the fans if Tommy comes between them?

One hundred percent, I am prepared! [laughs]. That is going to be an interesting one to see the how the audience reacts. But it’s always fun playing a baddy! [laughs].

Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.