Exclusive: Hollyoaks’ JJ Osborne actor addresses viewer backlash as villain faces death
Hollyoaks star Ryan Mulvey, who plays JJ Osborne on the Channel 4 soap, addressed his controversial storyline and the viewer backlash, as he shared his thoughts on his character
Hollyoaks actor Ryan Mulvey has shared his thoughts on his controversial storyline (Image: Lime Pictures)
Hollyoaks actor Ryan Mulvey has shared his thoughts on his controversial storyline, and his character JJ Osborne’s vile crimes.
The character, who debuted on the show earlier this year as Darren Osborne’s estranged son, has taken centre stage in a sickening storyline alongside actress Isabelle Smith. Months ago viewers were horrified to learn JJ had sexually abused his twin sister Frankie in a dark storyline on the Channel 4 soap. The abuse escalated, leaving Frankie in turmoil before she confided in her father Darren.
When the truth initially came out about what had been going on for years, not all of Frankie’s family believed her. Just weeks ago the soap underwent a major twist with a time jump, moving a year into the future.
After the time jump we learned Frankie was being supported by her family, with JJ set to appear in court for his grotesque crimes. But in another twist, JJ collapsed and was diagnosed with leukaemia.
His family have been left torn over supporting him given what he did to Frankie, and now JJ needs a bone marrow transplant. New spoilers reveal Frankie faces more turmoil ahead amid hints JJ could die in the storyline.
Now, JJ actor Ryan has told The Mirror all about his thoughts on the plot. Asked about playing a villain and facing audience backlash, Ryan told us: “As an actor, for me, I love playing a character that has so many different shades.
“That’s what makes a human, human. I’d want to sit down with JJ and ask, why? [Why did you do it?] No one does anything for no reason, so the most interesting thing would be looking into that character and questioning what has happened, why he acts like this and why he is so controlling.
“Bringing that to life has been the most joyous sport, I have had the best onscreen family to play with, it’s been absolutely amazing.” As we asked Ryan about the hate the character had received, with fans disgusted by JJ’s actions, the actor told us what he felt was the most important thing about taking on the role.
He said: “Just building awareness of the topic is the most important thing we wanted to do. It’s obviously amazing if you can help so many people.
“If you help one person who’s struggling with that problem, they see it on the TV and think ‘that’s really helped me’, as actors if you can do that then that’s the best job in the world. So it’s been a blessing.”
