Hollyoaks actor Ray Quinn has spoken to Digital Spy about the backstory of his controversial character Jonny Baxter.
The former Brookside and X Factor star is currently taking centre stage in one of the Channel 4 soap's biggest ever issue-based storylines, as Jonny and his associate Stuart Sumner try to radicalise Ste Hay into far-right extremism.
Viewers have seen the storyline reach a major turning point this week, as Ste is now aware of Jonny and Stuart's secret and has decided to join their group – much to the despair of his loved ones.
In a video chat with Digital Spy, Ray explained how Jonny himself has been in Ste's position.
"I think Jonny has been groomed in the past," Ray told us. "This is his first 'task' – to get someone on board. As far as Jonny is concerned, he's just got to say 'yes'. If Stuart says 'jump', Jonny says: 'How high?'
"[Jonny] doesn't want to let this geezer down. Where Jonny's come from, he's had a bit of a hard background within his life growing up. My backstory is that he's gone through foster care and never really had a family.
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"All of a sudden, through Stuart, he's found acceptance. He's been desperate for that kind of thing. Ste [also] has that vulnerability and that's why we've honed in on such a character.
"It's an interesting storyline and I'm really enjoying playing something that is totally different to what I'd normally be cast as."
He added: "I don't think it'd be a bad thing to explore the background of what Jonny's been through. He's been to prison and done some bad things."
Hollyoaks has teamed up with the Home Office and Exit UK on its extremism storyline, which is exploring how far-right groups can target disenfranchised and vulnerable individuals like Ste.
Ste caught the attention of Jonny due to his feud with the Maalik family, which led to the newcomer manipulating him with a much bigger agenda.
Show boss Bryan Kirkwood has told Digital Spy that episodes airing much later this year will see Ste try to cut ties with Stuart's group, although going back to his old life won't be easy.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our Hollyoaks homepage
Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest Hollyoaks spoilers, as Ste's behaviour devastates Peri, and Cleo meddles in Joel's life.
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