Hollyoaks star Imran Adams has confirmed that the show will be exploring Mitchell Deveraux's sexuality in a new storyline.
Thursday's E4 first look episode (August 1) saw Mitchell realise that he was attracted to Scott Drinkwell when he witnessed his latest drag performance as Anita Tinkle.
Mitchell's interest in Anita will ultimately lead to a relationship between him and Scott. This will also inevitably cause heartbreak for Cleo McQueen, who's currently dating Mitchell.
Digital Spy recently caught up with Imran on set at Hollyoaks to hear more about the storyline.
How was this storyline first pitched to you?
"I auditioned for Hollyoaks knowing that Mitchell would get into a relationship with a well-known female character, Cleo. He'd join the village and be seen as a jock and a popular guy – all the girls want to be with him and all the guys want to be him.
What to Read Next
"I think our producer Bryan Kirkwood wanted to show that you can be all of those things, have a life and still be part of the LGBTQ+ community.
"Mitchell has had quite a sheltered upbringing because of his grandparents, and the negative side of that is that some aspects of his character have been hidden. Now that Mitchell has moved to Hollyoaks, which is a better representation of the real world, we're able to see who he really is."
Has Mitchell only just realised his attraction to Scott?
"They've been friends for a little while and they've become close through Cleo.
"Over time, Scott's drag has started to upgrade from a beginner to more of an expert. Scott is wearing better quality wigs and more expensive outfits. That's closer in alignment to what Mitchell's idea of a glamorous woman is.
"When Mitchell sees that, we start to see his attraction to Anita. It's a culmination of confusion, self-hatred, lust, love, everything. He's very confused, because he now has feelings for someone he's been told all his life he should never have feelings for."
Has the story required much research?
"I have friends and work colleagues who are in the LGBTQ+ community. I've already asked other drag queens for their take on the storyline and what drag means to them. It's really helped to feed that into the storyline.
"For me, being an actor of colour, it's important to explore this with the black community as well. I wanted to show that you can be a part of the LGBTQ+ community, while still thriving personally and professionally, and eventually find happiness. I think that's the moral of the story."
How do you think people will react to the storyline?
"The storyline is a puzzle with many pieces to it, which is eventually put together over time. It does have a beginning, a middle and an end – or a 'to be continued' – as these things do.
"The audience will have to be patient, in terms of where they think it's going to go. The writers at Hollyoaks have put in so much time and effort to make this as real as possible. The viewers may not understand some things when they happen, but I promise you it will all make sense.
"I think it will resonate with people, and at the same time, it will be entertaining."
Is this the first time Mitchell has had these feelings?
"It's the very first time, because it's the first time he's had an opportunity to discover who he truly is, outside of his family circle. That's what Hollyoaks represents for him – real life.
"Mitchell's upbringing was very strict, but now he's in Hollyoaks and becoming a man, he's discovering who he really is. So as much as it's a coming out story, it's a coming of age story as well."
Do you feel pressure when it comes to representing this story well?
"Not pressure, but I do feel a responsibility. I feel that's a common thread that runs through me, Ross [Adams, who plays Scott] and Nadine [Mulkerrin, who plays Cleo]. We've all come together and decided that we want to do this story justice.
"We've put in a lot of effort to make sure it's done in an entertaining way, but to make sure that it's tasteful as well, because a lot of our audience are quite young. We want it to be something they feel inspired and motivated by.
"It will definitely be educational and immersive as well. Whether you're part of the community or not, you will feel a close connection with one or all of the characters involved.
"I feel like it will be life-changing for a lot of people. Unfortunately homophobia still exists and we hope to challenge this with the storyline."
While filming the Mitchell and Cleo relationship, have you always had it in the back of your mind that it wasn't for keeps?
"At the back of my mind yes, but Mitchell's no! He's saving up for a ring and he's gearing up to move in with her – and that might happen.
"There was a scene where he told Cleo what he thought was sexy about her – it wasn't just her looks, it was that she had morals and integrity and stands up for family values. Mitchell loves all of that.
"I feel like Mitchell now does not want this situation with Scott to be what it is. He wants to run away from it and hide from it. But as we know, love doesn't listen to us! Love does what it wants."
How will Mitchell's family react to this?
"Mitchell's mum Martine is a wildcard and always has been. That's what has caused the rift between her and Walter. They have different views because they've been exposed to different things in life.
"Walter has chosen to focus on his religion, to the point where he's abandoned aspects of reality that don't align with that doctrine.
"But Martine has literally travelled the world, so she's seen the beauty of being open-minded and accepting people for who they are along the way.
"I feel that this is going to cause a clash between them, but also for Mitchell himself, because he's going to be told one thing from his granddad but another from his mum. He loves them both equally.
"I love that Hollyoaks has represented both aspects, because those two aspects are also within Mitchell. The battle between those two characters represents the battle inside of him. That's going to cause a lot of explosions and fireworks."
Since we know Nadine is taking a maternity break, is this leading to a heartbreaking exit for Cleo?
"Because Cleo is so beloved, they're going to make sure that when she leaves, she leaves with a bang. That's exactly what they are going to do and we are all along for the ride. When she leaves, it won't be quiet."
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 Laurie makes a return and the villagers head to a music festival.
Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.
