Hollyoaks actor Malique Thompson-Dwyer will be transformed from soap star to reality star this weekend as he's introduced to millions of new fans on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Malique is among 10 confirmed contestants for this year's series of the jungle-based competition, which launches on Sunday, November 18.
While Hollyoaks viewers have been watching Malique on their screens for two years now, those who don't follow Channel 4's flagship soap may well be wondering who he is. Here are some quick facts to bring you up to speed.
Malique Thompson-Dwyer age – how old is he?
Malique was born on February 2, 1998, making him 20 years old.
The soap actor will be the youngest celebrity in the jungle this year and has already warned that he's looking forward to playing plenty of pranks on his fellow contestants. Watch out, guys…
Malique Thompson Dwyer Hollyoaks history – when did he join and who does he play?
Malique can boast that he's part of Hollyoaks' most important family, the McQueens. The rowdy clan are central to the show's success and have featured on screen (in various forms) since 2006. Whenever members of the family move on, there are always never-before-mentioned new ones waiting in the wings to helpfully replenish the numbers.
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It was exactly this kind of soapy shenanigans that led to Malique's introduction in 2016. When former Waterloo Road and Casualty star Chelsee Healey was cast as McQueen cousin Goldie, her two sons were also introduced and Malique landed the part of troublesome Prince.
Many of Prince's early storylines on Hollyoaks revolved around his bad boy antics, including a botched robbery at a neighbour's flat and cheating on his girlfriend Lily. More recently, the show's writers have explored a softer side to Prince as he's more committed to his relationship after tying the knot with Lily.
Off-screen, Malique and his co-star Theo Graham won the Best On-Screen Partnership prize at the British Soap Awards 2018 for their portrayal as twins Prince and Hunter.
Some tabloid reports have suggested that Malique first came to the attention of ITV bosses when he won the prize and made a confident speech on stage at the live ceremony. Sadly, the award-winning partnership has since been cut short, as Malique's on-screen bro Theo quit Hollyoaks a few months ago.
Malique Thompson-Dwyer and Lauren McQueen – what are their Hollyoaks storylines?
Other than Theo Graham, Malique's main scene partner in Hollyoaks has been Lauren McQueen, who plays Prince's wife Lily. Their on-screen characters started dating in 2017 and defied disapproval from their respective families by tying the knot earlier this year.
Despite his early hiccups when they were dating, Prince has stayed faithful to Lily since they got married. Sadly, the same can't be said for Lily herself, who shared a secret kiss with her friend Romeo Quinn (Owen Warner) in a recent episode.
Malique Thompson Dwyer daughter – does he have a baby?
Although Malique doesn't speak much about his personal life in interviews, anyone who keeps an eye on his Twitter and Instagram pages will know that he's a proud father in real life.
Malique regularly posts pictures on social media of his young daughter. Often calling her his "princess", he's sure to miss the little one during his time away in Australia.
Malique Thompson-Dwyer partner – is he single or taken?
Malique's official I'm A Celebrity profile released by ITV confirms that he's single. He's also not ruling out the possibility of romance in the jungle.
He explained: "I am single and I'm not looking for it [love in the jungle] but if it happens, it happens."
Is Malique Thompson-Dwyer leaving Hollyoaks?
Malique has taken a break from Hollyoaks for his I'm A Celeb commitments, but the good news for Prince fans is that he isn't leaving for good.
Clarifying his future in a recent chat, he explained: "I have been quite full-on with filming on Hollyoaks recently, so it's going to be nice to have a little break – but obviously a very different kind of break!
"I am taking some time out to do this, but when I have finished, I will be back."
Malique Thompson-Dwyer I'm A Celebrity role – what do we know so far?
Fans can get their first glimpse of Malique in the jungle this Sunday (November 18) at 9pm when I'm A Celeb launches on ITV. After two years playing Prince, Malique has said that he's looking forward to fans seeing him as himself for a change.
Malique also reckons that he'll be the "entertainer" and "joker" in camp but admits that he's claustrophobic and is "dreading eating testicles", which could prove to be a nightmare in certain challenges.
However, pledging not to duck out of any Bushtucker Trials, Malique added: "Everything in there is going to be a challenge but I definitely want to do lots of trials."
Malique Thompson-Dwyer Instagram and Twitter pages
They're sure to be eagerly updated by friends and family in his absence, but if you want to follow Malique on social media and check out his past posts, you can find him on Twitter @officialmal_ and Instagram @malique__.
Hollyoaks airs on weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first-look screenings at 7pm on E4. I'm A Celebrity launches on Sunday, November 18 at 9pm on ITV.
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