Hollyoaks: The Good, The Bad, The Gorgeous

Where Are They Now?

Brit Pop was sweeping the charts, Cool Britannia was sweeping the nation and this lot were about to hit our screens in C4’s brand spanking new soap opera. So who were the first generation of Hollyoaks starlets and where are they now?

Natasha Andersen played by Shebah Roney (1995 – 1996)

Who’s she? Natasha was Kurt’s love interest but the pair never managed to get it together.

How did she leave? Natasha died of a drug overdose after Rob Hawthrone and Dermot Ashton, slipped an ecstasy tablet into her drink at Lucy Benson’s 18th birthday party.

What’s she been up to since? Shebah was Lifestyle Editor for Wedding Day magazine, having previously worked as a film columnist for News of the World. She also presented fashion show A La Mode for UK Style and E! Entertainment. Married to controversial artist, Jonathan Yeo, Shebah has two daughters, Tabitha and Yasmin.

Tony Hutchinson played by Nick Pickard (1995 - he’s still here!)

Who’s he? The longest serving member of Hollyoaks, Tony stars alongside his own real life brother as owner of Il Gnosh. Despite having numerous girlfriends, he recently married Cindy Cunningham, the sister of his ex-wife.

How did he leave? Erm, he hasn’t. Tony could never leave! Hollyoaks village would probably cease to exist without him!

What’s he been up to since? Outside of Hollyoaks, Nick recently appeared opposite Cilla Black in the Liverpool pantomime, Cinderella.

James “Jambo” Bolton played by Will Mellor (1996 – 1998 and briefly in 2004)

Who’s he? Best friends with Kurt Benson and Tony Hutchinson, Jambo was known as the joker of the group.

How did he leave? Unable to cope with the death of girlfriend, Dawn Cunningham, Jambo left Hollyoaks for good in 1998 vowing never to return. He reappeared briefly in a 2004 Christmas episode where Tony saw him in a vision. A worried Tony contacted his old friend only to be reassured Jambo was still alive and well in Anglesey.

What’s he been up to since? Following Hollyoaks, Will tried his luck at the music scene and reached number five in the charts with Leo Sayer’s When I Need You. Alongside parts in Casualty and Eastenders, Will has played Gaz Wilkinson in long-running soap, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. He has recently appeared in Nick Cohen British thriller, The Reeds. Will is married to dancer, Michelle McSween and has two children.

Dawn Cunningham played by Lisa Williamson (1995 – 1997)

Who’s she? The eldest of the Cunningham children, Dawn was friends with Ruth Osborne and Natasha Andersen until it was discovered she had an affair with Jack Osborne (Ruth’s father) and had bore him a child as a teenager.

How did she leave? After finally getting together with Jambo, Dawn died tragically in his arms on Christmas day 1997, after suffering from Leukaemia.

What’s she been up to since? Having appeared in Dream Team and Crossroads, Lisa now works as a model and a voice over artist for numerous commercials

Maddy Parker played by Yasmin Bannerman (1995 – 1997)

Who’s she? Running her mother’s trendy café, Parkers, Maddie was known as a bit of man eater in Hollyoaks. A good friend of Dawn and Jude Cunningham she was stalked by a mentally ill ex-boyfriend who eventually met his death after holding Jude and Maddie hostage.

How did she leave? Maddie became paranoid about security and after a fire in her flat, decided to leave Hollyoaks to live with her mother.

What’s she been up to since? Yasmin has been successful in both TV and film since leaving Hollyoaks, securing roles in Cold Feet, Doctor Who and Torchwood. She recently appeared in Casualty. Yasmin is married with two children

Louise Taylor played by Brett O’Brien (1995 – 1996)

Who’s she? Louise briefly dated Kurt Benson but ended their relationship when she didn’t want to sleep with him.

How did she leave? Louise found it hard to come to terms with good friend Natasha’s death and ended up falling for traveller, Tree before leaving Hollyoaks for good.

What’s she been up to since? After leaving Hollyoaks, Dublin born, Brett went on to work in television and has appeared in Dream Team, Doctors and The Bill. She was recently in an episode of Law and Order.

Kurt Benson played by Jeremy Edwards (1995 – 1999)

Who’s he? Hollyoaks original bad boy, Kurt was older brother to both Lucy and Ollie. After dating Natasha, Kurt began a relationship with Ruth Osborne, eventually marrying her. Their marriage never ran smoothly however and Kurt started an affair with Kate Patrick.

How did he leave? Deciding to call it a day, Kurt left Hollyoaks and Ruth for good only to be tragically killed in a jet-ski accident, 6 months later.

What’s he been up to since? Jeremy Edwards found further success in Holby City after leaving his role on Hollyoaks and has since appeared in numerous reality shows including Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice. His much publicised relationship with Rachel Stevens ended in 2004 and he is now married to Lydia Metz.