Ruby O’Donnell is "proud" of Hollyoaks’ far-right extremist storyline for "pushing the boundaries" of soap.
The 19-year-old actress – who plays Peri Lomax on the Channel 4 soap – admits she didn’t think the programme would "be able to do" such a hard-hitting plot, which has seen Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) be radicalised by a far-right group featuring Stuart Sumner (Chris Simmons) and Jonny Baxter (Ray Quinn).
She said: "I’ve loved being a part of this storyline. It’s something I never thought we’d be able to do.
"I think it’s really pushed the boundaries of soap and I’m super proud to be a part of it. I’ve loved being able to work closely with new people like the Maaliks, Ray and Chris as they’re all amazing actors."
Kirsty-Leigh Porter, who plays Peri’s mum Leela Lomax, admits the plot has been "eye-opening" and "educating" for her.
She said: "I’m so proud to have been a part of this storyline. I knew little information about this sort of thing when we started it so it’s been so eye-opening and educating for me too.
"To then pass that message on, and have the possibility of helping someone living this situation in their reality was worth every second."
And the 30-year-old actress loved starring opposite Ray and Chris, admitting she was "terrified" when they transformed into their evil characters.
She added: "Chris Simmons and Ray Quinn were absolutely outstanding in playing their parts. They had me terrified once they turned into Stuart and Jonny.
"Kieron was brilliant in completely turning his character Ste upside down, and showing that you don’t have to be weak and vulnerable to be targeted by these far right groups.
"Ste is strong minded, strong willed and a strong person all round. He doesn’t shy away from standing his ground so to see him being manipulated and bullied into this group was interesting to watch."
The far-right extremism storyline will reach its climax in a special hour-long episode on Friday November 15th on E4.
Ruby O’Donnell ‘proud’ of Hollyoaks ‘pushing the boundaries’ of soap
