Hollyoaks actor Ryan Mulvey, who plays JJ Osborne, opens up about the tense and troubling dynamics unfolding in the Osborne/Ashworth family. As JJ’s football career takes off, his personal life spirals into chaos, particularly in his relationship with his sister, Frankie.
How would you describe the Osborne/Ashworth family dynamic over the past few months?
The family dynamic had been overwhelmingly positive for JJ with his Mum Suzanne and Dad Darren as he continues to excel in his football career, and to his parents he seems like a golden child. However, with his sister Frankie and sibling Oscar, the atmosphere is becoming unbearably tense. JJ continues to abuse Frankie, resulting in an unbalanced power dynamic where JJ continuously disregards and dominates Frankie. However, due to the abuse being flagged to Oscar, JJ has become immensely agitated and stressed as he constantly worries whether his dark secret will surface. Resulting in him having a seizure.
JJ has the world at his fingertips as he signs for United in upcoming scenes, yet this still doesn’t stop him from abusing Frankie. Why do you think that is?
I believe the abuse doesn’t stop as JJ is signing due to the fact his ego inflates hugely, giving him the impression that he is unstoppable and can continue any act he seems fit, even if that means abusing his own sister.
Even though Oscar seems to have figured out that JJ is abusive towards Frankie, JJ is still calm and collected, what gives him such confidence that Oscar won’t tell?
As it is the only way he can control his fears and anxiety, as with JJ everything is a façade and I like to think he wears different masks to manipulate and accommodate to a certain situation and get what he desires. The mask of calmness is all an act to show to Oscar and Frankie that he is relaxed, making sure they wouldn’t dare cross him. He knows if he lets the mask slip and his confidence shatter, his life will come to a very sour end.
When Darren confronts him, he tries to convince his dad he’s innocent. Can you tell us about this?
When JJ is confronted by Darren he is absolutely dumbstruck as since day one his relationship with Darren has been immaculate and they have bonded greatly over the past few months. I believe JJ is torn on whether he’ll be able to survive the situation as he has never witnessed Darren so enraged especially with him. He is scared and upset about the idea of his father being disgusted and losing love for him.
His mum, Suzanne, immediately takes his side, why do you think that is?
Suzanne immediately takes his side as in her eyes JJ has always been the perfect child, the one who always smiles when times are tough or helps her when she needs him.
Whereas Frankie has caused multiple disruptions for her and the family so it is extremely easy for her to instantly believe this is fake news about her baby boy.
In earlier scenes, it was determined that JJ had a seizure due to stress. Do you feel like JJ has any remorse for his actions, or is he just stressed he’ll be caught?
I genuinely believe JJ’s not a monster and he has good qualities in him, however the actions he’s committed are evil. I do not reckon he feels guilty because as soon as he feels guilty he is admitting the situation is real. If he can suppress the acknowledgment of the abuse he can delude himself into believing the actions he’s committed are not real as he loves his sister and in his mind the last thing he’d want to do is hurt his sister.
How did you find playing this character?
I’ve found playing the part of JJ fascinating as he has so many shades of personality and even though he is a villain, JJ does not see himself as that, so playing the delusional in denial JJ has been super interesting. The part has pushed and challenged me hugely as an actor but I’m super proud of the end product and humbled by the feedback we’ve received for the storyline.
You recently met with a charity representative from SARSAS for a Hollyoaks digital campaign, can you tell us about this?
Meeting with SARSAS was hugely insightful as we got to chat with a representative from the team who’s highly knowledgeable of sibling sexual abuse. She was so kind and applauded us for making the storyline highly realistic which was amazing to hear.
What are your thoughts on the storyline and why is it an important topic to be discussed?
I believe the storyline is so sensitive as firstly it is shocking to even hear and it is taboo as people get uncomfortable talking about anything which isn’t deemed ‘normal’. I also believe the storyline is so ‘taboo’ as you don’t really hear anyone talk about this kind of abuse as many families keep in in their homes as they don’t want their family being seen as abnormal. Due to the lack of coverage the problem is not dealt with leading to the abuse continuing without the knowledge of how to deal with it. That’s why I’m so proud to take part in the storyline and how important it is to be represented in the media.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 7pm on E4
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