Hollyoaks airs Monday – Wednesday on E4 at 7pm
Tina McQueen was the calm within the McQueen storm. After years away from the village, Leah Hackett discusses the “surreal” experience of returning to Hollyoaks.
Tina McQueen was known as the calm, sensible heart among the McQueen sisters. What was it like stepping back into her role for this special episode after so many years away from Hollyoaks?
‘Surreal. It felt like no time had passed at all. I can’t believe it’s been so long. It was really comforting that things hadn’t changed and we all just slipped back into it.’
The special episode imagines how John Paul’s life might have unfolded if his sisters, including Tina and Carmel, had survived. What do you think Tina would have meant to John Paul if she was still around?
‘Tina and John Paul had a lovely relationship. Sometimes John Paul would confide in her and I think if she was alive that would’ve continued.’
For those who don’t remember Tina – what was her role like within the family before her exit?
‘Tina was the only sensible McQueen. She wanted the quiet life but often got dragged into her sister’s drama. She loved reading and was never without a new book. Her sister’s mostly just thought she was boring.’
Looking back during your time at Hollyoaks and being a part of the McQueen family, is there a particular storyline that stands out for you?
‘The big ones were always fun because so many cast were involved, like the church explosion but I loved the episode where the McQueen sisters all went and tried on wedding dresses and ended up doing a runner. So much fun!’
It’s 20 years since the McQueens arrived on our screens – why do you think the audience still feels such a strong connection to them?
‘They showcase a relatable family dynamic. Lots of falling out, lots of drama but lots of fun and lots of love.’
What’s your favourite memory of being a McQueen?
‘Hard to pick just one memory, the very early days of all working together as a family and creating the characters were the best. It was fun and we just always bounced of each other.’
Before the clan expanded, there was Michaela. Hollie-Jay Bowes reflects on being the blueprint for the family and why Michaela will always be her “baby.”
Michaela McQueen was one of the original McQueens, bursting onto screens back in 2006. What was it like stepping back into that character again after all these years?
‘Michaela was the first McQueen. I was originally booked to do 6 episodes in someone else’s storyline (Amy Barnes and Ste Hay’s teenage pregnancy). 3 months later I got a script through the door saying Michaela McQueen. I was called into a meeting, and Bryan Kirkwood told me they were building a family around me.’
‘Stepping into the character again felt like home. I asked for her signature hair bow. I can’t imagine that 34-year-old Michaela really grew up. She was known for her loud and wonderful fashion choices. Michaela will always be my baby. I loved every bone in that girl’s body. She was a loveable rogue with so much heart.’
What was Michaela’s role within the family before her exit?
‘Michaela was the baby of the clan. She had to be louder and bigger to be seen in that crazy family.’
Looking back during your time at Hollyoaks and being a part of the McQueen family, is there a particular storyline that stands out for you?
‘A storyline that stands out for me is Michaela finding love in Zak Ramsey. I always saw that as an unfinished love story, and I always wanted them to get married. Speaking of marriages, I can’t even count how many times we had to wear bridesmaid’s dresses because all the McQueens had a loud wedding at some point.’
It’s 20 years since the McQueens arrived on our screens – why do you think the audience still feels such a strong connection to them?
’20 years ago, I was 16 and had no idea we would leave this legacy behind. I feel an immense sense of pride knowing that Bryan Kirkwood took such inspiration from my character.’
What’s your favourite memory of being a McQueen?
‘My favourite memories of the McQueens were always the dressing room antics. As our dressing rooms were shared, it was always hilarious in there whilst getting ready. We all felt like sisters at the time. Squabbles and sharing each other’s things.’
