Dan Hunter (Hollyoaks)
| Dan Hunter | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollyoaks character | |||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Andy McNair | ||||||||||
| Duration | 2001–2004 | ||||||||||
| First appearance | 19 April 2001 | ||||||||||
| Last appearance | 24 December 2004 | ||||||||||
| Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||
| Spin-off appearances | Hollyoaks: After Hours (2004) | ||||||||||
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Dan Hunter is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Andy McNair. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 19 April 2001. McNair attended an audition for the role and was called back for a second audition, after which he was informed he had won the role. Dan is characterised as "moody and non-conformist" and has an anger problem. He is initially portrayed as a loner who is disinterested in romance due to the pressure of working at his family garage business. Writers portrayed the illness diabetes via Dan and he takes insulin to control his condition.
He introduced as part of the show's Hunter family consisting of Dan, his parents Les Hunter (John Graham Davies) and Sally Hunter (Katherine Dow Blyton) and siblings Lisa Hunter (Gemma Atkinson) and Lee Hunter (Alex Carter). Producers later introduced Dan's other sister, Ellie Hunter (Sarah Baxendale), who had been a missing person in Ibiza. Writers developed a feud between them, with Dan blaming her for ruining their family, resulting in a fight which prompts Dan to stop taking his insulin. Dan's main friendship was with Ben Davies (Marcus Patric), whose characterisation suited Dan's dislike to talk about their problems. A prominent relationship story for Dan was developed with Debbie Dean (Jodi Albert). Other storylines include a rally driving plot and helping a criminal repair stolen cars. McNair made his finale appearance as Dan during the episode broadcast on 24 December 2004.
Casting[edit]
McNair was cast in the role in 2001. He had previously worked as a model and presenter, with Dan being his first professional acting role.[1] McNair's agent contacted him enquiring if he would be interested in attending some auditions for Hollyoaks. McNair agreed but was apprehensive due to his lack of experience. He attended the first audition and received an audition recall two weeks later.[2] This time casting directors were auditioned for the roles of Dan's father Les Hunter (John Graham Davies) and sister, Lisa Hunter (Gemma Atkinson).[2] McNair recalled that producers offered him the role of Dan twenty minutes after he returned home from the audition. Of his casting, he added "I was amazed ; I jumped up and smacked my head on the door frame!"[2] In an interview with an All About Soap reporter, McNair claimed that he did not believe he would win the role. He added "I didn't really try that hard. I think that's why I was chosen".[3] The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 19 April 2001.[4]
Development[edit]
Characterisation[edit]
A writer from the official Hollyoaks website described Dan as "moody and non-conformist".[5] McNair told Matthew Evans, author of Phil Redmond's Hollyoaks: The Official Companion, that Dan is a "such a prat" and different to his own personality. He described Dan as whinging and "miserable, a male chauvinist and is constantly angry with everybody."[2] McNair believed these personality traits made the character "enjoyable" to play. Playing Dan began to impact McNair's own personality. He told Evans that would leave work feeling "a right grump", say things that only Dan would say and realise after the fact.[6] Dan is initially a solitary character because of his work and family problems. McNair explained that Dan does not have many friends because of his whinging ways. Writers created a friendship with Dan and Ben Davies (Marcus Patric). McNair believed they were well suited as friends because "the both understand each other's area of life that they don't want to talk about."[6] In another interview (All About Soap), McNair described Dan as "fairly moody and a bit of a loner". He revealed that "I don't think he wants many people to know him". He added that Dan possesses a "mean streak" and "he can get quite explosive.[3]
Introduction stories[edit]
Dan is introduced into the series as a new student studying a Higher National Diploma at Hollyoaks Community College. Dan divides his time studying and working in the Hunter and Son garage.[5] In one of Dan's first scenes, he gets into a fight with Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard). McNair believed it showcased Dan's "explosive personality" and began a feud between them.[3] He added that the two characters do not get along and Dan "is not prepared to put up with Tony." McNair added that many of Dan's original scenes were with Tony. He described working on the plot with Pickard as "great fun".[3] In his early stories, Dan is portrayed taking on the burden of running the family garage business. His father, Les prefers to drink alcohol and leave Dan to work alone.[7] Initially writers focused on the introduction of Les, Dan and his sister Lisa. They portrayed a dynamic between Dan and Lisa, where he takes on a "father figure" role. NcNair told McNair told Rachel Corcoran from All About Soap that Dan "wants to be there for her when Les isn't."[7] He added that Les cannot "handle his responsibilities" of work and finances so turns to alcohol to cope. He concluded that the only way the Hunter family would succeed is if Les gives up drinking.[7] Writers focused on the Hunter family moving their family business to Hollyoaks village. The move becomes a "complete disaster", and McNair assessed that the Hunter family "have a lot of bad luck, which they bring on themselves."[7]
Writers portrayed Dan in his early stories as being popular with female characters. Geri Hudson (Joanna Taylor initially takes a romantic interest in Dan, but he does not reciprocate.[6] McNair described Geri as "all over [Dan] like a rash" and only tries to seduce him at "inopportune times" which makes him disinterested.[3] They created Dan's first romance storyline with Izzy Cornwell (Elize du Toit).[7] She kisses Dan but prevents anything further from happening. McNair told Corcoran that "Dan doesn't know what's going on" and that Izzy is basically "teasing him and giving him a taste of his own medicine." He explained that Dan views Izzy as a "posh girl who has too much money" but there is something about her that he finds "intriguing".[7] The romance story was not developed further. McNair believed it played into Dan's characterisation with women "being the last thing on his mind".[6] He added that Dan other stories such as work and family responsibilities make him too preoccupied for romance. McNair also theorised that Dan has "an underlying issue" with trusting women because of the behaviours of his female family members.[6]
Rally driving[edit]
Writers created a story involving Dan rally driving and getting into trouble with police. With Ben as his passenger, they nearly run over Anna Green (Lisa M. Kay), who is pregnant and Dan is pulled over by police for dangerous driving.[7] Dan refuses to show his relevant driving documents to the police because he blames them for the incident. McNair told Corcoran that he "only feel guilty" about nearly knocking Anna down in his car because she is pregnant. He explained that Dan "likes to vent his anger by driving round like a maniac, he doesn't think of the consequences."[7] McNair added that Dan believes the police will forget about the incident, but they issue him a court summons. McNair described Dan as "really angry" and does not consider how his actions will Ben's life. Dan is portrayed a "spoilt brat" only concerned about losing his driving license.[7]
Dan begins lying to Les that the matter has been resolved. The plot continues with Dan attending illegal rally driving races. He challenges Tel to a race. McNair believed Dan wants bring "wide boy" Tel "down a peg or two".[7] To prepare for the story, McNair took a rally driving lesson with a professional driver.[6] Production used stunt drivers to film the rally scenes. Though McNair and Patric were filmed delivering dialogue for scenes while driving in a vehicle. McNair recalled that in one scene, he accidentally used the accelerator harshly and nearly hit a tree.[7] McNair told Evans that the rally driving plot was one of his favourite storylines.[6]
Feud with Ellie Hunter[edit]
Writers explored the relationship dynamic between Dan and his erratic sister Ellie Hunter (Sarah Baxendale). She had been missing in Ibiza for some time and unapologetically returned to live with the Hunter family.[8] Dan struggles to cope with Ellie's reappearance because she refuses to take responsibility for her actions. McNair told All About Soap's Karen Dunn that "Ellie just doesn't realise the effect her disappearance had. Dan tries to make her sit up and think about what she has done, however she is not interested."[8] His mother, Sally Hunter (Katherine Dow Blyton) realises the Hunter clan need to bond and suggests a family holiday. Ellie responds by telling her that she would rather holiday with friends, which further annoys Dan. McNair explained that Ellie's behaviour and the family's financial woes begin to take their toll on his health.[8]
Dan begins to work on cars for a criminal named Ronnie. When he needs more money, Dan agrees to work on stolen vehicles that Ronnie gets hold of. McNair said that Dan does not think about the danger and Ellie discovers the truth. McNair added "now Ellie has something on Dan she starts to wind him up about it."[8] This causes an argument which develops into a physical fight when Ellie punches him; "they end up throwing things at each other and trash the house."[8] Ellie responds by threatening to leave again, Dan cannot prevent her from leaving and she steals his car and absconds.[8]
Dan also loses another contract with Ronnie which writers portrayed a drastic reaction to. Dan is portrayed as having the illness diabetes and takes insulin to control the condition. In a fit of rage Dan throws his insulin away.[8] McNair believed Dan had no intention of committing suicide but he is "gutted", "very angry" and "he's just fed up of all the pressure and taking it out on his diabetes - he doesn't think about the consequences."[8] The incident results in Dan risking his life.[8]
Final stories and departure[edit]
Writers later created a romance between Dan and Debbie Dean (Jodi Albert). Debbie finds Dan's arrest for the murder spree difficult. Albert told Rick Fulton from Daily Record that Debbie would face "a lot of heartbreak" over Dan. She described a "very hard" couple of month which occur because "she's so in love with Dan and he's going through a lot."[9]
In 2004, Dan was featured in the four-part late night spin-off series titled Hollyoaks: After Hours.[10] Dan's story involves him, Ben, Joe Spencer (Matt Milburn), Jake Dean (Kevin Sacre) and Billie Johnson (Jenny Milburn) going on a celebratory night out following the completion of a sky dive jump in aid of charity. A writer from Daily Record revealed that the night out explores "the murky underworld of a Liverpool lap-dancing club" where they meet Saskia Browne, who is played by model Caprice Bourret. They then go to Saskia's home to continue their partying.[10] The show's producer Jo Hallows explained that the episodes were created in response to previous successful late night episodes of Hollyoaks. She added the episodes allowed for the inclusion of "material more suitable for an older audience - hence the later time slot."[10]
McNair made his finale appearance as Dan during the episode broadcast on 24 December 2004.[11]
Reception[edit]
All About Soap's Rachel Corcoran branded Dan a "rough and ready mechanic". She added that it was "no surprise" the character chose "to let off steam whizzing around in his rally car" having a father like Les.[7] Merle Brown from Daily Record branded Dan "the cleanest mechanic that lived" and that he was "delighted" to set up "dodgy" car dealer Ronnie.[12] Matthew Evans (The Official Companion) wrote that Dan "arrived in the show in style" and "immediately caused a stir" when he challenged the college's car parking system.[2] Evans believed that Dan took on his family problems and became "the archetypical angry young man".[2] He concluded that Dan "has led quite a solitary existence since he arrived in the show."[2]
References[edit]
- ^ "Andy McNair Character: Dan Hunter". Hollyoaks.com. Archived from the original on 21 June 2003. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Evans 2002, p.130.
- ^ a b c d e "Introducing Andy McNair". All About Soap. No. 20. (Attic Futura UK Ltd). 7 April – 4 May 2001. p. 7.
- ^ Executive Producer: Phil Redmond; Producer: Jo Hallows; Director: Jim Loach; Writer: Richard Burke (19 April 2001). "Episode 606". Hollyoaks. Channel 4.
- ^ a b "Dan Hunter Age: 20 Played by: Andy McNair". Hollyoaks.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2003. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Evans 2002, p.131.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Corcoran, Rachel (28 July – 25 August 2001). "Desperate Dan". All About Soap. No. 24. (Attic Futura UK Ltd). p. 36.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Dunn, Karen (9 March – 6 April 2002). "Driving him crazy". All About Soap. No. 32. (Attic Futura UK Ltd). p. 18.
- ^ Fulton, Rick (21 February 2004). "Move over Jessie, it's my turn to be sexiest soap star; Exclusive Hollyoaks' Jodi says she'd be happy to take the title". Daily Record. Retrieved 30 April 2024 – via The Free Library.
- ^ a b c "The Insider: Model Caprice joins the Chester set; Star in late night Hollyoaks". Liverpool Echo. 25 May 2004. Retrieved 30 April 2024 – via The Free Library.
- ^ Executive Producer: Phil Redmond; Producer: Jo Hallows; Director: Alan Grint; Writer: Samantha Doland De Vaux (24 December 2004). "Episode 1413". Hollyoaks. Channel 4.
- ^ Brown, Merle (13 July 2002). "Television; Moving on was easy PC for Kerry Peers after she found out who was playing her dad, says Merle Brown; Close encounter fits the Bill for Kerry". Daily Record. Retrieved 30 April 2024 – via The Free Library.
- Evans, Matthew (2002). Phil Redmond's Hollyoaks: The Official Companion. Channel 4 Books. ISBN 0-7522-2000-4.
External links[edit]
- Character profile at Hollyoaks.com