Hollyoaks, the long-running UK soap opera, is set to air a two-part episode featuring Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard. The upcoming storyline will see Danny star alongside the soap’s beloved lesbian couple, Juliet and Peri, as they cope with the devastating news of Juliet’s cancer diagnosis.
Juliet, played by Niamh Blackshaw, recently learned that her Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more aggressive than initially thought and is not responding to treatment. In response, she and her partner Peri, played by Ruby O’Donnell, have committed to making special memories together while they still can.
The upcoming episodes will follow the couple as they travel to Brighton, the UK’s queer capital, to make special memories. However, their plans are thrown into disarray when all their possessions go missing. This is where Danny Beard’s character comes in, offering the couple a ride back to Chester and treating residents to an exclusive performance of their untitled new song.
The cameo appearance by Danny Beard has been described as “ridiculous in the best Hollyoaks way possible.” Fans are eagerly anticipating the heart-breaking and inspiring scenes that will unfold when the episodes air in the spring.
The storyline will also feature other queer characters, including Ste Hay and James Nightingale, as well as I’m A Celeb favorite Owen Warner as his character Romeo. Hollyoaks producer Josie Day has described the scenes as “laugh-out-loud, inspiring, and heart-breaking.”
The inclusion of Danny Beard in the storyline highlights the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ characters and issues in mainstream media. It is a significant step towards representation and inclusivity, and is sure to be celebrated by fans of both Hollyoaks and Drag Race UK.