‘Hollyoaks' Transgender Storyline: Writer Reveals ‘Orange Is The New Black' Inspired The Plot

‘Hollyoaks’ script writer Jonathan Larkin has revealed the inspiration for the show’s current storyline, which has seen Blessing confess that she is transgender.

During an interview with Digital Spy Jonathan revealed that he wanted Blessing to have a number of ‘Orange Is The New Black’ character Sophia’s personality traits.

Blessing Chambers is played by Modupe Adeyeye

“Having watched ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and seeing Laverne Cox's character Sophia, the similarities with the Blessing I wanted to write were shining through,” he said. “The tough exterior, the warm nature, coming from a hard knock life but never forgetting to be a glamorous ray of sunshine... it all just fitted together perfectly.”

The writer was also inspired by transgender journalist Paris Lee, who Jonathan also considers as a huge inspiration.

"Having read up on Paris Lees and her backstory, the inspiration just kept on coming and it felt like it was finally Blessing's time to shine,” he said.

Jonathan also explained that he had wanted to feature a transgender character for quite some time, adding: "The original character came from me. The need to tell the story of a trans girl coming to Hollyoaks village was something I've wanted to do for a long time.”

The characters of ‘Hollyoaks’ are yet to find out Blessing’s secret, though she has confessed all to Tony who will urge her to tell Dennis.

‘Hollyoaks’ has featured a number of more serious storylines recently, including plots focussing on domestic violence and the distressing death of Sinead’s baby daughter.

Jorgie Porter is set to return to the show later this year as Teresa McQueen. The last time fans saw Teresa she was being arrested after confessing to the murder of Calvin Valentine.

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