Lisa Hunter

Lisa Hunter is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Gemma Atkinson. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 23 April 2001. The character is noted for her storylines including bullying and self-harming. After her exit from Hollyoaks, Atkinson reprised the role twice in two spin-off series. In November 2021, it was announced that Atkinson would be returning to Hollyoaks for a guest appearance, with her return airing in March 2022.

Lisa Hunter
Hollyoaks character
Portrayed byGemma Atkinson
Duration2001–2005, 2022
First appearanceEpisode 607
23 April 2001 (2001-04-23)
Last appearanceEpisode 5810
18 March 2022 (2022-03-18)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byJo Hallows (2001)
Lucy Allan (2022)
Book appearancesHollyoaks: Seeing Red
Spin-off
appearances		Hollyoaks: After Hours (2004)
Hollyoaks: Let Loose (2005)
Hollyoaks: In the City (2006)
In-universe information
OccupationModel
FatherLes Hunter
MotherSally Hunter
BrothersDan Hunter
Lee Hunter
SistersEllie Mills

Development

Casting

Actress Gemma Atkinson was cast in the role of Lisa, a member of the new Hunter family, in 2001.[1] She made her first appearance on 23 April 2001.[2] Lisa joins the local secondary school, where she is bullied by Zara Morgan (Kelly Greenwood) and Abby Davies (Helen Noble) after they "take an instant dislike to her."[2]

During 2004, Atkinson was reported to have been axed from the soap along with her on-screen family.[3] Despite this, the character stayed onscreen until 2005, before making further appearances in spin-offs Hollyoaks: Let Loose and Hollyoaks: In the City.

Reports of the character's return arose in 2007, with Atkinson supposedly signing a £100,000 a year deal with the show.[4] This was eventually denied by a spokeswoman for the show, who told Digital Spy:"There are no current plans for Gemma Atkinson to return to Hollyoaks in the foreseeable future."[4] Hollyoaks series producer at that time, Bryan Kirkwood, also commented on the speculation of her return: "Gemma's a real star and I have chatted with her and her agent about the possibility of a future return. None of us feels that it's right at the moment but there's a chance it could happen in the future. There's nothing signed and nothing planned for the foreseeable future."[5]

In 2010, Atkinson announced she desired to return to the soap for a guest stint, she said: "I've not been asked to, but I'd love to go back for a few episodes. In the show, one brother has died, my sister is in France and the older brother is now in Emmerdale, so I don't know how they would introduce Lisa back."[6] However, several weeks after Atkinson's statement, it was announced that Alex Carter, who played Lisa's brother Lee, would return to the show later in 2010.[7] In an interview following his return, Carter was asked whether he would like Atkinson to return, to which he said: "Yeah! I don't know if she will and I haven't spoken to her for a long time — I went to her birthday a couple of years ago and I've not spoken to her since. But yeah, why not? Get them all back! It'd be good to see Lisa, wouldn't it?"[8] The serial offered her a 12-month contract for her return, but she turned it down because she didn't want to become "stuck in a rut".[9] In November 2021, it was announced by Birmingham Mail that Atkinson would be returning to Hollyoaks.[10] Hollyoaks confirmed via social media that the return would be a guest appearance.[11] Her return scenes aired on 16 March 2022.[12]

Spin-offs

After her departure from the Hollyoaks show, Atkinson and Marcus Patric (Ben Davies) signed to appear in spin-off Hollyoaks: Let Loose, which saw the characters moving on with their lives following their departures from Hollyoaks village.[13] The series received poor viewing figures and another series was not produced.

In 2006, details of a follow-up spin-off, Hollyoaks: In the City, were announced.[14] Several other characters were cast from actors including Philip Olivier, Leon Lopez, Oliver Lee and Kym Marsh.[15] The series, which followed Ben and Lisa to Liverpool, was aired on Channel 4 sister channel E4 during August to December 2006. Despite fair ratings, the series was axed by E4 in December 2006.[16] However, the character of Lisa was left open for a possible return.

Storylines

Lisa becomes popular at school, much to the dislike of jealous Steph Dean (Carley Stenson), who then begins to bully her. Sick of the bullying and after some family problems, Lisa turns to self-harming. Lisa keeps her secret from everyone until Brian Drake finds the cuts on her arms and legs and assumes she is being abused and calls a social worker. Lisa then admits to self harming. She beings to see a counsellor and her life slowly returns to normal. Lisa begins a relationship with Brian, however she becomes rather reliant on his help when family troubles get her down. The pair split up just before their exams start. Cameron Clark (Ben Gerrard) arrives and immediately takes a shine to Lisa. Eventually the pair start a relationship. Lisa starts to get threatening text messages from a mysterious stalker. Her friends assume it is Steph due to the bullying and her jealousy over Lisa's relationship with Cameron. Lisa's stalker is revealed to be her jealous ex-boyfriend Brian, who blames her for his exam failure. Cameron and Lisa lose their virginity to each other, but break up. Lisa briefly dates Kristian Hargreaves (Max Brown), however it does not last, while there was more bad news for Lisa, as her older brother Lee (Alex Carter) was getting in trouble with the police and started failed exams, while her sister Ellie (Sarah Baxendale) disappears in Ibiza for almost two years, but returns to the village.

Meanwhile, Steph resumes her relentless bullying of Lisa after discovering that her brother-in-law, serial killer Toby Mills (Henry Luxemburg), was responsible for an attack that nearly cost Steph her life and left her with epilepsy, which pushes Lisa closer to the edge once again. However, after Steph unleashes a cruel and vicious physical attack on a tearful Lisa outside the Drive 'n' Buy, Steph's father Johnno Dean (Colin Wells) comes to the rescue. After pulling Steph off her victim, Johnno publicly reprimands Steph for her behaviour and orders her to leave Lisa alone. The two reconcile later on, and Steph apologises to Lisa for her constant bullying. After the death of her brother Dan (Andrew McNair), Lisa becomes more confident and is determined to enjoy life to the fullest. She begins to go off the rails and has an affair with Dan's friend, Jake Dean (Kevin Sacre), which ends up with him contracting an STD. Lisa decides she wants to be with Jake, however he tells her he loves his girlfriend Becca Hayton (Ali Bastian). Jake confesses his affair to Becca, who then ends her friendship with Lisa. Lisa then turns her affections to Ben Davies (Marcus Patric), which angers his girlfriend Louise Summers (Roxanne McKee). Ben leaves Louise for Lisa and the pair decide to leave the village together.

After their departure from Hollyoaks, Ben and Lisa start a new life. Cracks begin to show in the relationship as Ben cheats and Lisa ends up self-harming again. Lisa plans to move to Cyprus, leaving Ben, however he stops her and convinces her to give their relationship another chance. In Hollyoaks: In the City, Ben and Lisa return from a holiday to Liverpool, where Lisa begins working as a receptionist and a model. Ben attempts to buy a bar but is ripped off by a con man losing all his savings, the pair move in with his friend Tank-Top and his flatmate Adam. Ben gets a job with shady local entrepreneur Burton Phillips.Yet again Lisa and Ben's relationship struggles as they both cheat. Lisa is kidnapped by her new boss Stella to be used in a snuff film as Ben races to save her, however, Stella's conscience gets the better of her and she frees Lisa, who, during a scuffle, takes one of Stella's henchman's guns whilst trying to escape, Ben bursts into the room and Lisa accidentally shoots him, killing him. As the police arrive and arrest Stella and her gang, Lisa cradles Ben's body in her arms as Tank-Top and Burton look on.

Lisa returns to the village years later with boyfriend Dylan Barker (Max Rinehart) reuniting with Zara Morgan and Luke Morgan. Tom Cunningham is delighted as he reveals to Zara that Lisa was his first crush. However, Lisa and Dylan have an agenda, a protest that leaves Zara behind bars. Lisa later apologises to Zara via voicemail.

Reception

In 2002, Gemma Atkinson was nominated for Best Actress, Sexiest Female and Best Newcomer at the British Soap Awards for her portrayal of Lisa.[17] Atkinson was again nominated for 'Best Actress' in the 2003 awards[18] and also for the award of Best Dramatic Performance From a Young Actor or Actress in the 2004 British Soap Awards.[19]

Virgin Media profiled some of Hollyoaks' "hottest females" in their opinion, of Lisa they stated: "Lisa Hunter transformed from a bullied teenager into the ultimate sexpot overnight. With two steamy affairs under her belt, Lisa eventually left the village with Ben Davies – we bet [Atkinson's then-boyfriend] Ronaldo was mega jeals!"[20] They have also described Lisa as having an "intense personality" and credit "her parents' tumultuous relationship, a missing sister, her affair with an engaged man, her brother's death and her self-harming" have caused Lisa to have an extremely troubled life.[21]

References
  1. Evans, Matthew (2002). Hollyoaks: The Official Companion. London: Channel 4 Books. p. 138. ISBN 0-7522-2000-4.
  2. "Teen trouble". Inside Soap. No. 177. 14–27 April 2001. p. 17.
  3. Wilkes, Neil (28 March 2004). "Hollyoaks set for 'biggest ever soap massacre'". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  4. Kris Green and Dave West (15 May 2007). "Hollyoaks deny Gemma Atkinson return". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  5. Green, Kris (12 October 2007). "Bryan Kirkwood, Hollyoaks Producer". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  6. Kilkelly, Daniel (26 February 2010). "Gemma Atkinson wants Hollyoaks return". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  7. Green, Kris (15 March 2010). "Exclusive: Alex Carter returns to Hollyoaks". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  8. Kilkelly, Daniel (17 August 2010). "More from 'Oaks returnee Alex Carter". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  9. Kilkelly, Daniel (23 March 2011). "Gemma Atkinson 'turned down Hollyoaks'". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 24 March 2011.
  10. Hallam, Katy (11 November 2021). "Hollyoaks legend Gemma Atkinson returning to soap after 20 years". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  11. @Hollyoaks (12 November 2021). "OMG! Look who's baaaaaack! 😲 That's right! @MissGAtkinson will be returning to #Hollyoaks for a special guest appearance as Lisa Hunter! 😆😆😆 We can't wait for Lisa's return and we're sure she'll take the village by storm!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  12. Kilkelly, Daniel (8 March 2022). "Hollyoaks confirms return date for Lisa Hunter as Gemma Atkinson reprises the role". Digital Spy. (Hearst Communications). Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  13. Wilkes, Neil (19 August 2005). "More details on Hollyoaks spin-off revealed". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  14. Green, Kris (6 March 2006). "Hollyoaks: In the City". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  15. Green, Kris (7 April 2006). "Hollyoaks: In the City line-up revealed". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  16. Green, Kris (2 December 2006). "E4 axes Hollyoaks: In the City". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  17. Welsh, James (16 May 2002). "British Soap Awards 2002: Nominations". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  18. "2003 UK Soap Awards". Memorable TV. (Little Acorns Publishing). 2003. Archived from the original on 27 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  19. "British Soap Awards nominations". CBBC, Newsround. (British Broadcasting Corporation). 8 May 2004. Archived from the original on 7 September 2009. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  20. "Lisa Hunter (Gemma Atkinson) – Hollyoaks hall of babes". Virginmedia.com. (Virgin Media Inc.). Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. Retrieved 2010-12-15.
  21. "Hollyoaks: Who's Who?". Virginmedia.com. (Virgin Media Inc.). 26 January 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
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