Myra McQueen

On Myra, a journalist from Hollyoaks' website said: "Myra McQueen, the mummy bear of Hollyoaks. This formidable matriarch of the village's most fearsome tribe keeps her troublesome brood in line with a mixture of love, understanding and bacon sarnies – all three of which have been in great demand during the McQueens dramatic tenure [...] Fiercely protective of her family, Myra's often has to choose between them. [...] when push comes to shove Myra will always put her family first".[3] Another journalist for the site added that Myra possesses scepticism, scathing remarks and relentless double standards. They described Myra as the "Queen of the McQueen clan", saying she is the "Mediator of squabbling kids, harbourer of stray relatives, she is the rock which grounds the feral McQueen family through turmoils and tragedies galore". They continued that Myra has a "feisty, no-nonsense nature" before saying that "with her trademark gold chains and sovereigns, we'd put our money on Myra over Mr. T any day".[4] Barber-Lane described her character's personality saying: "She can be quite serious, she can be selfish, she can be loving and giving, she can be ridiculously stupid and she can be amazingly clever - all at the same time! What a woman!"[5] On Myra's parenting technique, Barber-Lane said: "I think like many mothers, she tries her best. Whether her best is up to scratch is another question. She's certainly a very lenient parent, but also she would do anything for her kids, that comes before anything else".[6] Claire Cooper, who plays Myra's daughter, Jacqui, also commented on Myra's role in the family, explaining that although Jacqui often adopts a maternal approach in the McQueen family Myra is always "the boss" in the family. She added that both characters possess a "matriarch feel" and if the family had to face a big problem, then Myra would be the one to deal with it rather than Jacqui.[7]

The character has had numerous failed relationships in her life with the fathers of her children, Martin, Billy, Marvin and Ricky. Barber-Lane described Myra's relationships stating: "She's always fallen for the bad guy, the ones that aren't good for her. They're the ones who give her a challenge along with a bit of fun and excitement. She always believes in true love, though. That's why she constantly gets hurt".[8] Barber-Lane went on to express her interest in introducing one of the fathers of her children, saying: "I'd love for one of the kids' dads to come back, I really would. We've seen one of them already [...] but there was no interaction with Myra".[9]

Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood announced that a "tall stranger", Niall Rafferty (Barry Sloane), would soon join the serial and "the McQueen family take him into their bosom – Myra's to be precise". He explained that the character is Myra's son who she was forced to give up when she was young. Kirkwood added that the storyline would be "the big storyline" of the year as Niall "wreaks revenge" on the family.[10] During the storyline Myra's children begin to disappear making her "panic" upon the realisation.[8] Barber-Lane told Kris Green of entertainment website Digital Spy that Myra no longer wants to look for her son as "she thinks that she's a bad omen. All the bad things that have happened to her, she believes, happened because she gave her son away. However, by trying to find her son, she's being punished in different ways with her other kids. The Catholic guilt kicks in and she feels that it's all her fault. She decides that if she tries to find her son, she'll take him away from the white picket fence and the lovely life that she's created for him in her head. As far as she's concerned, she thinks that he's in a beautiful home, with a lovely mum and dad that are probably lawyers or doctors. That's why she really believes that she did the right thing giving him up when she was young".[8]

Niall lures Myra to the church she left Niall at when she abandoned him at. Niall "stuns" Myra by grabbing her and showing her the step she abandoned him on as a baby. Myra is "completely confused" by Niall's actions but "it slowly starts to dawn on her, especially when she sees the rest of her family in the church".[8] Barber-Lane explained that Niall decides to play one last game with the family and tells that he is "going to wipe them out". Niall decides that he will ask Myra questions and for every one of his questions that Myra answers correctly she can choose one of her children to live. Barber-Lane added that it is "really traumatic" experience for Myra.[8] Myra answers all but two questions correctly and must choose out of her six children which two can live. Myra is told that if she fails to make a decision all of her children will die. Barber-Lane commented that for "a mother, that's such a ridiculously difficult decision. She does choose, though - that's something that comes back to haunt her".[8] Myra chooses Jacqui and Carmel (Gemma Merna) to die, when John-Paul (James Sutton) and Mercedes (Jennifer Metcalfe) volunteer to die. The church exploded and Tina (Leah Hackett) is killed. Barber-Lane explained that Myra "can't forgive herself" for choosing Jacqui and Carmel to die. She added that the family dynamics changed when Myra made this choice. Barber-Lane said that Jacqui is less responsive to Myra and she became stronger than Myra who is "constantly riddled with guilt". She concluded that Myra now lets her children "get away with a lot more things than they usually would" because of her guilt.[5]

On her time on the serial Myra has often become involved in her family member's storylines. In one storyline Bart McQueen (Jonny Clarke) steals money from Myra. Bart lies about stealing the money when he is accused by Jacqui. This causes tensions between Jacqui and Myra who has "had enough of Jacqui muscling in". On her characters reasons for not believing Jacqui, Barber-Lane explained that "When Myra stopped believing Jacqui, I think it was also partly because Jacqui had hid all the stuff about Theresa (Jorgie Porter) killing Calvin (Ricky Whittle) and it was Myra's way of saying, 'Listen - this is my house, my rules'. Maybe she was wrong, but Bart's 15 so she felt that she couldn't kick him out as he had nowhere else to go, and she just thought that Jacqui should behave herself!"[5] Jacqui is later raped by Gilly Roach (Anthony Quinlan). Barber-Lane explained that there is a "part of Myra that thought, 'You'd never let that happen - how have you let that happen? Have you just changed your mind afterwards?"[5] Mercedes lies she is pregnant to cover up her affair with Carl Costello (Paul Opacic), the father of her fiancé Riley Costello (Rob Norbury). Myra discovers her lies and believes that Mercedes should not tell the truth as Mercedes has "landed on her feet" with Riley. Barber-Lane told Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy that Myra believes Riley will benefit the McQueen family financially and take them out of the poverty they are in. Myra is getting "carried away" with excitement and enthusiasm over how her life could change due to Riley. She said that the most important thing for Myra is what is important for her daughters although "sometimes she may forget that for a moment, but she's always there for her kids".[5]

Barber-Lane quit the series in 2013 to seek other job opportunities and spend time with her family. On her departure, the actress commented, "The job is fantastic, I love playing Myra. Over the last seven years we have had some great adventures with her and the McQueens."[11] Myra's exit story features her being shot by her son-in-law Doctor Browning (Joseph Thompson). A show spokesperson explained that as the head of one of Hollyoaks' "most iconic families", Myra deserves the "best send-off possible".[11] They teased, "It's going to be an epic week of episodes that we are sure fans are going to love."[11] Having been shot by Browning, Myra decides to fake her death and emigrate to Spain, leaving her family to believe that she is dead.[12] Barber-Lane admitted that while she was pleased with her exit, she was surprised by how grand it was. She revealed that multiple exit scenes were filmed.[13]

In January 2014, it was confirmed that a former character connected to the McQueen family would return that same month.[14] Myra was confirmed as the returnee during the episode's advanced broadcast on 30 January. Barber-Lane reprised the role for a single episode and her return was kept secret until transmission. In the narrative, Nana McQueen (Diane Langton) arranges for the family to see Myra at the local church where nobody will find her.[15] Writers played on Myra's characterisation by having her support her family in her appearance. In particular, she realises that something is wrong with John Paul, who was recently raped.[15]

Katy Finbow of Digital Spy reported on 6 July 2014 that Barber-Lane had reprised the role on a permanent basis. Myra returns alongside Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter), who had left the show months prior.[16] Barber-Lane expressed her joy at returning to Hollyoaks, despite her initial decision to leave. She likened the soap to "a comfortable sofa that you never really want to leave".[17] The character's return first aired in September 2014 when she helps Theresa escape prison custody. Upon her return, the character's hair is dyed blonde and she wears heavy fake tan.[18] Despite initial plans to return to Spain, Myra decides to stay after learning that John Paul was raped. Barber-Lane explained that although she tries being "strong" for John Paul, "she is utterly devastated".[17] She added that she could not leave again because "John Paul's her boy" and she needs to support him.[17]

In 2015, Barber-Lane took a break from the serial.[19] A show spokesperson declined to discuss the contracts of Barber-Lane and Porter, but commented, "Theresa and her aunt Myra do come and go from Hollyoaks village".[20] The actress explained that a return was always planned as Kirkwood promised not to remove her from the opening titles.[21] Myra's adoptive granddaughter, Phoebe McQueen (Mandip Gill), is killed off during her break and viewers criticised her absence from the story. In reality, Barber-Lane was unavailable to film the story, but admitted that she should have returned and feels guilty about not.[21]

The character's return from her break was announced on 3 October 2015. Kirkwood contacted Barber-Lane and asked her to return from her break, explaining that he wanted Myra to become involved in "some quite heavy and serious material as well as the comedy", something which appealed to the actress.[21] Kirkwood told an Inside Soap reporter that Myra would "sprinkle her magic dust on the McQueens and bring that unique warmth and comedy to the show again".[22] Myra returns to support Mercedes when she has a stillbirth amongst a series of other family disasters requiring her matriarchal spirit.[21][23] Barber-Lane noted that although Nana is still in the village, it is Myra that is needed now for her family.[21] Myra returns in time for the funeral of Mercedes' son, Gabriel. Mercedes realises that she is unhappy with the funeral service and walks out the church, finding Myra waiting for her when she does.[24]

One of the family's stories explores the issue of child sexual abuse. In the narrative, Myra's niece Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin) is being abused by her stepfather Pete Buchanan (Kai Owen), who also abused Cleo's older sister Porsche McQueen (Twinnie-Lee Moore) as a child. On Myra's perspective in the story, Barber-Lane explained that Myra believes everything is ok because Pete has been part of the family for "a really long time" as the partner of Myra's sister Reenie McQueen (Zoë Lister).[21] The actress noted that when Myra discovers the truth, she "won't take it lying down".[21] She believed that as well as supporting her family, she would confront Nana about her involvement.[21] Myra and Reenie's relationship is also explored when she returns. Their backstory states that Myra was not there to support Reenie as a child; she works to fix this upon her return. Barber-Lane pointed out that Myra cares most about her family, commenting, "It's irrelevant what any of them do - she'll always be there for them."[21]

In 2015, the story team created a love interest for Myra in the form of Diego Salvador Martinez Hernandez De La Cruz (Juan Pablo Yepez). Kirkwood used Myra and Diego's relationship to create some fun and light in the show, counterbalancing the ongoing darker stories with the rest of the family. Barber-Lane was pleased about this and hoped they would remind viewers about the family's fun side.[21] On the pair's relationship, the actress commented, "Myra and Diego will have wicked highs but some lows too. There will be a rollercoaster ride - so expect anything!"[21] Kirkwood thought that the relationship was "one of the loveliest things I've seen in a long time", despite its comic value on the surface.[22]

Myra and Diego met in a bar in Alicante, where she has claimed that she is the Countess of Chester. Diego was attracted to Myra instantly and Yepez believed that there was "an immediate magnetism" between the pair and "it was fireworks from there".[25] Barber-Lane told Kilkelly (Digital Spy) that the characters are actually in love and share an instant chemistry. She added that Diego had "brought something to life" in Myra.[21] When she returns, Myra tries to maintain "her new-found youth, attraction and the magic that she feels with Diego".[21] There is also an age gap between the characters, which makes John Paul and Mercedes suspicious of Diego's intentions.[21][22] Kirkwood defended Myra, opining, "Myra's a good-looking woman and has a lot to offer".[22] Barber-Lane thought that the age gap made Myra "[feel] like she's 18 again".[21]

Writers immediately tested Myra and Diego's relationship by having him discover her lie. Barber-Lane explained that Myra fears that Diego will not be interested in her anymore because in Spain, "she's living that fantasy out and she doesn't want that to come crashing down".[21] Despite Myra's concerns, Diego is committed to her and forgives her for lying. Yepez observed that since Myra has accepted him for himself, he has done the same for her.[25] Myra becomes concerned that when in the village, Diego may become attracted to other women. Barber-Lane said that Myra wants to trust Diego and admitted that she would be disappointed if writers split up the characters. She warned that if a McQueen sought Diego's attention, Myra would "have to slap them".[21]

The characters' relationship has been tested on multiple occasions when they each suspect the other of cheating. On the first instance, Myra questions whether Diego is cheating on her after finding a photo of Diego and another woman and hearing him telling another woman that he loves her. She confronts him, but he reveals that he was speaking to his sister, Maria.[26] In another scenario, writers had Diego concerned that Myra is cheating with his boss Nathan Nightingale (Jared Garfield). After Diego refuses to teach Nathan Spanish, Myra agrees to in secret. Nathan's sister, Ellie Nightingale (Sophie Porley), learns about their plan and lies to Diego that they are having an affair. Her claim is further supported when Diego spots the pair acting intimately and then witnesses Nathan showing Myra the lingerie he has bought for his girlfriend, Rachel Hardy (Jennifer Brooke). Diego then warns Rachel before preparing to leave the village. Before he leaves, Myra convinces him that she has not been unfaithful.[27]

A new story was created for Myra and Diego when Diego decides he wants to start a family. After being hospitalised following a fall, Myra learns that she is pregnant, delighting the pair. The health implications of having a child later in life were explored as part of the story.[28] The pregnancy was marred with challenges. The first being the introduction of Diego's sister Maria (Fernanda Dinez) who wants Diego help smuggling drugs. When Myra discovers the situation, she becomes stressed and is soon rushed to hospital with stomach pains. Although it is a false alarm, Myra's niece, nurse Celine McQueen (Sarah George), warns her to avoid any more stress.[29] They continue with the drug dealing in secret and Mercedes becomes involved, however, Maria sets her up for the dealing. Myra learns about the drug dealing and ends the relationship. Wanting to reunite with Myra, Diego records a confession from Maria about the drug dealing; this frees Mercedes and reunites the couple.[30]

The casting team hired Jacey Sallés to play Diego's millionaire mother Juanita Salvador Martinez Hernandez De La Cruz in September 2016. Juanita arrives to assess Myra's suitability for her son as she has promised him "a large sum of money" for finding an appropriate match.[31] A show spokesperson told Amy Duncan from the Metro that Myra wants a reconciliation between Diego and Juanita so they can have her money.[31] Juanita's introduction plays a role in one of Myra's scams. After deciding that she would not be a suitable match for Diego in Juanita's eyes, Myra enlists Celine to act as Diego's fiancée. George explained that Myra and the family place "a lot of pressure" on Celine to go through with the scheme, even though she does not think it is right.[32] After a change of heart, Myra stops the wedding and Juanita leaves, furious about Diego's relationship. A further twist was included in the episode when four women arrived in the church to claim that Diego is actually a conman.[33]

The couple later split up, but this is tested when Myra gives birth to a daughter, Carmina McQueen. After her waters break at Celine's funeral, she is taken to hospital. After seeing Carmina, she is reminded of Diego and when he arrives at the hospital, they decide to reunite.[34] Hollyoaks used Myra's pregnancy to pay tribute to singer Beyoncé's photo announcement that she was expecting twins. The show's promotion team created a set-up mirroring Beyonce's photo with Barber-Lane using a fake baby bump. On the tribute, the actress commented, "Me and Bey – blessed to be bump buddies."[35]

In March 2017, Yepez was written out of the cast. Having tried to con Frankie Osborne (Helen Pearson), Diego makes plans to move to Spain with Myra and their daughter Carmina. However, when Myra learns that Diego had sex with Frankie as part of the con, she ends their relationship. He decides to leave without an argument, leaving Myra to raise their daughter alone.[36]

Annie Wallace was introduced as Sally St. Claire, the new headteacher of Hollyoaks High, in October 2015. A Hollyoaks publicist teased that Sally arrives in the village "with an ulterior motive".[37] This motive was revealed in an episode first broadcast in March 2016: Sally, who is transgender, is the father of John Paul, who is also a teacher at the school. The secret is revealed to the audience when Myra first interacts with Sally and recognises her.[38] The story is a first for British soap operas and Wallace thought that Hollyoaks was "trailblazing the way".[39] The show worked with the equal rights group All About Trans to ensure the story could be believable and Wallace dismissed claims that the story was "too outlandish".[38] She opined that it is not uncommon for trans people to have children from before their transition, but agreed that it uncommon for the scenario to involve a headteacher and one of her employees.[38] The show's story team made the story a character-led story and Wallace pointed out that the story focuses on "family, history and character".[39] Wallace enjoyed working with Barber-Lane and Sutton on the story.[38]

Myra is "horrified" to see Sally again.[38] Barber-Lane pointed out that Myra is surprised to see Sally again and then doubly surprised to learn she is now a trans woman. She told Charlotte Tutton from OK! that Sally's arrival has brought "back memories and upset for Myra".[40] Myra worries about the impact the truth could have on her relationship with John Paul. She demands that Sally keep the truth a secret and stays away from John Paul. Wallace explained that Myra is "protecting herself from the lies that she's told over the years", rather than protecting John Paul.[38] Myra's backstory with Sally is explored in the episode after the reveal. Wallace praised the writing of the episode and found it emotional to film.[38] She also believed that the episode would quash the idea that the story is "outlandish".[38] Barber-Lane confirmed that Myra and the McQueens would eventually accept Sally into the family. She commented, "If fans know anything about the McQueens, it may take them a while but their hearts are always in the right place."[40] As Myra comes to accept Sally, their former friendship is touched upon, which Wallace enjoyed.[38] She later told Duncan Lindsay from the Metro that she wanted the pair to become best friends again and suggested that they should "go in the village and get drunk and reminisce and just be friends again".[41]

In April 2016, it was reported that another villager, followed by John Paul, would learn about his parentage. A show spokesperson stated that John Paul would learn the truth in "hugely emotional" scenes, placing Myra and John Paul's relationship in jeopardy in the process.[42] After seeing John Paul being attacked, Sally rushes in and reveals that he is her son. Wallace explained that in that moment, Sally stops thinking about Myra and her job and is only thinking about John Paul.[41] John Paul reacts badly to the truth and struggles to forgive Myra for lying to him. Wallace thought that Myra and Sally cannot say anything to prevent him being in "a real emotional turmoil".[41]

In another scenario, Myra and Sally have an argument at the school which leads to Myra falling down the stairs. It is not revealed whether Myra fell or whether Sally pushed her, leading both characters and the audience to question.[43] John Paul believes that Myra has fallen to claim compensation, which creates tension between him and the rest of his family. Wallace explained that John Paul sees Myra as "the compensation queen of Chester" so thinks her plan has just gone wrong.[43] Myra only suffers minor injuries as a result of the fall.[28] Writers ended the feuding between Myra and Sally after John Paul is involved in a car accident and temporarily loses his vision. Barber-Lane explained that Myra is "completely devastated" and wants to care for John Paul as he is "the golden boy" of her children.[44] In the aftermath, Sally tries to support John Paul too, which Myra finds uncomfortable. Barber-Lane pointed out that the pair have to "change their way of thinking and their relationship" and work together to support their son.[44]

Producers paired Myra with Marnie Nightingale (Lysette Anthony) in a friendship in 2017. Anthony felt that the pair "really understand each other" and thought the only difference between them was their education.[45] The actress really enjoyed working with Barber-Lane and hoped that producers would give them their own series.[45] The friendship forms when Myra invites Marnie to stay at her house after she becomes homeless. Anthony pointed out that Marnie initially struggles in the house as she finds it an "utter squalor".[45] She added that it is "snob hell for Marnie".[45] Marnie soon settles at the house but the McQueens grow tired of her and try to find a way for her to leave. They involve her in a karaoke night where everyone wears a onesie. Anthony told Alison Gardner from What to Watch that Marnie finds the outfit horrifying, especially when Myra reveals she has never washed it.[45]

Over multiple months, a potential romance between Myra and Sally was teased as the former remained confused on her sexuality. On many occasions, Myra avoids confronting her feelings and pushes Sally away.[46] Wallace liked the idea of two former lovers reuniting and beginning a modern relationship.[47] Writers agreed and developed a romantic relationship between the pair in February 2018.[48] Wallace confirmed that although the romance would become serious, it would be tested at various points. She felt that the plot was "an important and groundbreaking storyline".[47] She added that it is "a story of love [and] of soul-mates", rather than a sexual relationship.[47] The development occurs after Sally decides to move out, having become disheartened by Myra's rejections.[48] Following Bart's funeral, Myra reflects on mortality and decides she wants a "meaningful" relationship with Sally. The pair have sex, but the next morning, Myra hides the development from the family, making Sally believe that Myra is rejecting her again. Realising this, Myra makes a public declaration of love for Sally in The Dog in the Pond pub.[46]

Following Barber-Lane's decision to leave the show again, Myra was written out in March 2019. Her final storyline sees her relationship with Sally end after Myra cheats on Sally before their wedding. Sally offers to leave the village, but Myra claims to need to sort out her daughters in Alicante so departs.[49] Barber-Lane expressed her sadness at leaving, but opined that she "[needed] to do something different for [her]".[49] She explained that during her second stint, she enjoyed Myra and Sally's relationship as well as Myra's friendship with Marnie.[49] In a video uploaded to the show's Instagram, Barber-Lane thanked viewers for "taking Myra to [their] hearts".[50] She also teased that the character could return again in the future.[50]