Richard Blackwood delighted with Hollyoaks welcome

‘Hollyoaks’ star Richard Blackwood "loves it" in Liverpool and has been pleased with the "lovely" welcome he’s received.
The former ‘EastEnders’ actor was confirmed as joining the Channel 4 soap earlier this month as Felix Westwood – a past love interest of Martine Deveraux (Kelle Bryan) and father to her twins, Mitchell Deveraux (Imran Adams) and Toby Faroe (Bobby Gordon) – and Ross Adams, who plays Mitchell’s on/off love interest Scott Drinkwell, says Richard has been telling him what a great reception he’s had.
Asked if he was happy about Richard’s casting, Ross said: "I was very happy. I’ve met Richard before.
"I did ‘Big Brother’s Bit on The Side’ once a couple of years ago with Richard.
"I think it will be interesting, because he was quite a big character in EastEnders, and I think coming up to Liverpool will be amazing for him. He loves it.
"He was actually telling me that everyone here in Liverpool was really lovely and so it’s nice."
And Ross believes Scott could well warm to Felix even quicker than Mitchell will.
He added: "Scott found out that he was adopted in his 20s, and found out that this life that he had wasn’t the life that he thought.
"I think if Mitchell finds out about his dad, and Toby, they have got that in common. I just hope that Mitchell has a nicer experience with his dad than what Scott did with his mum.
"Felix is going to be interesting, and I think Scott will be impressed by Felix if he comes in to the village and gives Mitchell attention. I think Scott could be won over quicker than Mitchell."
Richard – who played Vincent Hubbard in ‘EastEnders’ – recently admitted he feels "honoured" to have joined ‘Hollyoaks’.
He said: "I feel amazed and honoured to join the cast of ‘Hollyoaks’.
"After finishing at ‘EastEnders’, I did a few plays and a TV show for America.
"Now, I feel ready with what I’ve learnt in my hiatus to be a part of this show. I plan to take my acting to the next level and this character will help tremendously with that growth."
Imran added: "Richard Blackwood has been a cultural British icon for so many years. I remember being young and watching him on shows like MTV Base and just being out there living his dreams.
"As a young black man, it was such an inspiration for me to see, and to have him be cast as my TV dad is something I will hold with me for a very long time.
"He’s such a charming, personable, hardworking guy and I feel like, because of those attributes, he will be a perfect fit in the Deveraux clan who are loved by so many ‘Hollyoaks’ fans.
"It’s great to see such an iconic show have such diversity and I know that ‘Hollyoaks’ will continue to be the leader with that topic and I’m grateful to have him on board."