Mercedes McQueen
Encyclopedia
Mercedes Fisher is a fictional character
from the British Channel 4
soap opera
Hollyoaks
, played by Jennifer Metcalfe
. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 19 June 2006 as the first character to be introduced to the serial by series producer, Bryan Kirkwood
. She is part of the McQueen family
and is the longest serving McQueen on the serial. Throughout her time on the serial Mercedes storylines have centred on her relationships which include her marriages to Russ Owen
and Malachy Fisher
, engagement to Riley Costello
and several affairs. She has also been involved in an HIV
storyline and more recently, was at the centre of a kidnapping storyline when she was held against her will by serial killer Silas Blissett
(Jeff Rawle
) before going into labour and gives birth to a boy as a result of the stress.
's role in Desperate Housewives
as Gabrielle Solis
, from "people I’ve met throughout my life" before Metcalfe added that "there’s a little bit of me in there. But only a tiny bit".
In 2008 Metcalfe revealed she feared being axed from the serial and had to seek reassurance from her producer that she wasn't going to be killed off. In 2011 Metcalfe stated her plans to stay with the serial saying "I never get bored or lose interest, so I would stay until who knows when! The stuff they cough up is just brilliant. There's a lot of people in soaps who get comfortable and want to risk such a good job for Hollywood or music. I hate musicals - that's a no go. You have to appreciate what you are doing now - I've no big dreams, but I'm sure I'll continue to develop."
have described Mercedes stating: "Cocky, confident, and mean with a right hook, Mercedes McQueen isn't afraid of anyone, especially not a man. She knows what effects her assets have on the opposite sex, and she always gets what she wants." What's on TV
described Mercedes as "man-eater of the McQueen clan, Mercedes won't take any nonsense and she's not shy when it comes to a scrap!" Mercedes has also been described as "mouthy", a "minx" and a "bitchy maneater" by the Liverpool Echo
, The Sun and Closer respectively. The Daily Star described her as "fiesty", "troubled" and "gorgeous" while the Metro labelled her a "sultry siren" and "spirited". Metcalfe commented on Mercedes saying she has "got used to her now and her ways, nothing shocks me!" and added "She [Mercedes] is crazy, but I wouldn't have her any other way." When questionned if Mercedes would ever be happy Metcalfe commented "No. She's on a downhill slope. She has moments of happiness but ruins them herself. Maybe one day she'll change"before later adding that the reasoning behind Mercedes behaviour towards men is that "her [Mercedes] first love messed her up and she never got over it. I don't think she'll ever change and I'm not sure I'd want her to - she's great to play".
and flirts with him. She develops feelings for Russ and they have sex. They begin a relationship. Russ wrongly accuses Mercedes of having an affair. She is angry with Russ and has sex with Warren Fox. Mercedes has sex with Warren once again and feeling guilty, proposes marriage to Russ which he accepts. What's on TV described the proposal as being done "guiltily". On the night before their wedding, Mercedes becomes intoxicated and has sex with Warren for a third time. On the same night, someone attempts to murder Clare Cunningham and Warren is arrested. Warren tries to prove his innocence as he was with Mercedes, but she denies it. At the wedding, Louise Summers confronts Mercedes. Tina lies and gives her an alibi. Mercedes and Russ then marry. Metcalfe commented that she thought the wedding "didn't go smoothly" but added that "her wedding to Russ was great because it was her first" while E4 described the wedding as going "swimmingly" until the "first of Mercedes' hattrick of weddings" was interrupted by Louise, before they added "Chin up Russ - at least it wasn't your dad" after Russ found out that Mercedes had an affair with Warren. Warren is charged with Clare's attempted murder. Mercedes knows it will end her marriage to Russ if she agrees to be a witness. Mercedes later agrees to be a witness at Warren's trial and explains their affair. Russ then ends their relationship. After their relationship ends the Metro said that Mercedes still "harbours romantic feelings" for Russ. Virgin Media
listed Mercede's wedding to Russ amongst their list of "Soap's biggest wedding day disasters" before adding that "McQueen weddings are full of drama, and Russ and Mercedes' big day was no exception". E4 listed Mercedes "sleeping with Russ the very moment that Russ' girlfriend Sophie was being burnt to a crisp in The Dog in the Pond fire" aswell as "sleeping with Warren to get her own back on Russ" as one of "the Many Mistakes of Mercedes McQueen".
. He later proposes to her but she refuses. Mercedes has sex with a stranger which Metcalfe commented that "sex usually makes her forget about everything else that's going on. But afterwards she still can't stop thinking about Malachy, so she decides to go and see him to work out how she feels". She later accepts his proposal and they marry. After it was revealed Mercedes and Malachy were to marry Metcalfe commented that Mercedes is "completely mad! But that's part of her personality; Mercedes just does whatever she feels like doing at the time. She doesn't exactly think things through. But I think that's what is attractive about her personality". Mercedes learns that she has not contracted HIV from Malachy. A Hollyoaks source described Mercedes not having HIV as "bitter sweet" because "she has a husband who could die and leave her on her own. [...] if she had HIV then they would be going through everything together". Malachy becomes ill with Metcalfe describing the storyline as "Malachy starts to feel really unwell. [...] Mercedes knows something is wrong and demands he sees a doctor. She's worried his immune system is too weak to fight off the illness".
Mercedes and Calvin share a kiss after Malachy feels suffocated by her prescence, which Digital Spy chose as heir "pic of the day" feature. After being hired as a barmaid at the Loft by Calvin she and Calvin sleep together, which is witnessed by Malachy. Metcalfe expressed that she had initial "reservations" about the storyline which she felt was "far-fetched". Metcalfe added that she felt the turn of events was "brilliant" once she had begun filming the scenes even though she felt Mercedes would be perceived as a "bitch". Whittle also expressed similar doubts saying he felt it was "a bit out of character" for Calvin although the plot was "exciting". They begin an affair which is revealed by Cheryl. Malachy ends his marriage to Mercedes. Mercedes lies that she is HIV-positive to Malchy's new girlfriend. Metcalfe added that this behaviour was "disgusting". Mercedes tells Malachy and plan to reconcile. Lynsey discovers Mercedes lied and tells Malachy. Lynsey tells Malachy, who punches Mercedes. On Malachy hitting Mercedes Metcalfe said Mercedes "thinks she deserved it, and I think so too! She was awful in the late-night episodes - the lies she told were just disgusting. She doesn't resent Malachy for hitting her at all". Mercedes and Malachy then reconcile. Metcalfe added that Mercedes still loves Malachy but she "just can't keep her hands off other men! She also doesn't want anyone else to have him" and added that "It's typical Mercedes, always wanting what she can't have". Malachy is injured after an explosion and Mercedes decides to turn off his life support.
Metcalfe commented that she thought Mercedes loved Malachy adding "Seeing him with Lynsey made her realise how much she loved him. You saw in the late night shows that she was prepared to have unprotected sex with him. She loves him enough to risk getting HIV" and added that Malachy "shielded her from the explosion by throwing himself over her, which proves to her how much he loves her. She knows that’s special and regrets she ever took him and his love granted". She later added that Mercedes "absolutely" regretted the affair with Calvin and that if Malachy died Mercedes "would be devastated. I think she’d also find it hard to live with the guilt of what she did. She desperately wants this chance to make things work between them. Malachy is the only positive thing in her life. She’s got no career and she doesn’t get on with her family any more. She thinks that she’s nothing without him." Metcalfe later added that she and Wallace "had amazing storylines" and that Malachy dying was the most emotional scene she had filmed. E4 described Mercedes "pretending she had HIV so Malachy took her back" as one of "the Many Mistakes of Mercedes McQueen".
. She sleeps with his father Carl Costello
and later begins an affair with him. She becomes engaged to Riley. Paul Opacic who plays Carl commented on the affair saying "Carl and Mercedes feel really guilty about what's happened. But we'll have to wait and see whether they can stay away from each other". He later went on to add that Carl thinks Mercedes "isn't good enough" for Riley who thinks Mercedes is "the girl of his dreams". Riley's brother Seth threatens to expose the affair so she lies she is pregnant. After lying about being pregnant for several weeks she attacks Mitzeee at her engagement party. The Daily Star described the attack as "vicious" and said she tried to make up for her "mistake" by "turning on the tears and apologising". She plans to fake a miscarriage after advice from Myra. A Hollyoaks insider commented that "what happens next will shock 'Hollyoaks' fans. This juicy story is about to get even jucier!" She realises she is pregnant, but is unsure of the child's paternity. Metcalfe commented on the storyline saying "They’re not telling me what’s going to happen with the love triangle but now that Mercedes is pregnant things really have got interesting. Every time I think there’s nothing more the writers can come up with for Mercedes they surprise me by coming up with yet another big storyline for her. I’ve been really lucky". Metcalfe wore a prosthetic baby bump for the storyline which she said was "so uncomfortable". On her wedding day to Riley she exposes the affair. Metcalfe said this was because "She looked into his eyes and she does love him so much. Just couldn't help it! And Jacqui coming in at the end just tipped her over the edge". She later added that she has "had enough of weddings for now. Mercedes has had three - that's some going for her age!" E4 described Mercedes "getting off with the local footballer (Riley) while her fella (Malachy) was still warm in his grave" as one of "the Many Mistakes of Mercedes McQueen".
She is kidnapped by Riley's grandfather, serial killer Silas Blissett
.
The Wirral News
called the pairing "Hollyoak's favourite on-off couple" and dubbed the storyline "dramatic" before adding that it has "kept viewers on tenterhooks". Metcalfe commented that she "loved the storyline and working with Rob". When questionned whether Mercedes and Riley would reunite she said "I'd like them to but I don't fancy their chances"
(Stuart Manning
) and flirts with him, to the annoyance of his girlfriend, Sophie Burton
(Connie Powney
). Mercedes develops feelings for Russ and they have sex. They begin a relationship after Sophie dies. Russ is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection and wrongly accuses Mercedes of having an affair. She is angry with Russ and has sex with Warren Fox
(Jamie Lomas
). Mercedes discovers that her mother, Myra
(Nicole Barber-Lane
), is the cause of infection and Russ apologieses to Mercedes. Mercedes has sex with Warren once again and feeling guilty, proposes marriage to Russ. He agrees, revealing that he was also going to propose. On the night before their wedding, Mercedes becomes intoxicated and has sex with Warren for a third time. On the same night, someone attempts to murder Clare Cunningham (Gemma Bissix
) and Warren is arrested. Warren tries to prove his innocence as he was with Mercedes, but she denies it. At the wedding, Louise Summers (Roxanne McKee
) interrupts the proceedings and confronts Mercedes. Mercedes half sister, Tina
(Leah Hackett
), lies and gives her an alibi. Mercedes and Russ then marry and Warren is charged with Clare's attempted murder. Mercedes agrees to be a witness at Warren's trial and explains their affair, with Russ listening on. Russ then ends their relationship.
Mercedes has sex with Tony Hutchinson
(Nick Pickard
), the boyfriend of her sister, Jacqui (Claire Cooper
). Mercedes discovers she is pregnant with Tony's child and plans to have an abortion. Jacqui discovers the affair and asks Mercedes if she can raise the child herself, as she is unable to have children. However, Mercedes has an abortion. Mercedes has a brief relationship with Rhys Ashworth
(Andrew Moss
) and is upset to learn that he is having an incestuous affair with his half sister, Beth Clement
(Sinéad Moynihan
). Mercedes and Darren Osborne
(Ashley Taylor Dawson
) make a bet: Darren has to have sex with Hannah Ashworth
(Emma Rigby
), and if he does Mercedes promises to have sex with him. Darren accompanies an intoxicated Hannah home and takes a photo of her with no top on. Mercedes refuses to believe Darren, but sends the photo of Hannah to Hannah's boyfriend, Danny Valentine
(David Judge
). Danny ends his relationship with Hannah and has sex with Mercedes.
Mercedes begins a casual relationship with Malachy Fisher
(Glen Wallace
) and develops feelings for him. When Malachy is diagnosed HIV-positive, he avoids Mercedes and she has sex with his brother, Kris Fisher
(Gerard McCarthy
). Mercedes discovers that Malachy is HIV-positive and slaps him. She walks home alone and is kidnapped by Niall Rafferty
(Barry Sloane
), along with the majority of the McQueen family and takes them to an abandoned church. Niall causes an explosion, but Mercedes escapes. Malachy later comforts Mercedes and he proposes to her, but she refuses. Malachy then leaves for Belfast. After having sex with a stranger, Mercedes realises that she loves Malachy and travels to Belfast, where she accepts his proposal. Mercedes and Malachy marry. Mercedes learns that she has not contracted HIV from Malachy. Calvin Valentine
(Ricky Whittle
), the ex-husband of Mercedes half sister, Carmel
(Gemma Merna
), hires Mercedes as a barmaid at The Loft nightclub and they later kiss. Mercedes and Calvin have sex, unaware that Malachy has seen them. They begin an affair and Mercedes is jealous then Calvin reconciles with Carmel. Calvin and Carmel then plan to remarry. On the day of their wedding, Mercedes attempts to seduce Calvin, but he rejects her. Malachy's former girlfriend, Cheryl Brady
(Bronagh Waugh
), later reveals Calvin and Mercedes affair to Carmel. Malachy then ends his marriage to Mercedes.
Mercedes becomes jealous of Malachy and his new girlfriend, Lynsey Nolan
(Karen Hassan
). Mercedes lies to Lynsey and tells her that she is HIV-positive. Mercedes tells Malachy and they secretly plan to reconcile. Lynsey learns of this and discovers Mercedes lied. Lynsey tells Malachy, who punches Mercedes. Mercedes and Malachy reconcile. However, Malachy is injured after an explosion and Mercedes decides to turn off his life support. Malachy's family members are forced by Myra to invite Mercedes to his funeral despite discovering her infidelity.
Mercedes begins a relationship with Riley Costello
(Rob Norbury). Riley's father, Carl
(Paul Opacic
), takes a dislike to Mercedes. This causes tension between Mercedes and Carl and they have sex. Carl and Mercedes begin an affair and Riley later proposes to Mercedes, which she accepts. Carl's son and Riley's brother, Seth
(Miles Higson), discovers the affair and threatens to tell Riley. Mercedes tells Seth that he cannot reveal the affair because she is pregnant with Riley's child. She later tells Myra that she lied and is not pregnant. Myra tells Mercedes to fake a miscarriage, which Mercedes refuses. Mercedes attends an awards evening with Riley, where he becomes intoxicated. He accepts an award and attempts to get Mercedes onto the podium, but her high heel shoes becomes trapped in the step. As Riley pulls her, she loses her balance and falls to the ground. Myra then declares that Mercedes is having a miscarriage. Mercedes is taken to hospital, where she is told that she is in fact twelve weeks pregnant. She explains to Myra that she is unsure of the child's paternity. On her wedding day she reveals her affair to Riley. Riley's grandfather, Serial killer Silas Blissett
(Jeff Rawle
), kidnaps Mercedes and holds her captive in a basement, planning to kill her when the baby is born. Silas is arrested for his other murders, leaving Mercedes chained up, alone where she goes into labour. Lynsey asks Silas to tell them where Mercedes is, and after taunting him, Silas reveals where Mercedes is. Riley finds Mercedes, who is about to give birth. Mercedes gives birth to a boy, who is put in an incubator because of breathing difficulties. Mercedes is hurt when, after the birth, Riley declares he wants nothing more to do with Mercedes or the baby. However he later continues to visit Mercedes and the baby who Mercedes names Bobby. Mercedes returns to live with the McQueens and after Riley refuses to see Bobby, Mercedes agrees to do a paternity test. When the test arrives it is revealed that Riley is the Bobbys father.
. Metcalfe was later nominated for "Best Bitch" and "Sexiest Female" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards
. At the 2008 British Soap Awards Metcalfe was nominated for "Sexiest Female". At the 2008 Digital Spy Soap Awards
Metcalfe was nominated for "Sexiest Female". At the 2008 Inside Soap Awards Metcalfe was nominated for "Best Bitch" and "Sexiest Female" while Niall terrorising the McQueen family was nominated for "Best Storyline". At the 2009 British Soap Awards Metcalfe was nominated for "Best Actress" and "Sexiest Female" while Niall's revenge on the McQueens was nominated for "Best Storyline" and the church explosion in which Mercedes was involved was nominated for "Spectacular Scene". At the 2009 Inside Soap Awards Metcalfe was nominated for "Sexiest Female" while the conclusion to Niall's revenge was nominated for "Best Storyline". At the same ceremony the McQueen family won the award for "Best Family".
Metcalfe was nominated in the category of "Sexiest Female" at the 2011 British Soap Awards.
In her book Soap Stars, Debbie Foy features Metcalfe in one of her profile features and describes Mercedes as "having a dangerous streak and is always causing trouble or has a scam on the go, she enjoys taking risks and usually seems to get what she wants". Virgin Media
profiled some of Hollyoaks' "hottest females" in their opinion, of Mercedes they stated: "As one of the hottest ladies in Hollyoaks, with curves to die for, Mercedes has had more men than hot dinners. And now Malachy's met his maker, we're sure it won't be long till Mercedes earns yet another notch on her bedpost." Ther Liverpool Echo described Mercede's desire to marry saying "Mercedes has finally got what she's wanted for so long - a great big gleaming rock on her finger. Not that it matters who gave it to her, of course" before adding that she felt "invincible" following her proposal to Riley. The Sunday Mercury
commented that when seeking solace in Kris and potentially passing on HIV that "Still, it's keeping it in the family, isn't it?"
Jaci Stephen of the Daily Mail
questioned "Mercedes - how long is it going to take before you get the message? Calvin doesn't want you" before suggesting she should "do what the car of your name does and disappear into the sunset at 100mph. Unfortunately that doesn't look as if it's going to happen, and as Calvin's wedding day looms closer, Mercedes insists that she will always be there to remind him of their affair" and commented that she suspected "Mercedes will be singing It Should've Been Me at the reception-and Calvin joining in with 'Thank heavens it wasn't', or words to that effect)" after Calvin and Carmel began wedding arrangements. Stephens also added that she thought Mercedes was one of "the two sexiest people in Hollyoaks" and added that after Malachy found out about Mercede's affair with Calvin that he shouldn't be surprised as "she's a McQueen after all, and by that family's standards you've had a good innings. Actually, innings? You've managed the Ashes. Most men are caught out after one run". Stephens has also said that "There aren't many occasions when Mercedes fails to get her kit off for at least one of the lads, and next week proves no exception – almost. This time, Carl's the victim/lucky recipient (depending on your viewpoint) when he sets out to prove that Mercedes is a slut. Blimey. With her track record, how much proof does anyone need?" Stephens later added that "Never mind that Mercedes all but has the word 'slapper' tattooed on her forehead and looks as guilty as the Pope in a brothel, she finally knows which side her bread is buttered - even if the better part of the loaf has been taken away" after Calvin was shot. Stephens also added that she thought Mercedes should "go out and buy riot gear" for when Carmel finds out about her affair with Calvin. After Malachy died Stephens commented on Mercedes reaction to missing his funeral saying "she drowns her sorrows. There have been a lot of them, so we're talking several vats here, if not whole vineyards". Stephens commented on Mercedes and Jacqui after both needed money and Mercedes had begun trying to blackmail Carl saying "If only the two sisters started charging for sex - they'd never worry about money again. It would be a busman's holiday for them. They could even make it a family business - slappersRus.com". Stephens also said that "Malachy is keeping out of Mercedes' way, after she tells him on Thursday that they 'need to talk'. That only ever means one thing – a break-up or getting your kit off. Malachy fears the worst, and he's right". Stephens later questioned what "surprises us the most? That Mercedes has not come clean to Riley over her affair with Carl?" before suggesting other scenarios that surprised her before questioning "will Mercedes get her perfect wedding? Don’t be ridiculous. Expect gunmen/bombs/fights/ murders. Get her to the church on time, but make sure there’s a getaway car waiting, too."
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the British Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Hollyoaks
Hollyoaks
Hollyoaks is a long-running British television soap opera, first broadcast on Channel 4 on 23 October 1995. It was originally devised by Phil Redmond, who has also devised shows including Brookside and Grange Hill...
, played by Jennifer Metcalfe
Jennifer Metcalfe
Jennifer Joanne Metcalfe is an English actress and model. She joined the cast of soap opera Hollyoaks in June 2006, playing feisty Mercedes McQueen.-Personal life:...
. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 19 June 2006 as the first character to be introduced to the serial by series producer, Bryan Kirkwood
Bryan Kirkwood (producer)
Bryan Kirkwood is a Scottish-born British television producer. He was the producer of teen Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks from 2006 until 2009 and has been the executive producer of the BBC soap EastEnders since 2010.- Personal life :...
. She is part of the McQueen family
McQueen family
The McQueen family are a fictional family in the long-running Channel 4 soap-opera Hollyoaks. The family first appeared in 2006 and have been involved in a number of the shows main storylines since then, most notably John Paul's affair with Craig Dean and Niall's revenge on his...
and is the longest serving McQueen on the serial. Throughout her time on the serial Mercedes storylines have centred on her relationships which include her marriages to Russ Owen
Russ Owen
Russell Charles "Russ" Owen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Stuart Manning. He first appeared in August 2004 with his on-screen family and has been involved in storylines including being diagnosed with testicular cancer and kidnapping his son. It...
and Malachy Fisher
Malachy Fisher
Malachy "Mal" Fisher is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Glen Wallace. Malachy first appeared in 2007 on a recurring basis and became a permanent character in 2008. The character has been noted for being at the centre of a HIV plot...
, engagement to Riley Costello
Riley Costello
Riley Costello is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Rob Norbury. Riley was introduced in July 2010 with his on-screen family by series producer Paul Marquess as part of a cast overhaul of the series....
and several affairs. She has also been involved in an HIV
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
storyline and more recently, was at the centre of a kidnapping storyline when she was held against her will by serial killer Silas Blissett
Silas Blissett
Silas Blissett is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jeff Rawle. Rawle's casting was announced in December 2010 and it was revealed that he would portray a killer. Rawle was approached by Hollyoaks and met with series producer, Paul Marquess, who...
(Jeff Rawle
Jeff Rawle
Jeff Rawle is a British actor, perhaps best known for playing the long-suffering George in the news-gathering sitcom Drop the Dead Donkey...
) before going into labour and gives birth to a boy as a result of the stress.
Character creation and casting
Mercedes was created by Bryan Kirkwood as part of the new McQueen family. She was the first character he created during his stint as executive producer. Actress Jennifer Metcalfe successfully auditioned for the role and Kirkwood cited her as making the character her own. Metcalfe revealed she was "put forward for Hollyoaks, but I had to go back eight times before they offered me the role". Metcalfe revealed that when creating the part she took "inspiration" from several places including Eva LongoriaEva Longoria
Eva Jacqueline Longoria is an American actress, best known for portraying Gabrielle Solis on the ABC television series Desperate Housewives...
's role in Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives is an American television comedy-drama series created by Marc Cherry and produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. Executive producer Cherry serves as Showrunner. Other executive producers since the fourth season include Marc Cherry, Bob Daily, George W...
as Gabrielle Solis
Gabrielle Solis
Gabrielle Solís is one of four main characters on the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. She is portrayed by Eva Longoria...
, from "people I’ve met throughout my life" before Metcalfe added that "there’s a little bit of me in there. But only a tiny bit".
In 2008 Metcalfe revealed she feared being axed from the serial and had to seek reassurance from her producer that she wasn't going to be killed off. In 2011 Metcalfe stated her plans to stay with the serial saying "I never get bored or lose interest, so I would stay until who knows when! The stuff they cough up is just brilliant. There's a lot of people in soaps who get comfortable and want to risk such a good job for Hollywood or music. I hate musicals - that's a no go. You have to appreciate what you are doing now - I've no big dreams, but I'm sure I'll continue to develop."
Characterisation
Bryan Kirkwood has described Metcalfe as bringing Mercedes to life and branded her "a savvy, ballsy girl that can't say no and is unapologetic about it." E4's official website described Mercedes saying "If cheating and lying were a sport, Mercedes would be getting ready for the 2012 Olympics right now". BBC AmericaBBC America
BBC America is an American television network, owned and operated by BBC Worldwide, and available on both cable and satellite.-History:The channel launched on March 29, 1998, broadcasting comedy, drama and lifestyle programs from BBC Television and other British television broadcasters like ITV and...
have described Mercedes stating: "Cocky, confident, and mean with a right hook, Mercedes McQueen isn't afraid of anyone, especially not a man. She knows what effects her assets have on the opposite sex, and she always gets what she wants." What's on TV
What's On TV
What's on TV is a weekly television listings magazine published by IPC Media, a Time Warner subsidiary.-Overview:What's on TV is a weekly UK television magazine. It publishes features, TV listings, news and gossip from soap operas, as well as puzzles and competitions...
described Mercedes as "man-eater of the McQueen clan, Mercedes won't take any nonsense and she's not shy when it comes to a scrap!" Mercedes has also been described as "mouthy", a "minx" and a "bitchy maneater" by the Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
The Liverpool Echo is a newspaper published by Trinity Mirror in Liverpool, Merseyside, England. It is published Monday to Saturday, and is Liverpool's evening newspaper while its sister paper, the Liverpool Daily Post, is the morning paper...
, The Sun and Closer respectively. The Daily Star described her as "fiesty", "troubled" and "gorgeous" while the Metro labelled her a "sultry siren" and "spirited". Metcalfe commented on Mercedes saying she has "got used to her now and her ways, nothing shocks me!" and added "She [Mercedes] is crazy, but I wouldn't have her any other way." When questionned if Mercedes would ever be happy Metcalfe commented "No. She's on a downhill slope. She has moments of happiness but ruins them herself. Maybe one day she'll change"before later adding that the reasoning behind Mercedes behaviour towards men is that "her [Mercedes] first love messed her up and she never got over it. I don't think she'll ever change and I'm not sure I'd want her to - she's great to play".
Russ Owen
Mercedes meets Russ OwenRuss Owen
Russell Charles "Russ" Owen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Stuart Manning. He first appeared in August 2004 with his on-screen family and has been involved in storylines including being diagnosed with testicular cancer and kidnapping his son. It...
and flirts with him. She develops feelings for Russ and they have sex. They begin a relationship. Russ wrongly accuses Mercedes of having an affair. She is angry with Russ and has sex with Warren Fox. Mercedes has sex with Warren once again and feeling guilty, proposes marriage to Russ which he accepts. What's on TV described the proposal as being done "guiltily". On the night before their wedding, Mercedes becomes intoxicated and has sex with Warren for a third time. On the same night, someone attempts to murder Clare Cunningham and Warren is arrested. Warren tries to prove his innocence as he was with Mercedes, but she denies it. At the wedding, Louise Summers confronts Mercedes. Tina lies and gives her an alibi. Mercedes and Russ then marry. Metcalfe commented that she thought the wedding "didn't go smoothly" but added that "her wedding to Russ was great because it was her first" while E4 described the wedding as going "swimmingly" until the "first of Mercedes' hattrick of weddings" was interrupted by Louise, before they added "Chin up Russ - at least it wasn't your dad" after Russ found out that Mercedes had an affair with Warren. Warren is charged with Clare's attempted murder. Mercedes knows it will end her marriage to Russ if she agrees to be a witness. Mercedes later agrees to be a witness at Warren's trial and explains their affair. Russ then ends their relationship. After their relationship ends the Metro said that Mercedes still "harbours romantic feelings" for Russ. Virgin Media
Virgin Media
Virgin Media Inc. is a company which provides fixed and mobile telephone, television and broadband internet services to businesses and consumers in the United Kingdom...
listed Mercede's wedding to Russ amongst their list of "Soap's biggest wedding day disasters" before adding that "McQueen weddings are full of drama, and Russ and Mercedes' big day was no exception". E4 listed Mercedes "sleeping with Russ the very moment that Russ' girlfriend Sophie was being burnt to a crisp in The Dog in the Pond fire" aswell as "sleeping with Warren to get her own back on Russ" as one of "the Many Mistakes of Mercedes McQueen".
Malachy Fisher
Mercedes begins a relationship with Malachy FisherMalachy Fisher
Malachy "Mal" Fisher is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Glen Wallace. Malachy first appeared in 2007 on a recurring basis and became a permanent character in 2008. The character has been noted for being at the centre of a HIV plot...
. He later proposes to her but she refuses. Mercedes has sex with a stranger which Metcalfe commented that "sex usually makes her forget about everything else that's going on. But afterwards she still can't stop thinking about Malachy, so she decides to go and see him to work out how she feels". She later accepts his proposal and they marry. After it was revealed Mercedes and Malachy were to marry Metcalfe commented that Mercedes is "completely mad! But that's part of her personality; Mercedes just does whatever she feels like doing at the time. She doesn't exactly think things through. But I think that's what is attractive about her personality". Mercedes learns that she has not contracted HIV from Malachy. A Hollyoaks source described Mercedes not having HIV as "bitter sweet" because "she has a husband who could die and leave her on her own. [...] if she had HIV then they would be going through everything together". Malachy becomes ill with Metcalfe describing the storyline as "Malachy starts to feel really unwell. [...] Mercedes knows something is wrong and demands he sees a doctor. She's worried his immune system is too weak to fight off the illness".
Mercedes and Calvin share a kiss after Malachy feels suffocated by her prescence, which Digital Spy chose as heir "pic of the day" feature. After being hired as a barmaid at the Loft by Calvin she and Calvin sleep together, which is witnessed by Malachy. Metcalfe expressed that she had initial "reservations" about the storyline which she felt was "far-fetched". Metcalfe added that she felt the turn of events was "brilliant" once she had begun filming the scenes even though she felt Mercedes would be perceived as a "bitch". Whittle also expressed similar doubts saying he felt it was "a bit out of character" for Calvin although the plot was "exciting". They begin an affair which is revealed by Cheryl. Malachy ends his marriage to Mercedes. Mercedes lies that she is HIV-positive to Malchy's new girlfriend. Metcalfe added that this behaviour was "disgusting". Mercedes tells Malachy and plan to reconcile. Lynsey discovers Mercedes lied and tells Malachy. Lynsey tells Malachy, who punches Mercedes. On Malachy hitting Mercedes Metcalfe said Mercedes "thinks she deserved it, and I think so too! She was awful in the late-night episodes - the lies she told were just disgusting. She doesn't resent Malachy for hitting her at all". Mercedes and Malachy then reconcile. Metcalfe added that Mercedes still loves Malachy but she "just can't keep her hands off other men! She also doesn't want anyone else to have him" and added that "It's typical Mercedes, always wanting what she can't have". Malachy is injured after an explosion and Mercedes decides to turn off his life support.
Metcalfe commented that she thought Mercedes loved Malachy adding "Seeing him with Lynsey made her realise how much she loved him. You saw in the late night shows that she was prepared to have unprotected sex with him. She loves him enough to risk getting HIV" and added that Malachy "shielded her from the explosion by throwing himself over her, which proves to her how much he loves her. She knows that’s special and regrets she ever took him and his love granted". She later added that Mercedes "absolutely" regretted the affair with Calvin and that if Malachy died Mercedes "would be devastated. I think she’d also find it hard to live with the guilt of what she did. She desperately wants this chance to make things work between them. Malachy is the only positive thing in her life. She’s got no career and she doesn’t get on with her family any more. She thinks that she’s nothing without him." Metcalfe later added that she and Wallace "had amazing storylines" and that Malachy dying was the most emotional scene she had filmed. E4 described Mercedes "pretending she had HIV so Malachy took her back" as one of "the Many Mistakes of Mercedes McQueen".
Riley Costello
Mercedes begins a relationship with Riley CostelloRiley Costello
Riley Costello is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Rob Norbury. Riley was introduced in July 2010 with his on-screen family by series producer Paul Marquess as part of a cast overhaul of the series....
. She sleeps with his father Carl Costello
Carl Costello
Carl Costello, is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Paul Opacic. The character was introduced by executive producer Paul Marquess and debuted onscreen during the episode airing on 19 July 2010. He came to the village as the new owner of The Dog in the...
and later begins an affair with him. She becomes engaged to Riley. Paul Opacic who plays Carl commented on the affair saying "Carl and Mercedes feel really guilty about what's happened. But we'll have to wait and see whether they can stay away from each other". He later went on to add that Carl thinks Mercedes "isn't good enough" for Riley who thinks Mercedes is "the girl of his dreams". Riley's brother Seth threatens to expose the affair so she lies she is pregnant. After lying about being pregnant for several weeks she attacks Mitzeee at her engagement party. The Daily Star described the attack as "vicious" and said she tried to make up for her "mistake" by "turning on the tears and apologising". She plans to fake a miscarriage after advice from Myra. A Hollyoaks insider commented that "what happens next will shock 'Hollyoaks' fans. This juicy story is about to get even jucier!" She realises she is pregnant, but is unsure of the child's paternity. Metcalfe commented on the storyline saying "They’re not telling me what’s going to happen with the love triangle but now that Mercedes is pregnant things really have got interesting. Every time I think there’s nothing more the writers can come up with for Mercedes they surprise me by coming up with yet another big storyline for her. I’ve been really lucky". Metcalfe wore a prosthetic baby bump for the storyline which she said was "so uncomfortable". On her wedding day to Riley she exposes the affair. Metcalfe said this was because "She looked into his eyes and she does love him so much. Just couldn't help it! And Jacqui coming in at the end just tipped her over the edge". She later added that she has "had enough of weddings for now. Mercedes has had three - that's some going for her age!" E4 described Mercedes "getting off with the local footballer (Riley) while her fella (Malachy) was still warm in his grave" as one of "the Many Mistakes of Mercedes McQueen".
She is kidnapped by Riley's grandfather, serial killer Silas Blissett
Silas Blissett
Silas Blissett is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jeff Rawle. Rawle's casting was announced in December 2010 and it was revealed that he would portray a killer. Rawle was approached by Hollyoaks and met with series producer, Paul Marquess, who...
.
The Wirral News
Wirral News
The Wirral News is a local newspaper for the Wirral area run by the Trinity Mirror media group.-External links:*...
called the pairing "Hollyoak's favourite on-off couple" and dubbed the storyline "dramatic" before adding that it has "kept viewers on tenterhooks". Metcalfe commented that she "loved the storyline and working with Rob". When questionned whether Mercedes and Riley would reunite she said "I'd like them to but I don't fancy their chances"
Storylines
Mercedes meets Russ OwenRuss Owen
Russell Charles "Russ" Owen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Stuart Manning. He first appeared in August 2004 with his on-screen family and has been involved in storylines including being diagnosed with testicular cancer and kidnapping his son. It...
(Stuart Manning
Stuart Manning
Stuart Bernard Manning is an English actor and model.He is best known for the role of Russ Owen in the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, which he played from 2004 until 2009....
) and flirts with him, to the annoyance of his girlfriend, Sophie Burton
Sophie Burton
Sophie Burton is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by actress Connie Powney. She first appeared in 2003 with on-screen family, the Burtons, including twin sister Mel, who was played by Powney's real life twin Cassie Powney.-Character...
(Connie Powney
Connie Powney
- Personal life :Powney has a twin sister Cassie, who is her younger twin by two minutes.- Career :She played the role of Sophie Burton in the soap opera Hollyoaks, alongside Cassie ....
). Mercedes develops feelings for Russ and they have sex. They begin a relationship after Sophie dies. Russ is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection and wrongly accuses Mercedes of having an affair. She is angry with Russ and has sex with Warren Fox
Warren Fox
Warren Fox is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jamie Lomas. He first arrived in 2006 as an old acquaintance of Sean Kennedy and quickly became known as the show's main villain...
(Jamie Lomas
Jamie Lomas
Jamie Lomas is an English actor best known for his role as bad boy Warren Fox on the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks....
). Mercedes discovers that her mother, Myra
Myra McQueen
Myra McQueen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Nicole Barber-Lane. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 19 June 2006 and was introduced by series producer Bryan Kirkwood as part of the McQueen family.-Character development:The...
(Nicole Barber-Lane
Nicole Barber-Lane
Nicole Barber-Lane is an English actress best known for playing Myra McQueen in the long-running teen soap Hollyoaks.Before working in Hollyoaks, Barber-Lane appeared in Emmerdale, Bodies, The Cops, and in a Yorkshire Building Society commercial. She has featured in Woman, Red and NOW magazines...
), is the cause of infection and Russ apologieses to Mercedes. Mercedes has sex with Warren once again and feeling guilty, proposes marriage to Russ. He agrees, revealing that he was also going to propose. On the night before their wedding, Mercedes becomes intoxicated and has sex with Warren for a third time. On the same night, someone attempts to murder Clare Cunningham (Gemma Bissix
Gemma Bissix
Gemma Bissix is an English actress. She has been acting since the age of 9. Her most prominent roles have been in soap operas, as Clare Bates in EastEnders and Clare Devine in Hollyoaks ; she was awarded with two British Soap Awards for the latter role...
) and Warren is arrested. Warren tries to prove his innocence as he was with Mercedes, but she denies it. At the wedding, Louise Summers (Roxanne McKee
Roxanne McKee
-Biography:After completing a BA degree in 2001 in Social Policy & Political Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, McKee rose to fame by winning Hollyoaks On The Pull, a Channel 4 initiative to discover new talent for the popular British soap Hollyoaks...
) interrupts the proceedings and confronts Mercedes. Mercedes half sister, Tina
Tina McQueen
Tina Chastity Reilly is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Leah Hackett. Since making her first appearance in August 2006 as part of the McQueen family, Tina has been involved in storylines including sexual harassment and surrogacy.-Character...
(Leah Hackett
Leah Hackett
Leah Hackett , is an English actress, most notable for her role as Tina Reilly in Hollyoaks.-Background and personal life:...
), lies and gives her an alibi. Mercedes and Russ then marry and Warren is charged with Clare's attempted murder. Mercedes agrees to be a witness at Warren's trial and explains their affair, with Russ listening on. Russ then ends their relationship.
Mercedes has sex with Tony Hutchinson
Tony Hutchinson
Anthony "Tony" Hutchinson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Nick Pickard. Tony first appeared on-screen on 23 October 1995, the first episode of the series, and is the only original character still on the show to the present day...
(Nick Pickard
Nick Pickard
Nicholas "Nick" Pickard is an English actor, best known for his role as Tony Hutchinson on soap opera Hollyoaks.He is currently the longest serving cast member and appeared in the very first episode in 1995...
), the boyfriend of her sister, Jacqui (Claire Cooper
Claire Cooper
Claire Elizabeth Cooper is an English actress who currently plays Jacqui McQueen in British Channel 4 series Hollyoaks...
). Mercedes discovers she is pregnant with Tony's child and plans to have an abortion. Jacqui discovers the affair and asks Mercedes if she can raise the child herself, as she is unable to have children. However, Mercedes has an abortion. Mercedes has a brief relationship with Rhys Ashworth
Rhys Ashworth
Rhys Lesley Ashworth is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Andrew Moss. He made his first on-screen appearance on 4 October 2005.-Character creation and casting:...
(Andrew Moss
Andrew Moss
Andrew "Andy" Moss is an English television actor. He is currently best known for playing Rhys Ashworth in the Channel 4 teenage soap opera Hollyoaks since 2005.-TV credits:...
) and is upset to learn that he is having an incestuous affair with his half sister, Beth Clement
Beth Clement
Beth Clement is a fictional character from long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Sinéad Moynihan. Beth first appeared as a student at Hollyoaks Community College, studying for a nursing degree and was later involved in an incest storyline with half-brother, Rhys Ashworth...
(Sinéad Moynihan
Sinead Moynihan
Sinéad Bernadette Moynihan is an English model and actress, best known for her roles as Ashley Webb in Drop Dead Gorgeous, Hollyoaks Beth Clement, and Abby Jones in How Not To Live Your Life....
). Mercedes and Darren Osborne
Darren Osborne
Darren Osborne is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. Darren was introduced by executive producer Phil Redmond as part of the Osborne family. Darren made his first on-screen appearance on 18 November 1996 and was initially played by Adam Booth, before the Booth...
(Ashley Taylor Dawson
Ashley Taylor Dawson
Ashley Taylor Dawson is an English actor and singer. He is best known for his role as Darren Osborne in the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, in which he is one of the longest serving cast members and as being a member of UK pop band allSTARS*.-Personal life:Ashley Dawson was born Wilmslow,...
) make a bet: Darren has to have sex with Hannah Ashworth
Hannah Ashworth
Hannah Rose Ashworth is a fictional character from long-running Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, played by Emma Rigby. Hannah first appeared on-screen from October 3, 2005 until her exit on February 12, 2010....
(Emma Rigby
Emma Rigby
Emma Catherine Rigby , is an English actress, best known for her role in Hollyoaks as Hannah Ashworth.-Career:In February 2010 Emma Completed, with International Fashion Photographer Rory Lewis.-Television:...
), and if he does Mercedes promises to have sex with him. Darren accompanies an intoxicated Hannah home and takes a photo of her with no top on. Mercedes refuses to believe Darren, but sends the photo of Hannah to Hannah's boyfriend, Danny Valentine
Danny Valentine
Daniel "Danny" Valentine is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by David Judge. He first appeared in 2007 and made his final appearance in 2008.-Background:...
(David Judge
David Judge
Professor David Judge is a British political scientist currently based at the University of Strathclyde, where he is head of the Department of Government. His main research interests include legislative studies, United Kingdom political institutions, the European Parliament and representative...
). Danny ends his relationship with Hannah and has sex with Mercedes.
Mercedes begins a casual relationship with Malachy Fisher
Malachy Fisher
Malachy "Mal" Fisher is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Glen Wallace. Malachy first appeared in 2007 on a recurring basis and became a permanent character in 2008. The character has been noted for being at the centre of a HIV plot...
(Glen Wallace
Glen Wallace
Glen Wallace is an Northern Irish actor, born in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland.He is most notable for playing Malachy Fisher on popular Channel 4 teen soap opera, Hollyoaks from 2007 onwards. He also played Mr Michaels in Wire in the Blood in 2006. He appeared in Casualty, playing Bill...
) and develops feelings for him. When Malachy is diagnosed HIV-positive, he avoids Mercedes and she has sex with his brother, Kris Fisher
Kris Fisher
Francis "Kris" Fisher is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Gerard McCarthy. The character first appeared on-screen in September 2006 and left in August 2010 after McCarthy quit the show...
(Gerard McCarthy
Gerard McCarthy
Gerard McCarthy is an actor, best known to television viewers for his award-winning performance as Kris Fisher on the British soap opera Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2010, to theatres-goers for his performances on the West End and at Shakespeare's Globe, and to film geeks for his role in Belonging to...
). Mercedes discovers that Malachy is HIV-positive and slaps him. She walks home alone and is kidnapped by Niall Rafferty
Niall Rafferty
Niall Rafferty is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Barry Sloane. He first appeared during an episode broadcast on 3 December 2007. Former Brookside actor Sloane was cast as the "mysterious" hairdresser Niall and was introduced by the series' producer...
(Barry Sloane
Barry Sloane
Barry Paul Sloane is an English actor. He trained as a musician and actor before landing his first professional acting role in the film In his Life: The John Lennon Story. He has appeared in numerous TV shows, notably the BAFTA award-winning dramas Pleasureland and The Mark of Cain...
), along with the majority of the McQueen family and takes them to an abandoned church. Niall causes an explosion, but Mercedes escapes. Malachy later comforts Mercedes and he proposes to her, but she refuses. Malachy then leaves for Belfast. After having sex with a stranger, Mercedes realises that she loves Malachy and travels to Belfast, where she accepts his proposal. Mercedes and Malachy marry. Mercedes learns that she has not contracted HIV from Malachy. Calvin Valentine
Calvin Valentine
Calvin Valentine is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Ricky Whittle. He arrived in July 2006 as a police officer with his mother and younger siblings and made his final appearance on 21 May 2010 after he was murdered by Theresa McQueen. Whittle...
(Ricky Whittle
Ricky Whittle
Ricky Whittle is a British actor from Oldham, Greater Manchester.-Biography:The son of former Royal Air Force serviceman Harry Whittle, Whittle grew up travelling with his father's career around the world, with a home base at Burghfield Common near Reading, Berkshire.A keen sportsman, Whittle...
), the ex-husband of Mercedes half sister, Carmel
Carmel McQueen
Carmel Valentine is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Gemma Merna. She debuted on-screen during episodes airing in August 2006 and was introduced by series producer Bryan Kirkwood as part of the McQueen family...
(Gemma Merna
Gemma Merna
Gemma Ann Merna is an English actress. She is known for playing Carmel Valentine in Hollyoaks.-Awards:...
), hires Mercedes as a barmaid at The Loft nightclub and they later kiss. Mercedes and Calvin have sex, unaware that Malachy has seen them. They begin an affair and Mercedes is jealous then Calvin reconciles with Carmel. Calvin and Carmel then plan to remarry. On the day of their wedding, Mercedes attempts to seduce Calvin, but he rejects her. Malachy's former girlfriend, Cheryl Brady
Cheryl Brady
Cheryl Brady is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Bronagh Waugh. The character first appeared on-screen on 25 November 2008, during the first series of the Hollyoaks spin-off, Hollyoaks Later, as the former love interest of Malachy Fisher...
(Bronagh Waugh
Bronagh Waugh
Bronagh Waugh is a Northern Irish actress currently playing the character of Cheryl Brady in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks as well as appearing on T4 On The Beach as herself....
), later reveals Calvin and Mercedes affair to Carmel. Malachy then ends his marriage to Mercedes.
Mercedes becomes jealous of Malachy and his new girlfriend, Lynsey Nolan
Lynsey Nolan
Lynsey Nolan is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Karen Hassan. The character originally appeared in the first series of the Hollyoaks spin-off, Hollyoaks Later, as the former girlfriend of Kris Fisher...
(Karen Hassan
Karen Hassan
Karen Hassan is a British actress, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Her work includes roles in Hollyoaks Later and Hunger. As of 2010 she is playing Lynsey Nolan in the main series of Hollyoaks.-Hollyoaks:...
). Mercedes lies to Lynsey and tells her that she is HIV-positive. Mercedes tells Malachy and they secretly plan to reconcile. Lynsey learns of this and discovers Mercedes lied. Lynsey tells Malachy, who punches Mercedes. Mercedes and Malachy reconcile. However, Malachy is injured after an explosion and Mercedes decides to turn off his life support. Malachy's family members are forced by Myra to invite Mercedes to his funeral despite discovering her infidelity.
Mercedes begins a relationship with Riley Costello
Riley Costello
Riley Costello is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Rob Norbury. Riley was introduced in July 2010 with his on-screen family by series producer Paul Marquess as part of a cast overhaul of the series....
(Rob Norbury). Riley's father, Carl
Carl Costello
Carl Costello, is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Paul Opacic. The character was introduced by executive producer Paul Marquess and debuted onscreen during the episode airing on 19 July 2010. He came to the village as the new owner of The Dog in the...
(Paul Opacic
Paul Opacic
Paul Opacic is an English actor. He is currently best known for his role as Carl Costello in Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.-Career:...
), takes a dislike to Mercedes. This causes tension between Mercedes and Carl and they have sex. Carl and Mercedes begin an affair and Riley later proposes to Mercedes, which she accepts. Carl's son and Riley's brother, Seth
Seth Costello
Seth Costello is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Miles Higson. He made his first on-screen appearance on 20 July 2010. His first major storyline was in 2011 when he was the centre of a Steroids plot...
(Miles Higson), discovers the affair and threatens to tell Riley. Mercedes tells Seth that he cannot reveal the affair because she is pregnant with Riley's child. She later tells Myra that she lied and is not pregnant. Myra tells Mercedes to fake a miscarriage, which Mercedes refuses. Mercedes attends an awards evening with Riley, where he becomes intoxicated. He accepts an award and attempts to get Mercedes onto the podium, but her high heel shoes becomes trapped in the step. As Riley pulls her, she loses her balance and falls to the ground. Myra then declares that Mercedes is having a miscarriage. Mercedes is taken to hospital, where she is told that she is in fact twelve weeks pregnant. She explains to Myra that she is unsure of the child's paternity. On her wedding day she reveals her affair to Riley. Riley's grandfather, Serial killer Silas Blissett
Silas Blissett
Silas Blissett is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jeff Rawle. Rawle's casting was announced in December 2010 and it was revealed that he would portray a killer. Rawle was approached by Hollyoaks and met with series producer, Paul Marquess, who...
(Jeff Rawle
Jeff Rawle
Jeff Rawle is a British actor, perhaps best known for playing the long-suffering George in the news-gathering sitcom Drop the Dead Donkey...
), kidnaps Mercedes and holds her captive in a basement, planning to kill her when the baby is born. Silas is arrested for his other murders, leaving Mercedes chained up, alone where she goes into labour. Lynsey asks Silas to tell them where Mercedes is, and after taunting him, Silas reveals where Mercedes is. Riley finds Mercedes, who is about to give birth. Mercedes gives birth to a boy, who is put in an incubator because of breathing difficulties. Mercedes is hurt when, after the birth, Riley declares he wants nothing more to do with Mercedes or the baby. However he later continues to visit Mercedes and the baby who Mercedes names Bobby. Mercedes returns to live with the McQueens and after Riley refuses to see Bobby, Mercedes agrees to do a paternity test. When the test arrives it is revealed that Riley is the Bobbys father.
Reception
For her role as Mercedes Metcalfe was nominated for "Sexiest Female" at the 2007 British Soap AwardsBritish Soap Awards
The British Soap Awards is an annual awards ceremony to honour the best of British soap operas.The first event took place in 1999 and takes place in May each year. Although it is an ITV production, the events were held at the BBC Television Centre, in London until 2010. The 2011 awards relocated to...
. Metcalfe was later nominated for "Best Bitch" and "Sexiest Female" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards
Inside Soap Awards
The Inside Soap Awards is a yearly award ceremony run by Inside Soap magazine since 1996. The awards celebrate the British and Australian soap operas and their actors. Until 2007, EastEnders had won the award for "Best Soap" on every occasion...
. At the 2008 British Soap Awards Metcalfe was nominated for "Sexiest Female". At the 2008 Digital Spy Soap Awards
Digital Spy Soap Awards
The Digital Spy Soap Awards was an event that honoured the successes in British soap operas in 2007-8. It was hosted by the entertainment website Digital Spy....
Metcalfe was nominated for "Sexiest Female". At the 2008 Inside Soap Awards Metcalfe was nominated for "Best Bitch" and "Sexiest Female" while Niall terrorising the McQueen family was nominated for "Best Storyline". At the 2009 British Soap Awards Metcalfe was nominated for "Best Actress" and "Sexiest Female" while Niall's revenge on the McQueens was nominated for "Best Storyline" and the church explosion in which Mercedes was involved was nominated for "Spectacular Scene". At the 2009 Inside Soap Awards Metcalfe was nominated for "Sexiest Female" while the conclusion to Niall's revenge was nominated for "Best Storyline". At the same ceremony the McQueen family won the award for "Best Family".
Metcalfe was nominated in the category of "Sexiest Female" at the 2011 British Soap Awards.
In her book Soap Stars, Debbie Foy features Metcalfe in one of her profile features and describes Mercedes as "having a dangerous streak and is always causing trouble or has a scam on the go, she enjoys taking risks and usually seems to get what she wants". Virgin Media
Virgin Media
Virgin Media Inc. is a company which provides fixed and mobile telephone, television and broadband internet services to businesses and consumers in the United Kingdom...
profiled some of Hollyoaks' "hottest females" in their opinion, of Mercedes they stated: "As one of the hottest ladies in Hollyoaks, with curves to die for, Mercedes has had more men than hot dinners. And now Malachy's met his maker, we're sure it won't be long till Mercedes earns yet another notch on her bedpost." Ther Liverpool Echo described Mercede's desire to marry saying "Mercedes has finally got what she's wanted for so long - a great big gleaming rock on her finger. Not that it matters who gave it to her, of course" before adding that she felt "invincible" following her proposal to Riley. The Sunday Mercury
Sunday Mercury
Sunday Mercury is a Sunday tabloid published in Birmingham, UK, and owned by Trinity Mirror.The first editor was John Turner Fearon , who left the Dublin-based Freeman's Journal to take up the position...
commented that when seeking solace in Kris and potentially passing on HIV that "Still, it's keeping it in the family, isn't it?"
Jaci Stephen of the Daily Mail
Daily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
questioned "Mercedes - how long is it going to take before you get the message? Calvin doesn't want you" before suggesting she should "do what the car of your name does and disappear into the sunset at 100mph. Unfortunately that doesn't look as if it's going to happen, and as Calvin's wedding day looms closer, Mercedes insists that she will always be there to remind him of their affair" and commented that she suspected "Mercedes will be singing It Should've Been Me at the reception-and Calvin joining in with 'Thank heavens it wasn't', or words to that effect)" after Calvin and Carmel began wedding arrangements. Stephens also added that she thought Mercedes was one of "the two sexiest people in Hollyoaks" and added that after Malachy found out about Mercede's affair with Calvin that he shouldn't be surprised as "she's a McQueen after all, and by that family's standards you've had a good innings. Actually, innings? You've managed the Ashes. Most men are caught out after one run". Stephens has also said that "There aren't many occasions when Mercedes fails to get her kit off for at least one of the lads, and next week proves no exception – almost. This time, Carl's the victim/lucky recipient (depending on your viewpoint) when he sets out to prove that Mercedes is a slut. Blimey. With her track record, how much proof does anyone need?" Stephens later added that "Never mind that Mercedes all but has the word 'slapper' tattooed on her forehead and looks as guilty as the Pope in a brothel, she finally knows which side her bread is buttered - even if the better part of the loaf has been taken away" after Calvin was shot. Stephens also added that she thought Mercedes should "go out and buy riot gear" for when Carmel finds out about her affair with Calvin. After Malachy died Stephens commented on Mercedes reaction to missing his funeral saying "she drowns her sorrows. There have been a lot of them, so we're talking several vats here, if not whole vineyards". Stephens commented on Mercedes and Jacqui after both needed money and Mercedes had begun trying to blackmail Carl saying "If only the two sisters started charging for sex - they'd never worry about money again. It would be a busman's holiday for them. They could even make it a family business - slappersRus.com". Stephens also said that "Malachy is keeping out of Mercedes' way, after she tells him on Thursday that they 'need to talk'. That only ever means one thing – a break-up or getting your kit off. Malachy fears the worst, and he's right". Stephens later questioned what "surprises us the most? That Mercedes has not come clean to Riley over her affair with Carl?" before suggesting other scenarios that surprised her before questioning "will Mercedes get her perfect wedding? Don’t be ridiculous. Expect gunmen/bombs/fights/ murders. Get her to the church on time, but make sure there’s a getaway car waiting, too."
External links
- Mercedes Fisher at E4.com
- Character profiles at BBC AmericaBBC AmericaBBC America is an American television network, owned and operated by BBC Worldwide, and available on both cable and satellite.-History:The channel launched on March 29, 1998, broadcasting comedy, drama and lifestyle programs from BBC Television and other British television broadcasters like ITV and...
- Character profile at What's on TVWhat's On TVWhat's on TV is a weekly television listings magazine published by IPC Media, a Time Warner subsidiary.-Overview:What's on TV is a weekly UK television magazine. It publishes features, TV listings, news and gossip from soap operas, as well as puzzles and competitions...