Tony Hutchinson
Encyclopedia
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. The character was created by Phil Redmond
as one of several main characters for the soap opera and since then has been part of various storylines including an affair with Helen Cunningham
(Kathryn George), the death of his daughter to sudden infant death syndrome
and sleeping with underage Theresa McQueen
(Jorgie Porter
).
during 1995 after the creation of the soap opera. As of 2010, Pickard is the longest serving cast member in the serial's history and the only original character left. In 2009, tabloid newspaper Daily Star reported that Pickard had quit the role and was "disgusted" with series producer Paul Marquess
following the axing of his real life brother John Pickard
as Dominic Reilly
. Pickard later announced that he had no plans to leave the serial.
profiled Tony, of his persona they state: "Pompous and irritating at times, Tony has also provided plenty of slapstick." They also comment on his relationships, writing: "After inexplicably romancing some of the numerous blondes in the series, Tony's suffered enough personal tragedy to garner some sympathy."
) was often strained by Jacqui's desire for children. In one storyline Jacqui's sister Tina McQueen
(Leah Hackett
) agrees to be a surrogate mother for her child. The storyline was included to help house many lies and secrets that had previously been built up prior, including Tony's affair with Mercedes McQueen
(Jennifer Metcalfe
) and Tina's affair with Russ Owen
(Stuart Manning
), of which Kirkwood stated there was "there's so much ammunition in store", which would eventually devastate Jacqui and Tony. Kirkwood also devised the plot to show of Pickard's skills in playing tragedy, of this he commented: "It'll also give Claire Cooper and Nick Pickard another opportunity to show off their acting talents. Tony and Jacqui are one of those couples that we can have fun with - but also will blow the audience away when dealing with tragedy."
In a later storyline Tony announces his intentions to marry Cindy Hutchinson (Stephanie Waring
), prompting Jacqui to try and talk Tony out of it. Cooper has stated that she believes that her character is meant to be with Tony because "he is the love of Jacqui's life" and that hearing their engagement makes Jacqui feel like she "has a knife in her back." Cooper also hopes one day that the pair will reunite stating: "Jacqui needs to move on right now, but ultimately I'd prefer the story to come full circle and lead back to Tony." Cooper also revealed that at the time she was often approached by fans asking her when the couple would reconcile. Pickard has also stated he didn't think Cindy was right for him stating: "I don't think she's the one for him, to be honest. He also adds he believed Jacqui to be the love of Tony's life.
Tony comes up with a new scheme to save money, as he implements a recycling system in his house for the student tenants. He encourages them to eat a high fibre diet after learning that the more waste his new system collects, the more money he receives. He discovers that as a result of the system, he is drinking his own urine. Tony runs for council, but is defeated by Gordon Cunningham
. Finn and Ruth
tell Tony to buy out Lewis's share of The Loft because of his financial problems. Tony agrees and Finn repays the favour by investing into Tony’s new restaurant. Moving away from Hollyoaks Village with Ruth and Finn, Tony focuses on his new business venture Gnosh, in Hollyoaks: Movin' On. He receives bad news that Ruth has been beaten up by Lewis, who then commits suicide due to guilt over his actions. Tony is asked by Lewis's mum, Helen
, to perform the eulogy at Lewis's funeral.
After Lewis's death, Tony decides to make the most of life, and moves back to Hollyoaks Village to concentrate on running his businesses. Finn had decides to leave Hollyoaks, as does Ruth, leaving Tony lonely. Tony starts dating Izzy Cornwell
. Tony then buys Deva from Andy Morgan. He ends up renaming it to Gnosh Village. Tony then receives a shock when ex-fiancée, Julie Matthews, returns to Hollyoaks. Tony is delighted to see her and offers her a job at Gnosh. Izzy gets suspicious and does not like the idea of Tony and Julie working together. Izzy suggests to Tony that they get married, which Tony agrees. However, he has a one-night stand with Julie and asks her to marry him, which she accepts. Tony makes Julie and Izzy promise to keep their engagement a secret. During filming for a cookery show, Julie and Izzy fight and discover Tony is engaged to both of them. Izzy and Julie both dump Tony. Tony realises he loves Julie and asks her to stay, however she reveals she wanted him so she could steal his money as she has a boyfriend in prison.
Tony becomes a supportive friend of Helen Cunningham
, who is having a marriage crisis. He helps her with her new laundrette shop, Washed Up. The pair end up falling for each other and they start an affair. Sam "O.B." O'Brien catches them together. Tony tries to persuade OB not to tell anyone from the Cunningham family, but OB tells Max Cunningham
. Tony promises Max that he has finished with Helen, Max agrees to keep their affair a secret. Tony continues his affair with Helen. Tony is then made homeless so Gordon insists he stays with the Cunningham family
. The situation is uncomfortable for Tony, as Max puts pressure on him to find another home. Max has enough of Tony and Helen's lies and tells Gordon about the affair. Tony moves out, and moves onto the barge, but is shocked when Helen decides to move in with him. Tony does not want to cause any trouble and he tells Helen she belongs with Gordon. Eventually, he is persuaded to take Helen in with him. The whole village finds out about their affair and Tony tries to persuade Helen to move back in with Gordon for Tom
and Mandy
's sake, which she does
Tony then starts dating Mandy. The couple leave for Rome
, where they marry on February 10, 2005. After a miscarriage, Mandy gives birth to Grace Hutchinson. However, Grace sadly dies from suspected SIDS
on a night where Hannah Ashworth
and Nancy Hayton
are babysitting. Tony struggles to accept Grace's death and places blame on many people, including Hannah and Nancy. Tony turns to alcohol, which turns Mandy into the arms of his half-brother, Dom Reilly. Tony gets counselling, however it is too late and Mandy leaves him.
and Tina McQueen
's double wedding to Russ Owen
and Dom Reilly, Jacqui admits to Tony that she is pregnant. Sadly, she loses the baby. Alek then leaves for Albania. Jacqui goes off the rails and is arrested for shoplifting. Tony declares his love for Jacqui to her in Il Gnosh. Jacqui and Tony decide to adopt a child, however, Jacqui's criminal record is revealed to the social services, who tell them it is unlikely they will be able to adopt.
Tony turns thirty and Jacqui plans to reward him with a stripper pole and sexy lingerie. Tina throws a surprise party and invites everyone in his address book. Tony is tipped off when old friend Jambo sends him a text saying he could not make it. Sending invites to everyone meant Tony's ex-fiancées, Julie, Izzy, and lls him she cannot have children either. Tessie shows up in the middle of the party and reveals she had lied about not being pregnant and has an eight year old son called Harry Thompson. Jacqui grows jealous and forces Tony to choose between her and Harry, which results in him choosing Harry. A drunken Tony ends up sleeping with, and impregnating, Jacqui's sister, Mercedes. Tony and Jacqui reconcile and Jacqui tries to convince Mercedes to let them raise the baby after Mercedes books an abortion. However, Mercedes goes through with it.
Tina volunteers to have a baby for Jacqui and Tony. Dom finds out and tells her not to as he wants her to only have their children. Tina and Dom end their relationship soon after he does not support her when she is sexually harassed at work, which led to a one-night-stand with Russ. Tina inseminates herself with Tony's sperm. Dom returns and is not happy. Tina discovers she is pregnant. Dom tries to get her to have an abortion, however she refuses and he accepts her decision.
Tina goes to hospital for her 12-week pre-natal scan, it is then revealed that the baby is in fact 15 weeks old and therefore must have been conceived when she slept with Russ. Tina gives birth after being pushed down stairs by secret brother, Niall Rafferty
. She has a baby son, Max McQueen, named after deceased Max Cunningham
. Tony becomes over-protective of Max, not wanting to lose him after Grace. Tina, who has to undergo an emergency hysterectomy, decides to raise Max as her own son, leaving Tony and Jacqui devastated. Tony is more devastated to discover Russ is the father. After Tina dies and she finds out about his fling with Mercedes, Jacqui ends her relationship with Tony, who planned to propose, she then changes Max's second name to McQueen.
Tony and Russ go to the Loft at a 'school disco' themed night. Russ introduces Tony to a girl named Theresa
and, after a few drinks, Tony takes her back to his flat, where they sleep together. The next day, Theresa begins following Tony, not realising it was just a one-night-stand. Tony tries to tell her this but she does not listen. Theresa then reveals she is only 15. A shocked Tony tells her to leave and never to return again. Theresa runs out in tears to her cousin - Jacqui. She wants advice from Michaela
, who is not there. Theresa shows Myra and Jacqui who she slept with and point to Tony. Jacqui hits Tony and calls him a paedophile. Tony is then arrested, where he tries to lie by telling them nothing happened between him and Theresa. However, a witness from The Loft tells the police that Tony kept buying Theresa drinks, they then charge Tony for having sexual activity with children. After this, Tony becomes increasingly paranoid, thinking everyone is talking about him. Cindy Cunningham
even stops her daughter Holly from seeing Tony.
Tony has a one-night-stand with his former wife, Mandy. Jacqui decides to apologise to Tony after the charges are dropped and Theresa admits she never told him her age. Tony then leaves Hollyoaks with Mandy and her daughter Ella after her affair with Warren Fox
is revealed at his wedding to Louise Summers.
Tony returns after three months away with Mandy. Tony began to have visits from Harry. After Max is taken by Russ, Jacqui asks Tony to hire a private investigator, which infuriates Dom. Jacqui then leaves for France
to find Max. Tony grows closer with Cindy. The pair sleep together and begin a relationship. When Jacqui returns, she is horrified to find out about Tony and Cindy's relationship. Tony decides to take Cindy and Holly on holiday, however drops the plans when Holly hints that Cindy wants to get married. Dom then taunts Cindy about Tony finally seeing her true colours. Cindy is comforted by Darren Osborne
in her flat. The pair begin to kiss and undress just as Tony walks in however they do get back together unbeknown to him Cindy and Darren are planning to scam him out of his money so Darren can buy back The Dog.
Cindy and Tony make up and later get in engaged, but he reveals to Dom that he does not really love Cindy. Cindy, Tony, Dom, Darren and Cindy's friend Savannah go to a hotel for the wedding. Darren continues his jealousy and pays a woman to seduce him before sending him to a farm in the middle of nowhere. Tony is found and confesses to sleeping with another woman to Cindy, who then reveals her plans to scam him. Cindy and Tony then agree to get married, which they do despite interruptions by Darren and Jacqui. After constantly struggling with Holly, Tony and Cindy discuss sending her to a boarding school. Holly overhears the conversation and is upset, blaming Tony for trying to get rid of her. Holly later catches Tony giving Theresa a friendly kiss and taunts him over it. He grabs Holly and she runs home. This led to Holly running away. Cindy blames Tony for her disappearance. However, she is eventually found. To get their marriage back on track, Tony and Cindy agree to move. Tony views properties in Wales. He witnesses Gabby Sharpe
being run over. He helps her and stays by her bedside to care for her. During this time, Tony realises he does not love Cindy, so ends their marriage. After getting divorced, Cindy is convinced that Tony had been having an affair with Gabby, but he reassures her. Gabby and her child Taylor and Amber
move into Tony's flat to get away from Gabby's husband Phil. Amber does not appear to like Tony, and gets her father when she catches Tony and Gabby kissing.
Taylor admits to Tony that Phil has a whole other family. Tony does not what to do with this information when Gabby lets Phil sleep over his house when he is caught for drink driving. Eventually, they tell Gabby everything and she tells Tony she loves him for the first time in front of Phil. Mandy returns to the village and is angry at Tony for leaving her in Laos when they left the previous year. Behind his back, she plots revenge with Warren, who despite apparently being dead, Tony sees. Tony admits to Dom that he is financially in trouble, and has been losing money since Holly's disappearance. Dom vows to help his brother, and goes to Warren for money. On the same night, Il Gnosh is set fire to by an unseen arsonist. The fire spreads to Tony's flat and Steph Roach is killed. This leads the police to believe that Tony started the fire for insurance, but in actual fact it is revealed by Dom's confession to Brendan Brady
that he started the fire to destroy his laptop with a picture of Amber, in order to prevent people thinking he's a paedophile and to help Tony with his insurance. Tony is disgusted to discover this and shocked at his behaviour and calls the police. Despite Dom's pleas to run away without telling the police, Tony disagrees and stands by him. The police arrive and arrests Dom.
After The Sharpe's leave Hollyoaks, Tony opens up a new Spa where Il Gnosh was, naming it "Look Sharpe". At the opening night Suzanne Ashworth
goes into labour and gives birth to twins in the spa. Soon after Tony sells the spa to Cindy but remains manager until he is replaced by Mandy who once again returns to the village. On 20 May 2011 Tony left to go travelling after Gabby said that she was not coming back, he says goodbye to Mandy but Rhys takes his taxi so Myra takes him on Bart's scooter. When he returned he had redefined himself and acted carefree.
in the category of 'Best Comedy Performance'. In her book Soap Stars, Debbie Foy refers to Tony as having lived through several dramatic episodes. At the awards the following year he was nominated for 'Best Actor' and again for 'Best Comedy Performance'. Website Women Republic stated that Tony was one of Hollyoaks top five characters. In a 2009 poll by Loaded
magazine, Tony was voted eighth in the 'Top Soap Bloke' of all time, losing to Australian soap opera Neighbours
character Harold Bishop
, played by Ian Smith
respectively. In her book Soap Stars, Debbie Foy describes Tony as being famous for his "many on-screen relationships, affairs and engagements" but always has plenty of heartache. The Daily Star described Tony as a going "through more women than he’s served hot meals in his restaurant Gnosh." and a "loser-in-love". They also commented that after dumping Cindy "this time he’s only got himself to blame." Sky said on the character "Tony Hutchinson is our fave character on the show. Probably because he's been on it the WHOLE time since it started in 1995".
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 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...
. 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. The character was created by Phil Redmond
Phil Redmond
Phil Redmond CBE is an English television producer and screenwriter.He is well-known for creating several popular television series such as Grange Hill , Brookside and Hollyoaks...
as one of several main characters for the soap opera and since then has been part of various storylines including an affair with Helen Cunningham
Helen Cunningham
Helen Cunningham is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, played by Kathryn George. George first appeared in the role in 1997 before the character was written out in 2004 when she was killed in a car accident...
(Kathryn George), the death of his daughter to sudden infant death syndrome
Sudden infant death syndrome
Sudden infant death syndrome is marked by the sudden death of an infant that is unexpected by medical history, and remains unexplained after a thorough forensic autopsy and a detailed death scene investigation. An infant is at the highest risk for SIDS during sleep, which is why it is sometimes...
and sleeping with underage Theresa McQueen
Theresa McQueen
Theresa McQueen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jorgie Porter. She made her first appearance in November 2008. The character was introduced as an extension of already established McQueen family...
(Jorgie Porter
Jorgie Porter
Jorgina Alexandra "Jorgie" Porter, is an English actress, notable for her role as Theresa McQueen in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks...
).
Character creation
Tony is one of the original Hollyoaks characters introduced by Phil RedmondPhil Redmond
Phil Redmond CBE is an English television producer and screenwriter.He is well-known for creating several popular television series such as Grange Hill , Brookside and Hollyoaks...
during 1995 after the creation of the soap opera. As of 2010, Pickard is the longest serving cast member in the serial's history and the only original character left. In 2009, tabloid newspaper Daily Star reported that Pickard had quit the role and was "disgusted" with series producer Paul Marquess
Paul Marquess
Paul Marquess is a Northern Irish-born British television producer.-Television career:His credits include Brookside, The Bill and Family Affairs. He also originated the idea for the series Footballers' Wives...
following the axing of his real life brother John Pickard
John Pickard (British actor)
John Pickard is a British actor who is currently best known for appearing in Channel 4's Hollyoaks playing Dominic Reilly from 2005-2010. He is the brother of fellow Hollyoaks star Nick Pickard, who plays Tony Hutchinson, Dom's half-brother, in the soap...
as Dominic Reilly
Dominic Reilly
Dominic "Dom" Reilly is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by John Pickard. Dom made his first appearance on 13 September 2005 as the estranged half-brother of Tony Hutchinson, whose portrayer, Nick Pickard, is John Pickard's brother...
. Pickard later announced that he had no plans to leave the serial.
Development
Virgin MediaVirgin 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 Tony, of his persona they state: "Pompous and irritating at times, Tony has also provided plenty of slapstick." They also comment on his relationships, writing: "After inexplicably romancing some of the numerous blondes in the series, Tony's suffered enough personal tragedy to garner some sympathy."
Relationship with Jacqui McQueen
Tony's relationship with Jacqui McQueen (Claire CooperClaire Cooper
Claire Elizabeth Cooper is an English actress who currently plays Jacqui McQueen in British Channel 4 series Hollyoaks...
) was often strained by Jacqui's desire for children. In one storyline Jacqui's sister Tina McQueen
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:...
) agrees to be a surrogate mother for her child. The storyline was included to help house many lies and secrets that had previously been built up prior, including Tony's affair with Mercedes McQueen
Mercedes McQueen
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...
(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:...
) and Tina's affair with 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...
(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....
), of which Kirkwood stated there was "there's so much ammunition in store", which would eventually devastate Jacqui and Tony. Kirkwood also devised the plot to show of Pickard's skills in playing tragedy, of this he commented: "It'll also give Claire Cooper and Nick Pickard another opportunity to show off their acting talents. Tony and Jacqui are one of those couples that we can have fun with - but also will blow the audience away when dealing with tragedy."
In a later storyline Tony announces his intentions to marry Cindy Hutchinson (Stephanie Waring
Stephanie Waring
Stephanie Waring Stephanie Waring Stephanie Waring (born 19 February 1978; Urmston, Greater Manchester, England is an English actress, best known for portraying Cindy Cunningham in the early evening soap opera Hollyoaks.-Personal life:...
), prompting Jacqui to try and talk Tony out of it. Cooper has stated that she believes that her character is meant to be with Tony because "he is the love of Jacqui's life" and that hearing their engagement makes Jacqui feel like she "has a knife in her back." Cooper also hopes one day that the pair will reunite stating: "Jacqui needs to move on right now, but ultimately I'd prefer the story to come full circle and lead back to Tony." Cooper also revealed that at the time she was often approached by fans asking her when the couple would reconcile. Pickard has also stated he didn't think Cindy was right for him stating: "I don't think she's the one for him, to be honest. He also adds he believed Jacqui to be the love of Tony's life.
1995–2005
Tony's main backstory was never originally established. He comes from a British-German background, this was discovered in 2009 that his great-grandfather was German, who fought against the Britain in the First World War. Pickard's real-life brother John Pickard joined the soap in 2005 as Tony's cousin Dom Reilly. It was later revealed that they were both half-brothers.Tony comes up with a new scheme to save money, as he implements a recycling system in his house for the student tenants. He encourages them to eat a high fibre diet after learning that the more waste his new system collects, the more money he receives. He discovers that as a result of the system, he is drinking his own urine. Tony runs for council, but is defeated by Gordon Cunningham
Gordon Cunningham
Gordon Hilton Cunningham is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Bernard Latham. He first appeared as one of the original characters on the show when it started, he left in 2004 when the character died of a heart attack which he had after being...
. Finn and Ruth
Ruth Osborne
Ruth Osborne is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Terri Dwyer. She first appeared in 1995 as part of the Osborne family before leaving in 2001. Since then, she has made guest appearances between 2003–2004 and 2008. In 2009 Dwyer said she'd return...
tell Tony to buy out Lewis's share of The Loft because of his financial problems. Tony agrees and Finn repays the favour by investing into Tony’s new restaurant. Moving away from Hollyoaks Village with Ruth and Finn, Tony focuses on his new business venture Gnosh, in Hollyoaks: Movin' On. He receives bad news that Ruth has been beaten up by Lewis, who then commits suicide due to guilt over his actions. Tony is asked by Lewis's mum, Helen
Helen Cunningham
Helen Cunningham is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, played by Kathryn George. George first appeared in the role in 1997 before the character was written out in 2004 when she was killed in a car accident...
, to perform the eulogy at Lewis's funeral.
After Lewis's death, Tony decides to make the most of life, and moves back to Hollyoaks Village to concentrate on running his businesses. Finn had decides to leave Hollyoaks, as does Ruth, leaving Tony lonely. Tony starts dating Izzy Cornwell
Izzy Davies
Isabelle "Izzy" Davies is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Elize du Toit. She made her first appearance in 2000 before leaving in 2004...
. Tony then buys Deva from Andy Morgan. He ends up renaming it to Gnosh Village. Tony then receives a shock when ex-fiancée, Julie Matthews, returns to Hollyoaks. Tony is delighted to see her and offers her a job at Gnosh. Izzy gets suspicious and does not like the idea of Tony and Julie working together. Izzy suggests to Tony that they get married, which Tony agrees. However, he has a one-night stand with Julie and asks her to marry him, which she accepts. Tony makes Julie and Izzy promise to keep their engagement a secret. During filming for a cookery show, Julie and Izzy fight and discover Tony is engaged to both of them. Izzy and Julie both dump Tony. Tony realises he loves Julie and asks her to stay, however she reveals she wanted him so she could steal his money as she has a boyfriend in prison.
Tony becomes a supportive friend of Helen Cunningham
Helen Cunningham
Helen Cunningham is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, played by Kathryn George. George first appeared in the role in 1997 before the character was written out in 2004 when she was killed in a car accident...
, who is having a marriage crisis. He helps her with her new laundrette shop, Washed Up. The pair end up falling for each other and they start an affair. Sam "O.B." O'Brien catches them together. Tony tries to persuade OB not to tell anyone from the Cunningham family, but OB tells Max Cunningham
Max Cunningham
Max Cunningham is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Matt Littler. From 1995 to 1996, Max was portrayed by Ben Sheriff before Littler took over. In 2008, Max, along with Tony Hutchinson , was the longest running character in Hollyoaks...
. Tony promises Max that he has finished with Helen, Max agrees to keep their affair a secret. Tony continues his affair with Helen. Tony is then made homeless so Gordon insists he stays with the Cunningham family
Cunningham family
The Cunningham family are a fictional family in the long-running Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks. The family were one of the original families introduced in 1995, debuting on the first ever episode of Hollyoaks...
. The situation is uncomfortable for Tony, as Max puts pressure on him to find another home. Max has enough of Tony and Helen's lies and tells Gordon about the affair. Tony moves out, and moves onto the barge, but is shocked when Helen decides to move in with him. Tony does not want to cause any trouble and he tells Helen she belongs with Gordon. Eventually, he is persuaded to take Helen in with him. The whole village finds out about their affair and Tony tries to persuade Helen to move back in with Gordon for Tom
Tom Cunningham
Thomas "Tom" Cunningham is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Ellis Hollins. Hollins has portrayed the character since his birth in 1999.-Storylines:...
and Mandy
Mandy Richardson
Mandy Richardson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Sarah Jayne Dunn...
's sake, which she does
Tony then starts dating Mandy. The couple leave for Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
, where they marry on February 10, 2005. After a miscarriage, Mandy gives birth to Grace Hutchinson. However, Grace sadly dies from suspected SIDS
Sudden infant death syndrome
Sudden infant death syndrome is marked by the sudden death of an infant that is unexpected by medical history, and remains unexplained after a thorough forensic autopsy and a detailed death scene investigation. An infant is at the highest risk for SIDS during sleep, which is why it is sometimes...
on a night where 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....
and Nancy Hayton
Nancy Hayton
Nancy Anne Hayton is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jessica Fox. The character first appeared on 6 July 2005. Since the character's inception she has been involved in many notable storylines such as a three-way open relationship, drug taking,...
are babysitting. Tony struggles to accept Grace's death and places blame on many people, including Hannah and Nancy. Tony turns to alcohol, which turns Mandy into the arms of his half-brother, Dom Reilly. Tony gets counselling, however it is too late and Mandy leaves him.
2006–
Tony begins a relationship with Jacqui McQueen. The relationship has to remain secret due to Jacqui's fake marriage to Aleksander Malota. During MercedesMercedes McQueen
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...
and Tina McQueen
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...
's double wedding 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 Dom Reilly, Jacqui admits to Tony that she is pregnant. Sadly, she loses the baby. Alek then leaves for Albania. Jacqui goes off the rails and is arrested for shoplifting. Tony declares his love for Jacqui to her in Il Gnosh. Jacqui and Tony decide to adopt a child, however, Jacqui's criminal record is revealed to the social services, who tell them it is unlikely they will be able to adopt.
Tony turns thirty and Jacqui plans to reward him with a stripper pole and sexy lingerie. Tina throws a surprise party and invites everyone in his address book. Tony is tipped off when old friend Jambo sends him a text saying he could not make it. Sending invites to everyone meant Tony's ex-fiancées, Julie, Izzy, and lls him she cannot have children either. Tessie shows up in the middle of the party and reveals she had lied about not being pregnant and has an eight year old son called Harry Thompson. Jacqui grows jealous and forces Tony to choose between her and Harry, which results in him choosing Harry. A drunken Tony ends up sleeping with, and impregnating, Jacqui's sister, Mercedes. Tony and Jacqui reconcile and Jacqui tries to convince Mercedes to let them raise the baby after Mercedes books an abortion. However, Mercedes goes through with it.
Tina volunteers to have a baby for Jacqui and Tony. Dom finds out and tells her not to as he wants her to only have their children. Tina and Dom end their relationship soon after he does not support her when she is sexually harassed at work, which led to a one-night-stand with Russ. Tina inseminates herself with Tony's sperm. Dom returns and is not happy. Tina discovers she is pregnant. Dom tries to get her to have an abortion, however she refuses and he accepts her decision.
Tina goes to hospital for her 12-week pre-natal scan, it is then revealed that the baby is in fact 15 weeks old and therefore must have been conceived when she slept with Russ. Tina gives birth after being pushed down stairs by secret brother, 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...
. She has a baby son, Max McQueen, named after deceased Max Cunningham
Max Cunningham
Max Cunningham is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Matt Littler. From 1995 to 1996, Max was portrayed by Ben Sheriff before Littler took over. In 2008, Max, along with Tony Hutchinson , was the longest running character in Hollyoaks...
. Tony becomes over-protective of Max, not wanting to lose him after Grace. Tina, who has to undergo an emergency hysterectomy, decides to raise Max as her own son, leaving Tony and Jacqui devastated. Tony is more devastated to discover Russ is the father. After Tina dies and she finds out about his fling with Mercedes, Jacqui ends her relationship with Tony, who planned to propose, she then changes Max's second name to McQueen.
Tony and Russ go to the Loft at a 'school disco' themed night. Russ introduces Tony to a girl named Theresa
Theresa McQueen
Theresa McQueen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jorgie Porter. She made her first appearance in November 2008. The character was introduced as an extension of already established McQueen family...
and, after a few drinks, Tony takes her back to his flat, where they sleep together. The next day, Theresa begins following Tony, not realising it was just a one-night-stand. Tony tries to tell her this but she does not listen. Theresa then reveals she is only 15. A shocked Tony tells her to leave and never to return again. Theresa runs out in tears to her cousin - Jacqui. She wants advice from Michaela
Michaela McQueen
Michaela McQueen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Hollie-Jay Bowes. Michaela was the first of the McQueen family to be seen on-screen in 2006, when she was credited as Michaela Jones. On 8 June 2010, Hollie-Jay Bowes announced that she had quit...
, who is not there. Theresa shows Myra and Jacqui who she slept with and point to Tony. Jacqui hits Tony and calls him a paedophile. Tony is then arrested, where he tries to lie by telling them nothing happened between him and Theresa. However, a witness from The Loft tells the police that Tony kept buying Theresa drinks, they then charge Tony for having sexual activity with children. After this, Tony becomes increasingly paranoid, thinking everyone is talking about him. Cindy Cunningham
Cindy Cunningham
Cindy Longford is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Stephanie Waring...
even stops her daughter Holly from seeing Tony.
Tony has a one-night-stand with his former wife, Mandy. Jacqui decides to apologise to Tony after the charges are dropped and Theresa admits she never told him her age. Tony then leaves Hollyoaks with Mandy and her daughter Ella after her affair 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...
is revealed at his wedding to Louise Summers.
Tony returns after three months away with Mandy. Tony began to have visits from Harry. After Max is taken by Russ, Jacqui asks Tony to hire a private investigator, which infuriates Dom. Jacqui then leaves for France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
to find Max. Tony grows closer with Cindy. The pair sleep together and begin a relationship. When Jacqui returns, she is horrified to find out about Tony and Cindy's relationship. Tony decides to take Cindy and Holly on holiday, however drops the plans when Holly hints that Cindy wants to get married. Dom then taunts Cindy about Tony finally seeing her true colours. Cindy is comforted by 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...
in her flat. The pair begin to kiss and undress just as Tony walks in however they do get back together unbeknown to him Cindy and Darren are planning to scam him out of his money so Darren can buy back The Dog.
Cindy and Tony make up and later get in engaged, but he reveals to Dom that he does not really love Cindy. Cindy, Tony, Dom, Darren and Cindy's friend Savannah go to a hotel for the wedding. Darren continues his jealousy and pays a woman to seduce him before sending him to a farm in the middle of nowhere. Tony is found and confesses to sleeping with another woman to Cindy, who then reveals her plans to scam him. Cindy and Tony then agree to get married, which they do despite interruptions by Darren and Jacqui. After constantly struggling with Holly, Tony and Cindy discuss sending her to a boarding school. Holly overhears the conversation and is upset, blaming Tony for trying to get rid of her. Holly later catches Tony giving Theresa a friendly kiss and taunts him over it. He grabs Holly and she runs home. This led to Holly running away. Cindy blames Tony for her disappearance. However, she is eventually found. To get their marriage back on track, Tony and Cindy agree to move. Tony views properties in Wales. He witnesses Gabby Sharpe
Gabby Sharpe
Gabriella "Gabby" Sharpe is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Phina Oruche. She made her first on-screen appearance on 18 June 2010.-Character creation and casting:...
being run over. He helps her and stays by her bedside to care for her. During this time, Tony realises he does not love Cindy, so ends their marriage. After getting divorced, Cindy is convinced that Tony had been having an affair with Gabby, but he reassures her. Gabby and her child Taylor and Amber
Amber Sharpe
Amber Sharpe is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Lydia Lloyd-Henry. The character was introduced as a member of the new Sharpe family, as part of series producer Paul Marquess' rejuvenation of the serial in 2010. She made her first on-screen...
move into Tony's flat to get away from Gabby's husband Phil. Amber does not appear to like Tony, and gets her father when she catches Tony and Gabby kissing.
Taylor admits to Tony that Phil has a whole other family. Tony does not what to do with this information when Gabby lets Phil sleep over his house when he is caught for drink driving. Eventually, they tell Gabby everything and she tells Tony she loves him for the first time in front of Phil. Mandy returns to the village and is angry at Tony for leaving her in Laos when they left the previous year. Behind his back, she plots revenge with Warren, who despite apparently being dead, Tony sees. Tony admits to Dom that he is financially in trouble, and has been losing money since Holly's disappearance. Dom vows to help his brother, and goes to Warren for money. On the same night, Il Gnosh is set fire to by an unseen arsonist. The fire spreads to Tony's flat and Steph Roach is killed. This leads the police to believe that Tony started the fire for insurance, but in actual fact it is revealed by Dom's confession to Brendan Brady
Brendan Brady
Brendan Brady is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Emmett J. Scanlan. The character was introduced in 2010 by series producer Paul Marquess during part of the show's overhaul the character has become incredibly popular and liked.He is the older half...
that he started the fire to destroy his laptop with a picture of Amber, in order to prevent people thinking he's a paedophile and to help Tony with his insurance. Tony is disgusted to discover this and shocked at his behaviour and calls the police. Despite Dom's pleas to run away without telling the police, Tony disagrees and stands by him. The police arrive and arrests Dom.
After The Sharpe's leave Hollyoaks, Tony opens up a new Spa where Il Gnosh was, naming it "Look Sharpe". At the opening night Suzanne Ashworth
Suzanne Ashworth
Suzanne Ashworth is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Suzanne Hall. She made her first on-screen appearance on 3 October 2005. Suzanne was introduced by series producer David Hanson as part of the Ashworth family. In February 2010, Suzanne was axed...
goes into labour and gives birth to twins in the spa. Soon after Tony sells the spa to Cindy but remains manager until he is replaced by Mandy who once again returns to the village. On 20 May 2011 Tony left to go travelling after Gabby said that she was not coming back, he says goodbye to Mandy but Rhys takes his taxi so Myra takes him on Bart's scooter. When he returned he had redefined himself and acted carefree.
Reception
Pickard was nominated at the 2002 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...
in the category of 'Best Comedy Performance'. In her book Soap Stars, Debbie Foy refers to Tony as having lived through several dramatic episodes. At the awards the following year he was nominated for 'Best Actor' and again for 'Best Comedy Performance'. Website Women Republic stated that Tony was one of Hollyoaks top five characters. In a 2009 poll by Loaded
Loaded (magazine)
Loaded, first published in 1994, is a British magazine for men that is considered to be the "original lads' mag". Its motto is "For men who should know better".-History:...
magazine, Tony was voted eighth in the 'Top Soap Bloke' of all time, losing to Australian soap opera Neighbours
Neighbours
Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera first broadcast on the Seven Network on 18 March 1985. It was created by TV executive Reg Watson, who proposed the idea of making a show that focused on realistic stories and portrayed adults and teenagers who talk openly and solve their problems...
character Harold Bishop
Harold Bishop
Harold Bishop is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ian Smith. He made his first on-screen appearance on 30 January 1987. Smith was offered a role by Neighbours creator and executive producer Reg Watson...
, played by Ian Smith
Ian Smith (actor)
Ian Smith is an Australian soap opera character actor and television screenwriter, best known today for his long-running role as the caring, kindly coffee shop owner Harold Bishop in the soap opera Neighbours....
respectively. In her book Soap Stars, Debbie Foy describes Tony as being famous for his "many on-screen relationships, affairs and engagements" but always has plenty of heartache. The Daily Star described Tony as a going "through more women than he’s served hot meals in his restaurant Gnosh." and a "loser-in-love". They also commented that after dumping Cindy "this time he’s only got himself to blame." Sky said on the character "Tony Hutchinson is our fave character on the show. Probably because he's been on it the WHOLE time since it started in 1995".
External links
- Character profile on the E4 website
- Tony Hutchinson 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...