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|caption1= Melissa Walton as Loretta Jones (2009)
|caption1= Melissa Walton as Loretta Jones (2009)
|name = Loretta Jones
|name = Loretta Jones
|portrayer = Melissa Walton
|portrayer = [[Melissa Walton]]
|creator = [[Lucy Allan (producer)|Lucy Allan]]
|creator = [[Lucy Allan (producer)|Lucy Allan]]
|years = 2008, 2009-2010
|years = 2008, 2009-2010

Revision as of 16:50, 28 May 2010

Template:Infobox Hollyoaks character Loretta Jones is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Melissa Walton. The character first appeared on-screen on 26 November 2008, during the first series of the Hollyoaks spin-off, Hollyoaks Later, as a new love interest for Dom Reilly. She made her first appearance in main Hollyoaks episodes in February 2009 as the first character to be introduced to the series by producer, Lucy Allan. In 2010, Loretta was axed from the series along with 15 other characters during a cast cull by executive producer Paul Marquess.

Although her occupation was a pole dancer, the character has been portrayed out of conjunction with the 'blonde stereotype'. She has been involved in storylines including facing prejudice and body scarring issues. The character is most noted for the series intending to portray her as a child murderer trying to piece her life back together. She was intended to have the birth name of Joanna Norman in the storyline, later the plot was subsequently axed having caused a great amount of controversy among the British public after newspapers alleged that the storyline was copying a real-life case. She has also been positively received by the media for her appearance, often dubbed a "blond bombshell".

Character creation and casting

The character of Loretta was created as a temporary love interest for Dominic Reilly (John Pickard), intended to feature only in the spin-off of Hollyoaks, entitled Hollyoaks Later. In 2009, it was announced that Hollyoaks' new producer, Lucy Allan, had decided to introduce both Loretta and Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh) into the main show.[1] Allan said, "Cheryl and Loretta will bring an energy and a sense of fun to the show. Both Melissa and Bronagh impressed me with their performances in Hollyoaks Later and I'm sure viewers will warm to them quickly."[1] Loretta was initially paired with Dom again and, after parting from the character, was given links to other characters in the series. To prepare for the role, Walton took pole-dancing classes and visited a lap dancing club. After watching girls perform at the club, she carried out routines in her underwear.[2]

Though Walton had initially signed on for a three month stint, in 2009 Allan decided to renew her contract and keep Loretta in the series until 2010.[3] In early 2010, it was announced that Allan had stepped down from the position of executive producer and that Paul Marquess had taken over the role.[4] It was soon revealed that Marquess planned to give Hollyoaks a "shake up", changing the productions team[5] and beginning a cast cull by axing three established characters.[6] Stephanie Waring (who plays Cindy Hutchinson) then revealed that all remaining cast members feared their character would be axed.[7] One month later, Marquess announced his plans to axe a further 11 characters, including Loretta at the end of Walton's contract.[8] Loretta will depart at the same time as her current love interest, Jake Dean (Kevin Sacre).[8]

Character development and impact

Characterisation

Loretta has stated on-screen that she does not want to conform the stereotypes applied to blond pole dancers and makes it clear that she is a keen bird watcher and enjoys factual documentaries.[9] Speaking of her character, Walton stated, "I love that Loretta's not a stereotypical stripper sort of girl—there’s a lot more depth to her. She’s actually quite shy and reserved. She’s got lots of interesting little hobbies, like bird-watching and Roman history! Then at night she skips off and turns into a stripper. It’s like two different lives, and I think many real-life pole-dancers are like that. They’re really nice, normal girls by day, and by night they turn into these temptresses."[10] Walton also praised the soap's realistic portrayal of the occupation, saying that many pole dancers attend university or have good professions but rely on stripping for extra money and that she has met people like her character in the strip club where Hollyoaks films scenes.[10]

"She works as a stripper but is very quick to point out that it's not who she is, it's just her job, so I think what they've done is they've tried to have a massive contrast between who she is during the day, who they see her as in the village when she's with Dom, and who she turns into when she starts work at night."[11]

—Melissa Walton discussing Loretta (2009).

Walton hopes viewers will find Loretta's alter ego as a stripper tasteful, commenting, "As tasteful as you can be in a pink frilly bra and knicker set, with a little skirt that’s more like a belt, and back-combed hair and fake eyelashes!"[10] Loretta's stripper clothing is in stark contrast to her every day look of non-revealing clothing.[10]

Loretta's relationships helped develop the character. Her first relationship is with Dom Reilly, who shares her interests in bird watching, ancient Roman documentaries and literature. The relationship immediately gave viewers an insight into the character. However, as their relationship progressed it became apparent that Dom could not handle Loretta's profession as he feared for her safety, which ultimately lead to their break up. Loretta's second relationship is a short-lived fling with Ravi Roy (Stephen Uppal); Loretta is determined to see the good in him and help him while he suffers from a brain aneurysm, but ends the relationship when he attempts to assault her. Loretta then begins a secret romance with Jake, who had tried to murder his child and rape his wife. However, Loretta believes he had been mislead and is still a good person, demonstrating Loretta's willingness to give people second chances.[12] Walton comments, "[Loretta] is just lovely – she sees the good in everyone."[11] When television listings magazine What's on TV challenged Walton to explain why Loretta would be interested in Jake after his crimes, Walton said, "Loretta's big on forgiveness. She believes Jake’s changed, that he's learnt from his time inside and he's paid his debt to society."[12]

Child murderer controversy

In November 2009, Loretta became the centre of media controversy[13] when it various media outlets revealed that Loretta would be part of a storyline which revealed that she had murdered a child in her past.[14] The controversy began when tabloid newspaper The Sun compared the storyline to the real life murder of James Bulger. Bulger had been murdered when he was two years old by two young children. Being just 10 years of age they were handed small sentences to serve and were later released with new identities.[15] Soon after, various other news sources and lifestyle magazines picked up the story and mimicked The Sun's claims.[16][17] Bulger's mother, Denise Fergus, condemned the storyline. While speaking to Click Liverpool, she criticised the decision to air a plot that allegedly mirrored her son's death, stating they should have consulted her first.[18] She said, "I'm shocked and disgusted at what Hollyoaks is doing. They have clearly based this story on what happened to James and it's outrageous that they should do this without consulting with me in any way."[18] She threatened to encourage a boycott of the show.[18] Channel 4 released a statement defending the plot, explaining it had nothing to do with any real life case: "The forthcoming storyline is not based on any real-life case and it will in no way seek to recreate real events. The storyline focuses on the psychological repercussions for two characters in the show who were responsible for the death of a 12-year-old girl in the past."[18] The storyline would answer questions for viewers who had been speculating on Loretta's secret past.[13] It would reveal that Loretta had spent time in prison for her crime, was born with the name Joanna Norman,[17] and is living under a false identity.[15]

"The storyline is not based on any real-life case and it will in no way seek to recreate real events."

—Channel 4 spokesperson's statement on the plot (2009).

Speaking to entertainment website Digital Spy about delving into her character's history, Walton commented, "It took a little while and until now, we've known little about her. Nobody in the village knows who she is or where she's come from. She's just planted herself in the village knowing hardly anybody. She's quite a mysterious character. I'm absolutely loving the opportunity to explore her backstory."[19] Speaking about her reaction to the plot, she continued: "I was like, 'Oh my gosh!' I was so shocked but absolutely chuffed to bits because this is what all actors want - something massive like this to sink my teeth into. I feel so privileged that they've trusted me with this story. I know they've wanted to do it for a while and they've finally chosen me!"[19][20]

In the same interview, Walton described the storyline: "Loretta and Chrissy were best, best friends through childhood. They were closer than sisters. She somehow tracks Loretta down and turns up out of the blue after Loretta's finished a dance class. What we learn is that when they were 12, they bullied a young girl and didn't stop until they killed her. They kept pushing and pushing and eventually killed her. Since then, Loretta and Chrissy have been completely separated from each other, their families and friends. They've spent years in institutions having psychiatric and behavioural treatment."[20]

Chrissy reminds Loretta of her secret past in scenes cut from transmitted episodes. (2009)

Kevin Sacre, whose character was directly involved in the storyline, voiced his support for the plot stating: "I think the fact that it's the sort of thing that happens in real life means it's something that should be addressed. Anyone who buries their head in the sand is a bit naïve. And I think soap is a medium where you can explore issues of real life."[21]

Just days before the episodes were set to transmit, Channel 4 announced that it was axing the storyline due in part to Fergus's reaction to the storyline. Whilst Walton had previously claimed the storyline was about three twelve-year-old girls, Channel 4 admitted the similarities between the story and the Bulger case. "This particular storyline was not based on any real life case and was not intended to recreate actual events. However, after conversations with Denise Fergus we have agreed to amend certain aspects of the storyline." [22] Amber Hodgkiss, who was cast to play Chrissy, expressed her disappointment over the decision to axe the plot all together stating: "The storyline has been completely cut. I am not so happy about it. I would like it to go ahead, but I don't have that decision. It wasn't based on Jamie Bulger, but people portrayed it that way. It was quite a big storyline that could affect people, but it happens."[23] Fergus said she was grateful that the plot was axed saying: "I'm grateful that they are respecting my wishes. I made it clear that I did not want those scenes broadcast and I'm pleased to say they clearly understood my feelings."[24]

When episodes that were intended to feature the storyline transmitted, they instead featured a selection of then 'last minute' scenes. In these scenes, Hodgkiss portray a new character, Caroline, who holds Loretta and Jake hostage.[25]

Storylines

Loretta first appears as a stripper who works in a lap-dancing club. During her job, Loretta meets Dom. The pair like each other, but she decides not to go out with him because she feels he is not yet over the death of his wife Tina (Leah Hackett).

Loretta is not seen again until February 2009, when she and Dom begin a relationship. Loretta clashes with Mercedes Fisher (Jennifer Metcalfe), who is not happy to find out Dom has moved on from Tina. Loretta moves in with Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson). Loretta lies to Dom she has quit her job, and does not tell him the truth until Darren finds out and begins to blackmail her.[26] Loretta then quits her job for Dom, but later finds a new job as a stripper at a different club. Dom worries about Loretta's safety at her job and gives her a rape alarm, much to her amusement. Loretta reassures him, but realises how serious it is for him when he reveals that Tina's abduction and death has left him uptight about safety. They then end their relationship.

Loretta drunkenly teaches Nancy Hayton (Jessica Fox), Zoe Carpenter (Zoë Lister), Hannah Ashworth (Emma Rigby) and Sarah Barnes (Loui Batley) how to dance in the SU Bar. During this, she slips and falls onto glass bottles, which break and cut her stomach. Loretta is horrified when she is left scarred by the glass.[27] Her boss sacks her because her scars have rendered her unattractive, and Loretta is given a job in Tan & Tumble by Ash Roy (Junade Khan). Loretta develops a crush on Ravi Roy, which makes his brother Ash jealous. After Loretta catches Ravi being violent towards his sister Leila (Lena Kaur), she backs off and Ash starts flirting with her. Ash kisses Loretta, which Ravi sees and lashes out at. This leads an angry Ravi to fight in an illegal boxing match. After Ravi taunts Ash, Ash punches Ravi, who was diagnosed with an aneurysm. Ravi falls into a coma. Loretta explains to Kris Fisher (Gerard McCarthy) and Anita Roy (Saira Choudhry) that Ash tried to kiss her, which Kris believes and Ash tries to deny.

Loretta gradually becomes good friends with Nancy and Hannah. When Nancy's abusive ex-husband Jake Dean, who tried to rape her and kill their son Charlie (Joshua McConville), returns to the village, Loretta consoles Nancy and moves in with her. However, Loretta grows close to Jake, and, although initially hesitant, forms a relationship with him. After Jake and Loretta go public, Loretta is kicked out by Nancy and moves in with Jake. When Jake's sister Steph (Carley Stenson) suggests the pair are moving too quick, Loretta agrees and talks to Jake, who gets angry and shows his temper to Loretta for the first time. The couple reconcile with the help of Steph. Loretta strikes a friendship with Holly Hutchinson (Lydia Waters), who aspires to be a dancer like Loretta after feeling unnoticed by her mother Cindy. As they bond, Loretta gives Holly advice on dancing. Loretta faces prejudice when she starts applying for new jobs, as no one will employ her due to her previous jobs as a stripper. She later lies during an interview, her interviewers discover her previous employment and make derogatory remarks to her.

Holly runs away from home and a large-scale police investigation is put in place to find her. Many other residents in the village suspect Loretta's boyfriend, Jake as being her kidnapper, unaware that she is safe and hiding in Darren's flat. Loretta leaves Jake after she begins to doubt his innocence, but later reconciles with him. After Jake finds Holly, he chases her, she falls over and takes a blow to the head and falls into a coma. Initially the police suspect that Jake was behind this, but later release him. Loretta once more begins to doubt him. Upset, Jake goes to stay with his old friend Caroline (Amber Hodgkiss). After sleeping with him, Caroline drugs him, ties him up, tries to kill him, and holds him hostage for a few days. She is angered to learn he is going out with Loretta, and sets out to try and kill Holly, but Loretta is present by Holly's bedside. Caroline tries to attack Loretta with a medicinal needle, but Jake saves Loretta and, in the process, Caroline is stabbed with the needle.[25] After the ordeal, Loretta disappears, have to accept the fact that Jake had cheated on her, much to his dismay.

Reception

Loretta has been well received for her good looks and sexy image. According to British tabloid The Daily Star the character was extremely popular with viewers on Hollyoaks Later and "went down a storm" with them.[28] They also add that she rivals other sexy characters such as Carmel Valentine (Gemma Merna) and Mercedes Fisher (Jennifer Metcalfe) with her 'hot babe' image.[28] Loretta has been well received by male viewers; when she was axed from the series a magazine dedicated to 'sexually attractive females' titled Babemag commented that the series would not be the same without her and praised Walton's portrayal, stating, "Sundays may never be quite the same as news filters through that Hollyoaks star, Melissa Walton, is to get the chop from the teen soap. Horny Hollyoaks hangover TV might not be the same for us without the charms of Melissa Walton who plays Loretta Jones in the series."[29] Loretta has been noted in the media because of her sexy blonde image and has been dubbed a 'blonde bombshell' by media sources such as Digital Spy[1] and South Wales Evening Post.[30] Entertainment reporting website My Park Magazine has branded the character a 'blond-haired beauty'.[31]

References

  1. ^ a b c Green, Kris (13 January 2009). "Soaps - News - New 'Oaks producer signs two sexy regulars". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
  2. ^ Nathan, Sara (26 January 2009). "Hollyoaks' Melissa Walton in dad strip trip to research role". The Sun. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
  3. ^ McMullen, Marion (1 March 2010). "Hollyoaks star Melissa Walton returns to Stratford College". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  4. ^ Green, Kris (15 January 2010). "'Hollyoaks' producer Allan quits soap". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  5. ^ Green, Kris (11 February 2010). "New 'Hollyoaks' boss shakes up production". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  6. ^ Green, Kris (9 February 2010). "New 'Hollyoaks' producer axes three". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  7. ^ "'Oaks cast "unsettled" by new producer". Digital Spy. 26 February. Retrieved 2010-03-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ a b Green, Kris (8 March 2010). "'Hollyoaks' producer axes 11 more". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  9. ^ "Loretta Jones » Girls » Cast » Hollyoaks » Channel 4". Channel 4. February 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
  10. ^ a b c d "Luke Pasqualino and Melissa Walton". OK! Magazine. 10 March 2009. Retrieved 2010-01-27.
  11. ^ a b Hughes, Heather (2 May 2009). "TV.com interview: Hollyoaks' Melissa Walton". TV.com. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  12. ^ a b "Loretta traps Jake!". What's on TV. 23 October 2009. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  13. ^ a b "Hollyoaks courts controversy with child killer plot". How-Do. 25 November 2009. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  14. ^ Green, Kris (25 November 2009). "Soaps - News -'Hollyoaks' embarks on child killer plot". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  15. ^ a b Robertson, Colin (25 November 2009). "Hollyoaks plot storyline similar to James Bulger case". The Sun. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  16. ^ "Child Killer Loretta Jones". My Park Magazine. 25 November 2009. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  17. ^ a b "Child Killer Loretta Jones". Female First. 25 November 2009. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  18. ^ a b c d Green, Kris (25 November 2009). "Bulger mum outraged over 'Hollyoaks' plot". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  19. ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel & Green, Kris (8 December 2009). "Walton excited over shock 'Oaks twist". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2009-12-08.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ a b Green, Kris (8 December 2009). "Interview - Melissa Walton (Loretta Jones, Hollyoaks)". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2009-12-08.
  21. ^ Daniel Kilkelly (11 December 2009). "'Hollyoaks' actor backs child killer plot". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2010-02-26.
  22. ^ Green, Kris (14 December 2009). "Hollyoaks axes child killer plot". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  23. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (17 December 2009). "Soaps - News - 'Oaks star disappointed over plot axe". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2009-12-20.
  24. ^ "Hollyoaks pull 'James Bulger storyline'". BBC. 14 December 2009. Retrieved 2010-04-03. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ a b Green, Kris (2 April 2010). "2790: Caroline's deadly intentions are revealed". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  26. ^ "Loretta Jones' raunchy housemate". My Park Magazine. 17 April 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
  27. ^ Green, Kris (12 July 2009). "Soaps - Soap Scoop - E'dale crash, Corrie roof threat and Stacey's fall". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
  28. ^ a b "Hollyoaks: New babe on the block". The Daily Star. 15 January 2009. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  29. ^ "Hollyoaks hottie, Melissa Walton, gets axed". Babe Magazine. March 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  30. ^ "Blonde girls set for Hollyoaks". Thisissouthwales.co.uk. 14 January 2009. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  31. ^ "Melissa Walton shocked by character's past". My Park Magazine. 8 December 2009. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
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