Former 'Casualty' star Patrick Robinson is to direct an hour-long 'Hollyoaks' special.
Patrick Robinson
Filming has commenced on the 'Oaks' episode, which will play a pivotal part in Channel 4’s Black to Front - a diversity project culminating in a special day of content on Friday September 10th - and it will feature a cast of characters past, present and future, played by Black and of Black heritage talent.
Patrick - who is best known for portraying Martin ‘Ash’ Ashford in the BBC medical drama - said: "I’m very excited to be directing this hour long special of 'Hollyoaks', featuring characters who share my background and heritage.
"Overstanding other people’s cultures, I believe is one giant step towards an inclusive society and drama is one of the best tools to do that.
"Music, dance and art also play a vital part in giving greater insight basically because we feel it ... heart, body and soul.
"Love is the theme of the episode, which I hope we can all relate to. And my litmus test for any good work? Did I feel..."
Paulette Randall - the first Black woman to direct in the West End - will helm the four preceding episodes.
Hollyoaks' team writer Thabo Mhlatshwa will pen the special, and he has also contributed to the ep's soundtrack by selecting a number of tunes by the likes of Arlo Parks and YXUNG Bane, celebrating Black British artistry.
The episode will anchor around the Deveraux family, as Walter Deveraux (Trevor Toussaint) celebrates his birthday.
Kelle Bryan - who plays Martine Deveraux in the Channel 4 soap - said: "This Black to Front episode is a celebration of family traditions, which have historically held Black families and Black communities together since migration. Our purpose is to make a meaningful contribution to the Black to Front tapestry aptly curated by Channel 4.
"Capitalising on Hollyoaks' youthful viewership, hopefully this will allow our audience to come on a journey with us, understanding our culture and realising the fundamentals that make us all the same.
"Once cultural differences are understood, this can often dissipate hatred, racism or bigotry, simply by telling truthful stories we can all relate to."
Five new cast members will feature in the episode and remain in the show as series regulars.
What's more, two Black guest stars have joined the soap for the one-off episode.
Channel 4's ground-breaking Black to Front project will broadcast programming fronted by Black talent and featuring Black contributors, to champion Black voices and stories, and the incredible Black talent that make, shape and star in British TV.