Hollyoaks' Lysette Anthony opens up about major County Lines drug storyline
Following on from Hollyoaks' announcement of a dark new issue-based storyline, Marnie Nightingale star Lysette Anthony has opened up to discuss what to expect in the weeks to come.
The Channel 4 soap is to explore the topical issue of 'County Lines' drug dealing, which refers to gangs from big cities who target young people and vulnerable adults to sell their drugs in smaller towns around the country.
The show will examine the topic through a series of episodes, commencing with an ambitious New Year's hour-long flashforward special, to be aired on Friday, December 27 on E4 and Monday, December 30 on C4.
Lysette said that she is "thrilled to be a part of such an essential and important storyline", adding that this is something "Hollyoaks excels in".
"I just applaud and admire our Hollyoaks team for tackling such a vital story, so I am very much looking forward to it," she added.
"A little tease for the flashforward episode is to share the fact that we, as in cast, don't know what's going to be coming this year.
"However, we know that there is something really scary and tragic afoot. It's a bit like starting an Agatha Christie novel…"
The star went on to discuss the opening of her character Marnie's French-inspired café, Salon De Thé De Marnie.
While many fans assume this is just a reason for her to be centre of attention, Lysette insisted that there's more to her big plans than meets the eye.
"While it appears to be pretentious, as in she's constantly trying to get everyone to speak French, it's actually motivated by her desire to create something beautiful, and to expand people’s vision," she explained.
"She likes to think of herself as a visionary and, though she is, it often comes off as being rather narrow and sharp. She would like to see herself as someone who lives for all things beautiful."
Lysette went on to say: "The bit that I'm really looking forward to is when Marnie will host evenings, where beautiful music will be played.
"She wants people to gather, talk about art, philosophy, and all things educational and refined. Of course, as with everything, it gets whittled down to a lot of rather delicious gossip."
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.
The Children's Society works to support vulnerable children in England and Wales. For more information, visit its website.
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