Yahoo News Exclusive: Hollyoaks star Alex Fletcher responds to changes at The Dog in the Pond
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star Alex Fletcher has spoken for the first time over Diane and Tony Hutchinson taking over The Dog in the Pond.
Next week's episodes see Diane and Tony (Nick Pickard) move into the pub as new managers after striking a deal with dodgy Fergus Collins (Robert Beck).
The changeover marks the beginning of a new era for The Dog – and for the Hutchinsons after their restaurant The Hutch recently closed its doors for the last time.
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy about the decision, Alex commented: "It was lovely actually! Me and Nick had a meeting with the new executive producer, Lucy Allan.
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"She said: 'We're going to be giving you The Dog'. We felt like we were the king and queen of Hollyoaks! It's a nice accolade and we were both made up.
"It's nice to be working on a new set. I've also enjoyed working with the McQueens a little bit more. We've all been in our own bubbles, but slowly over the last couple of weeks, we've been able to cross over with characters like Nana McQueen, Theresa and Goldie.
"It's been a good laugh and it's nice to get back to a bit of normality as well. We were all a little bit giddy to be in each other's space again, although we're still keeping a two-metre distance for now."
Discussing how Diane's OCD will be affected by the upheaval, Alex continued: "Diane doesn't settle into the pub at first. She's trying to put on a brave face for everyone, but she isn't coping with it at all. With the OCD storyline, change isn't something Diane deals with very well.
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"It's quite sad for Tony and the family, because they're trying their best to put food on the table. Diane knows she's got to do it, but her fears are getting the better of her.
"There's loads of heartache and sadness around what Diane is going through, but actually it's a new beginning for them as well."
In next week's episodes, the McQueens are outraged to discover that they're being kicked out of The Dog. Fergus had previously promised to keep them in charge after Mercedes sold the business to him.
Alex revealed: "The McQueens have been kicked out and they've got nowhere to live either. Tony is like: 'What do you want us to do about it?'
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"It's a bit mean on the McQueens, but they're not soft! They're not going to let the Hutchinsons get away with that. They're a bit devious in their ways, so they may play a few tricks on the family. Diane really doesn't need anything like that to tip her over the edge, so it's a bit of light and shade really.
"I'm thrilled that we've been able to do some scenes with Diane Langton, who plays Nana McQueen, because she's just fabulous. I've always been jealous that the McQueens have had a nana.
"In the end, the McQueens do start working with us in and around the pub because they've got nowhere else to go. I think they do the right thing by them in the end."
Hollyoaks airs new episodes from Mondays to Fridays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first-look screenings at 7pm on E4.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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