Yahoo News Exclusive: Hollyoaks newcomer Billy Price originally auditioned for Ollie Morgan
Hollyoaks newcomer Billy Price has told Digital Spy that he nearly played another character in the show.
The young actor has impressed fans of the Channel 4 soap over the past week with some emotional performances as Sid Sumner, the troubled son of far-right gang leader Stuart.
Show bosses are planning to keep Sid around in the show as a regular character, even though Stuart is now dead after last week's clifftop showdown.
In a chat with Digital Spy, Billy revealed that things could have been very different, as he previously came close to landing the role of Ollie Morgan two years ago.
Related: Hollyoaks' Luke Morgan hides his devastating secret from Cindy Cunningham next week
The part ultimately went to Aedan Duckworth – leading to some friendly banter on set when the two actors started working together this year.
Billy explained: "I started acting when I was 11. Hollyoaks first came around when they were holding auditions for the character of Ollie. Me and Aedan did the screen test together for the part of Ollie."
He laughed: "Good old Aedan – as much as he rubs it in my face – got the part over me!
"Hollyoaks called me back and said they had another role called Sid that they thought I'd be perfect for. I took the guest role and it's blossomed from there, which is really nice."
Related: Hollyoaks' Luke Morgan receives life-changing medical diagnosis
On the experience of joining Hollyoaks as a new cast member, he added: "I didn't expect it to be this welcoming, to be honest. Everyone has been so lovely – from the kitchen staff, to the cleaners, to the big names.
"In every department, everyone welcomes you in as one of their own from the get-go."
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.
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