Yahoo News Hollyoaks star Imran Adams on Mitchell's emotional coming-out scenes
Hollyoaks star Imran Adams has told Digital Spy that a shock turn of events in the village will lead to Mitchell Deveraux revealing the truth about his sexuality.
Mitchell has an emotional and life-changing week ahead, as he tells his mum Martine (Kelle Bryan) that he's gay.
In a new interview with Digital Spy, Imran revealed that a separate top-secret twist in another storyline will partly inspire Mitchell's decision.
Imran told us: "There's a huge surprise event that happens in one of the episodes, involving another character, which has a ripple effect on the whole village.
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"With Mitchell and the Deveraux family, it inspires them to live their truth and lay their cards on the table. It's very emotional and it was really emotional for me to film as well.
"It was definitely the hardest thing I've done so far. I had to dig deep and find raw emotions. I also knew how many people would see it and feel inspired by it. I was very, very pleased with the script. Filming it is something that I'll never, ever forget."
While Martine is supportive towards her son, Mitchell decides not to tell his grandfather Walter (Trevor A. Toussaint) the truth just yet, still fearing his reaction.
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Imran continued: "When Mitchell comes out for the first time to his mum, he's also coming out to himself. Up until this point, I don't think he has truly come to terms with the fact that he has lived a life that wasn't authentic to who he truly was, because of his upbringing. So it's definitely a therapeutic moment.
"He doesn't tell Walter yet, because it's baby steps. He definitely feels obligated to, especially because of everything his grandparents have given him over the years – both material and spiritual.
"Mitchell feels that he owes Walter the truth, but he's someone who likes to do things very methodically. He tells his mum first and it's a slow process.
"Mitchell has definitely been fearful of his grandfather's reaction. Walter is a very big man with a big voice. He's more than just a grandparent to Mitchell. He's everything to him – a parent, brother, best friend, therapist.
"Walter's word has been law and if his grandfather doesn't accept him for who he is, Mitchell fears that he'll have to take two steps back, which could be detrimental for his mental health."
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Hollyoaks bosses have already confirmed that there'll be no immediate reunion for Mitchell and his ex-boyfriend Scott Drinkwell (Ross Adams). As Scott is now in a relationship with Azim Desai, Mitchell goes for a date with a different guy at the end of this week.
Imran told us: "Scott feels like he deserves to be in a healthy, mature relationship that doesn't involve hiding behind corners, which is fair. He decided to pursue Azim, who will give him that.
"Whether Azim is the one for Scott is to be seen. But that also inspires Mitchell to find out more about who he really is, so he decides to pursue other dates and see other people.
"I feel like Scott has convinced himself that he's over Mitchell, which I don't think will ever happen. Their connection is one that even I'm jealous of!
"I'm not going to ruin anything for you, but I think that there's someone out there for everyone. When you meet that person, it doesn't matter if you're in Armageddon, there's not a lot that can keep you away from each other. It's just about that path to finding each other, which I think will be an unforgettable Hollyoaks story."
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Off-screen, Imran is currently celebrating after reaching the shortlist for Best Newcomer at the 2020 National Television Awards, which take place next week.
He said: "When I found out I'd made it onto the shortlist, I was really shocked and surprised but really grateful. I'm feeling good about it. I'm really looking forward to the ceremony because it's going to be a great night.
"It's good to have a night where everyone gets recognised for their hard work and achievement. Whatever happens, I feel like I've won because the storylines I've been involved in have helped so many people. Whatever happens, I'm good."
And on winning Digital Spy's Best Soap Newcomer prize last month, Imran added: "I was elated and I'm really grateful to everyone who voted. That was a great end to last year."
Votes for the National Television Awards can be cast via the ceremony's official website. Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.
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