| Silas Blissett | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollyoaks character | |||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Jeff Rawle | ||||||||||
| Introduced by | Paul Marquess | ||||||||||
| Duration | 2010–11 | ||||||||||
| First appearance | 23 December 2010 | ||||||||||
| Last appearance | 4 November 2011 | ||||||||||
| Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||
| Spin-off appearances | Hollyoaks Later (2011) | ||||||||||
| Profile | |||||||||||
| Alias | Cameron (pseudonym) David Cox (pseudonym) |
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| Date of birth | 17 March 1948 | ||||||||||
| Home | France (until 2011) The Dog in the Pond (2011) Prison (2011-present) |
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| Occupation | Journalist (until 2011) Barman (2011) |
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Silas Blissett is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jeff Rawle. Rawle's casting was announced in December 2010 and it was revealed that he would portray a killer. Rawle was approached by Hollyoaks and met with series producer, Paul Marquess, who explained the role of Silas and his storyline. Rawle found the storyline interesting and something which he would like to "have a crack at". The actor said that the role of Silas is "very interesting" for him as he had not played a murderer in his career before. He made his first on-screen appearance on 23 December 2010.
Silas was credited as "Mystery Man" in his first episode to keep his identity hidden. He is revealed to be Heidi Costello's (Kim Tiddy) father. Silas is a serial killer who is described as sinister, scary and complex. Marquess called him mild-mannered and likened him to a bogeyman. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy described Silas as a dual role of the affable older man and sinister killer. Silas is "old-fashioned" and dislikes women who have loose morals.
Silas's storylines have mostly focused on his various murders. Silas murders India Longford (Beth Kingston) after using another identity on an internet dating website and arranging to meet her. Rawle took on the role of Silas to highlight the dangers of online dating. Silas plans to murder India's sister, Texas (Bianca Hendrickse-Spendlove), but refrains. Silas attempts to murder Lynsey Nolan (Karen Hassan) and she realises that he is a murderer. Silas then murders Jenny (Daisy Turner) after they arrange to meet on a social networking site. Silas also murders Rae Wilson (Alice Barlow) and frames Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan) for the crime. Silas kidnaps his grandson's pregnant fiancé, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), who confesses that she had an affair with Riley's father Carl Costello and holds her captive. He accidentally murders Heidi after mistaking her for Lynsey, before being arrested for his crimes. Silas made his final appearance on 4 November 2011 after being charged with murder.
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Silas, born 17 March 1948, is the son of Nancy Blissett. It is therefore unknown if Silas had any siblings; although he has never mentioned any brothers or sisters. Silas mentioned that although Heidi was a planned pregnancy, Wendy was accidental and they'd not planned for another child. Silas became a journalist and married a woman named Joan. They had two children, Heidi (Kim Tiddy) and Wendy. Silas told his family that Joan was murdered by an intruder she disturbed, and that he'd found her body, but it was later revealed that Silas had discovered that Joan was having an affair with her neighbour and Silas killed her, making it look although she'd been killed by a burglar. Silas faked a heart attack after killing Joan, although it was later treated as a false alarm by the local hospital.
Texas Longford (Bianca Hendrickse-Spendlove) joins an internet dating website, and starts corresponding with a man named Cameron. Texas's sister, India (Beth Kingston), makes contact with Cameron and they agree to meet. On her way to their arranged date, India meets Silas, who reveals that he is Cameron. Silas murders India and takes the ring from her finger before burying her body in the woods. He is revealed to be Heidi Costello's (Kim Tiddy) father. Silas meets Nancy Hayton (Jessica Fox) and prepares to strangle her to death, however he is interrupted by her boyfriend. Silas intends to strangle an intoxicated Texas to death, but refrains when she explains that she pressured India into internet dating.
Silas is angry with Lynsey Nolan (Karen Hassan) after hearing her give sexual health advice on the radio, and seeing her on the radio's webcam. Silas stops Lynsey from gaining a promotion by telling her place of work about the radio show. Silas attacks Lynsey but her screams alert her neighbours, causing him to flee. Lynsey realises that Silas was her attacker and confronts him on numerous occasions, but her allegation is ignored. Lynsey also accuses Silas of murdering India and his grandson, Riley Costello (Rob Norbury), begins to question Lynsey's allegations. Silas experiences a heart attack after Riley questions him. In hospital, Lynsey is assigned as Silas's nurse and withholds his treatment as she assumes he is feigning the attack. Silas later recovers. Silas sees Lynsey giving Cheryl Brady (Bronagh Waugh) weight loss drugs and secretly swaps them with his heart medication. Cheryl takes the medication more frequently to suppress her appetite. Whilst Cheryl is alone in her nightclub, she climbs upon the bar and becomes drowsy, causing her to fall. She is found unconscious by Lynsey and begins to recover in hospital. Lynsey is told by a doctor that tests showed a high amount of sedative in Cheryl's system. Silas makes Cheryl doubt Lynsey's state of mind when he tells her that he thinks Lynsey could be capable of swapping the drugs.
Jenny (Daisy Turner) starts corresponding with a man named David Cox on a social networking website. Jenny meets David in the woods, where he is revealed to be Silas. They have a picnic and when Silas sees Jenny drugging his glass of wine, he secretly swaps them. Silas sees Jenny searching through his bag and threatens her, causing her to run away. She becomes drowsy and falls to the ground. Silas strangles Jenny to death and takes the ring from her finger, before burying her body in the woods. Silas takes a dislike to Riley's fiancé, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), after he learns of her promiscuity. Silas attempts and fails to attack Mercedes with a candlestick when her back is turned.
Silas develops a feud with Lynsey. He plans to murder Texas again, but Lynsey foils his plan. Lynsey attempts and fails to frame Silas after planting India's necklace on him and contacting the police. Silas attempts to make Lynsey appear unstable by moving things around in her flat and playing tricks on her. Lynsey's friend, Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan), sees Silas watching Lynsey and becomes suspicious of him. Brendan warns Silas to stay away from Lynsey. Silas plans to strangle Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter) to death, but refrains after he learns that she has a daughter. Rae Wilson (Alice Barlow) tells Silas that Brendan threatened to kill her. She annoys Silas by telling him she plans to use men for flings after being hurt by them. Silas brutally beats and strangles Rae to death and takes her necklace. He then frames Brendan for her murder. Lynsey arranges to meet a girl who has been sending Texas messages on an internet dating website, convinced that it is Silas. Lynsey confronts Silas in the woods and hits him over the head with a rock, leaving him unconscious. Lynsey returns to the woods with the police to find Silas gone. Silas is contacted by the police and tells them he is holidaying in France and denies any knowledge of the attack.
Silas holds a heavily-pregnant Mercedes captive in the basement of Heidi's public house after she confesses to having an affair with Riley's father, Carl Costello (Paul Opacic). Mercedes' family assumes she has gone on holiday to Dubai. On Halloween, Silas tells Lynsey he is going to kill her, but she attacks him and escapes. Silas later sees a woman in the same Halloween costume as Lynsey and hits her over the head with a brick and strangles her to death. However, he realises that the woman is Heidi, leaving him devastated. Silas finds Lynsey and Riley searching through his belongings and Lynsey smashes an urn containing Joan's ashes. Amongst the ashes, Lynsey and Riley find jewellery belonging to the murder victims. Riley sees Mercedes' engagement ring, but Silas does not tell him where Mercedes is. Silas admits to the murders and is arrested, however refuses to tell the police where Mercedes is. Silas tells Lynsey that she will have to play a game of chess in order to find Mercedes, but she refuses. Lynsey taunts Silas and he tells her that Mercedes is in the "gutter". Lynsey explains this to Riley, who finds Mercedes. Silas is last seen in his jail cell, staring at a chess piece, accepting that he'll spend the rest of his life behind bars.
After his sentencing, Nancy Hayton (Jessica Fox) is given a hard time for being friends with Silas, although most of the village gradually accept that Nancy didn't know anything about Silas' evil side.
In December 2010, it was announced that India Longford (Beth Kingston) would be murdered in a "dark" new storyline.[1] It was announced that actor, Jeff Rawle, had been cast in the role of India's murderer.[1] Rawle was approached by Hollyoaks and met with series producer, Paul Marquess, who explained the storyline.[2] Rawle found the storyline interesting and something which he would like to "have a crack at".[2] Rawle took on the role to highlight the dangers of online dating.[2] Rawle said that the role is "very interesting" for him as he had not played a murderer in his career before.[2] Rawle made his first appearance as Silas on 23 December 2010.[3] Silas was credited as "Mystery Man" in his first episode[4] to keep his identity hidden.[3] He was revealed to be the father of Heidi Costello (Kim Tiddy).[5] In 2011, Rawle revealed that he is delighted to be playing Silas, stating "It's the best role to have. Judy Garland once said, 'If you have to be in a soap, make sure you don't play the worst part'. She was talking about her own life being a soap, but she's right."[6] Rawle opined that the role of Silas is the "best part" and said that other cast members are jealous as they want to play a villain.[6] Silas made his final appearance on 4 November 2011.[7]
Silas is described as "sinister" and "scary".[8] Rawle said that Silas is "very interesting" and complex.[8] Hollyoaks series producer, Paul Marquess, called him mild-mannered[9] and likened him to a bogeyman.[10] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy described Silas as a dual role of the affable older man and sinister killer.[3] Rawle explained that Silas is "old-fashioned" and dislikes women who have loose morals.[11] The official Hollyoaks website said of Silas: "Eep! Who knew that when Heidi’s cuddly dad Silas showed up in the village he would turn out to be the local serial killer with a penchant for strangulation?"[5] They also call him a "killer grandad".[5] Silas becomes more unstable and in October 2011, Rawle said "He's a psychopath and he has slightly lost the plot now. He's very dangerous. He thinks he hasn't got a lot of time left to live and feels he has nothing to lose."[12]
In December 2010, it was announced that India Longford (Beth Kingston) would be murdered after an experiment with online dating goes "horribly wrong".[1] Hollyoaks worked closely with the University of Central Lancashire's Cyberspace Research Unit on the storyline, in a bid to raise awareness of internet safety.[1] Speaking on behalf of the Research Unit, Dr Jo Bryce commented: "If the storyline can remind one young person to protect themselves when engaging in online activity, then that can only be a positive thing. Too many youngsters think they are immune to online risks and this storyline is a reminder that you don't always know who you're talking to online."[1] Hollyoaks series producer, Paul Marquess, added: "This is a terrifying murder that highlights the dangers of meeting strangers online. The storyline, which launches at Christmas, will take us right through 2011 and audiences will be gripped to find out if the dangerous killer will strike again."[1] Marquess said he was surprised that the show had not done a big storyline about "stranger danger" on the internet before, branding it "absolutely key Hollyoaks territory".[10] Hollyoaks writer, Steve Hughes, explained that the storyline was inspired by a real-life incident, where a friend had her identity stolen on social networking service Facebook.[13]
India's friends start a game to see who can get the most dates online.[14] India is initially sceptical and writes up a rules list because she is aware of the dangers.[14] But when Silas, calling himself Cameron, starts talking to India online she is intrigued.[14] Silas then sends a photo of Cameron and India thinks he is gorgeous.[14] Kingston stated that India is excited and agrees to meet him with her friends as chaperones.[14] Cameron does not turn up to the meeting, but suggests they meet somewhere else. Kingston said that "[India] thinks, what the heck? So she goes off ... to a horrible end."[14] On her way to the meet Cameron, India is grabbed in a "dark and empty" alleyway and is murdered by Silas.[1]
In January 2011, India's sister, Texas (Bianca Hendrickse-Spendlove), ends up at Silas's mercy after taking drugs to help get through India's funeral.[15] Hendrickse-Spendlove explained the situation to Inside Soap, saying "Texas has sex with Doug to get cocaine and a cocktail of tranquilisers. But she's in such a state that she misses the funeral."[15] Texas is a "complete wreck" and after she is thrown out of Chez Chez nightclub, Silas finds her and takes her to the woods.[15] Hendrickse-Spendlove said that "It really looks like she's about to meet the same horrible fate as her sister".[15] Silas eventually decides not to kill Texas. Commenting on Silas's decision, Hendrickse-Spendlove said "In her drugged-up state, Texas says it should have been her who died rather than sweet India. Silas feels a pang of guilt and tries to redeem himself by taking Texas to hospital."[15] The actress added that even though Silas has let her off this time, he could strike again.[15]
It was reported that Silas sets newcomer Jenny (Daisy Turner) in his sights as his next victim in April 2011.[16] Jenny is in desperate need of money and decides to use her skills as a con artist and starts talking to a "rich old man" online, wanting to arrange a meeting, drug him and steal his wallet and cards.[16] Jenny has no idea that she is talking to Silas.[16] Rawle called it a "tantalising game of cat and mouse".[17] Jenny thinks Silas is a millionaire who she can get the better of, and Silas thinks she will be a "soft" target for him.[17] Rawle explained that the Hollyoaks team are keen to keep educating viewers about "stranger danger" on the internet.[18] He said "It's an ongoing message we're trying to put out that the internet can be a dangerous place. Silas could be grooming up to 200 girls, waiting for just one to let down their guard - and that's where Jenny comes in."[17] Jenny realises that Silas is not a "harmless pensioner" after she looks through his bag, which contains a rope, a knife and some gloves.[17] Rawle opined that Jenny is a "very clever adversary" for Silas.[17] Jenny is chased through the woods and realises that Silas has given her the drugged drink that was meant for him. Jenny starts to feel "woozy" and Rawle said that "there was no way that she could get away with drugging Silas".[17] The actor added that Jenny would have to be "quite audacious" to outsmart someone who has been a killer for quite some time.[17] Silas then murders Jenny.[19] Jenny is revealed to be Rebecca Massey, the girlfriend of Doug Carter (PJ Brennan).[20] Brennan hoped that Doug would be involved in Silas's downfall and said "I have my fingers crossed that Doug will be somehow involved, as I'd love him to be".[21] Brennan also hoped that a "little bit of a Scooby Gang" would get together and solve the murders.[21]
Silas sets his sights on Lynsey Nolan (Karen Hassan) as his next potential victim.[22][23] Jamil Fadel (Sikander Malik) and Lee Hunter (Alex Carter) start their own radio show and recruit Lynsey to be their on-air agony aunt.[23] Lynsey's advice to "sexually-charged" young people does not go down well with Silas.[23] Hassan said that Silas assumes the worst about Lynsey.[24] Silas grows more furious when Lynsey dresses up in a sexy nurse's outfit for the radio's webcam. Lynsey is "horrified" as her flat becomes dark and Silas grabs her from behind.[23] However, Silas is scared off as Lynsey's screams are heard by Silas's grandson, Riley Costello (Rob Norbury), who arrives to rescue her.[25] Lynsey realises that it was Silas who attacked her and tells people, but they do not believe her.[26] Discussing the plot, Bronagh Waugh (who plays Lynsey's best friend Cheryl Brady) explained that everyone thinks that Lynsey is crazy and making the allegation up.[25] She said "Lynsey's really upset about it and asks Cheryl for some help. While she hates seeing her best friend in that kind of state, she thinks Lynsey's just being paranoid and Silas is a really upstanding member of society."[25] As no one accepts Lynsey's allegation, she wants to bring Silas down even more.[27] Hassan stated that Lynsey is determined to find the evidence she needs to expose Silas.[27] Riley realises that Lynsey is telling the truth and confronts Silas, who has a heart attack.[27] Riley brings Silas into hospital, but Lynsey is not sure whether Silas is genuinely ill.[27] Lynsey is assigned as his nurse and withholds his oxygen mask until he admits that he attacked her.[28] Heidi walks in on Lynsey withholding treatment from Silas and Lynsey calls for help.[29] Norbury later told Digital Spy that he did not think Riley's suspicions of Silas would ever completely go and "everything that happened shook [Riley] up a bit".[30]
In March 2011, Hassan revealed that Silas sees an opportunity to get even with Lynsey when he sees her handing over diet pills to Cheryl.[26] Lynsey buys the pills for Cheryl off the internet, which Hassan told All About Soap is "completely innocent".[26] Silas sees Lynsey giving the pills to Cheryl and sees an opportunity to get his own back.[26] Hassan explained that Silas's "evil instincts kick in once again" and he swaps Cheryl's pills for his own medication.[26] Cheryl takes the wrong pills and ends up collapsing.[26] Lynsey and Cheryl's employee, Rhys Ashworth (Andrew Moss), find Cheryl slumped unconscious.[26] Hassan said that "It's a terrifying moment for Lynsey, who's overcome with guilt for putting her best friend in hospital".[26] The doctors tell Lynsey that a high level of sedative has been found in Cheryl's blood, but Lynsey is completely flummoxed by how it could have got there. Hassan continued that it does not cross Lynsey's mind that Silas would want to hurt Cheryl, but opined that "the penny will eventually drop for her".[26] The actress added that Silas is trying to "blacken" Lynsey's name.[26] Discussing the storyline, Waugh later promised that there would be some "really good" stuff coming up.[20] She told Inside Soap, "Silas will continue to run amok and that's going to build to a big crescendo. Lots of people in the village are involved with the storyline, so that's what we're working towards at the moment."[20]
Lynsey gets back into Silas's "bad books" when he finds her looking at his hospital records.[31] Silas then tries to scare Lynsey off with a menacing warning.[31] In August 2011, Rawle confirmed that Silas would start terrorising Lynsey.[32] Rawle explained that Silas is intent on discrediting Lynsey as she knows he is a killer.[32] He said "[Silas's] job over the next few weeks, it's like a war of attrition - [He is] going to wear her down and send her mad."[32] Lynsey is determined to see Silas punished for his crimes as the investigation into India's murder gathers pace.[33] Of this, Hassan told Inside Soap "When Silas realises that Lynsey is on his case again, he basically tells her to bring it on."[33] Silas "gets off" on the idea that Lynsey is trying to stop him from killing again and Hassan said "it makes the game a lot more interesting".[33] Lynsey's suspicions are reconfirmed when she sees Silas among the press at a televised appeal about India's attacker.[33] Lynsey frames Silas by planting India's necklace on him before ringing the police anomalously.[34] Hassan said that Lynsey hopes Silas's "web of lies" will unravel.[33] Lynsey's attempt to frame him backfires.[35]
Silas plots to discredit Lynsey by making it seem as if she is having a breakdown.[36] Silas plans to send Lynsey mad so that no one will listen to her.[36] Rawle said that Silas delights in the idea that Lynsey thinks she is good enough to play him.[36] Silas puts a webcam in Lynsey's flat in order to watch her.[36] He sneaks into the house and plays tricks on Lynsey by turning the gas on and writing a "sinister" message on her mirror with lipstick.[36] Of this, Rawle explained: "Silas alters Lynsey's reality — so when she insists that one thing is happening, it appears not to be the case the next minute."[36] Silas sneaks into Lynsey's flat at night and moves her things around which Rawle said is "a subtle way of sending a person barmy".[36] Lynsey's friends do not believe her accusations and question her state of mind, so she leaves the village.[36] Lynsey's friend, Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan), sees Silas watching Lynsey as she is leaving and Hassan said that "[Brendan] starts to think there's something odd about him".[37]
In September 2011, Lynsey becomes intrigued when Texas tells her that she is receiving messages from a girl on the internet dating website that India used.[38] Lynsey is convinced that Silas is posing as the girl and goes through Texas's phone to make contact with the girl.[38] Lynsey arranges to meet with the girl and convinces journalist Nancy Hayton (Jessica Fox) to come with her.[38] However, Lynsey is left alone after Silas sends Nancy on a job at the last minute and the girl does not arrive.[38] Lynsey arranges another meeting with the girl.[39] Lynsey realises she is in the woods with Silas alone and Hassan said that Lynsey is "absolutely terrified".[39]
In August 2011, a video was leaked containing footage of Silas supposedly preparing to attack Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter) at a night-time rave.[40] This lead viewers to believe that Theresa would become Silas's next victim.[40] It was then revealed that Silas would feature in the fourth series of the Hollyoaks late-night spin-off, Hollyoaks Later.[41] It was confirmed that Silas would line Theresa up as his next victim.[42] Porter said it was "amazing" to be involved in the storyline.[42] The storyline begins when Theresa's aunt, Myra McQueen (Nicole Barber-Lane), inappropriately touches Silas and blames it on Theresa.[42] This puts Theresa in danger as Silas targets girls who he is unhappy with because of their behaviour.[42] Silas hates girls who are promiscuous and Porter opined that Theresa is "probably a prime suspect" as she enjoys receiving men's attention.[42] Theresa signs up for an online dating website as she wants to find love.[42] Theresa's love interest, Will Savage (James Atherton), learns of this and talks to Silas about it. Porter stated that Silas is being "clever" as he befriends Will while plotting against Theresa.[42] Silas encourages Will to set up a fake profile on the website to check on Theresa.[42] Will creates an online alter ego named Juan which Silas is involved with.[42] Theresa makes contact with the profile online, not realising she is putting herself in danger.[42] Porter said that it "scary and worrying" but would not confirm whether Silas kills Theresa.[42] Hollyoaks series producer, Emma Smithwick, confirmed that the spin-off would feature the death of a regular character.[43]
When the episodes aired, Silas does not murder Theresa and in a dark storyline twist, Rae Wilson (Alice Barlow) becomes his next victim.[44] Viewers were not informed that Barlow was leaving the show and Rae's departure storyline was kept secret.[44] Rae tells Silas that Brendan has threatened to kill her. She annoys Silas by telling him she plans to use men for flings after being hurt too many times.[44] Silas realises he has an opportunity to frame Brendan.[44] Silas brutally beats Rae and strangles her to death in an alleyway. In the months leading up to her exit, viewers began to speculate that Rae would become the Silas's next victim.[44] Barlow had to attempt to discredit the rumours and denied speculation that she was leaving Hollyoaks. She did this because she wanted veiwers to be "surprised and shocked" by her exit.[44] Barlow said the fact that Rae's death aired in late night episodes of the serial made an opportunity to be creative with the content. There were "no limits" and they could "do whatever they wanted with it".[44] The actress described Rae's death scene as "absolutely incredible" and said she loved working with Rawle.[44] On-screen Silas plans to frame Brendan for Rae's murder and places her body in Brendan's car.[45] Silas also plants the murder weapon in Brendan's bedroom.[45] Brendan is arrested and charged for Rae's murder after evidence is found against him.[45]
In August 2011, Rawle revealed that Silas's storyline would soon come to a conclusion.[32] He told This Morning "[...] We've been waiting a long time to see what's going to happen with Silas and over the next three months we've got some cracking storylines which end in an awful climax, which I can't say anything about."[32] The actor also opined that Silas's family would be "ripped asunder" after finding out that he is a killer.[32] Marquess first mentioned the storyline's climax in January 2011.[10] He told Digital Spy "I know what the ending of the serial killer story will be, when it is, and I know how brilliant it is. I'm hoping that story will have the audience jumping up and down and shouting at the telly, because it's got a really big 'look behind you' element to it."[10]
In May 2011, Silas takes a dislike to Riley's fiancé, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe),[46] after he learns of her promiscuity. Silas attempts and fails to attack Mercedes with a candlestick when her back is turned. Metcalfe later hinted that Mercedes may have to watch her back in the future when it comes to Silas.[46] She said "[Silas] is a tough cookie, isn't he? I think every girl in the village needs to watch their back where Silas is concerned…"[46] In October 2011, it was reported that Silas would hold Mercedes captive in a vault.[47] Silas decides to teach heavily-pregnant Mercedes a lesson after she confesses to an affair with Riley's father, Carl Costello (Paul Opacic).[48] Silas's plan is to keep Mercedes alive until she has given birth and then murder her.[48] Metcalfe called the plot "brilliant" and said it was "qute flattering" to be trusted with it.[48] The actress explained that Mercedes thinks that she is going to die whilst being help captive.[48] Mercedes also fears that her baby is going to die.[48] Metcalfe said that it does not take long for Mercedes to realise that Silas is responsible for the recent murders.[48] Silas wants to keep the baby alive, but not Mercedes. Therefore, Silas does the "bare minimum" for Mercedes, giving her water, a small amount of food and keeping her warm.[48] Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy opined that storyline sounds "really dark" and asked Metcalfe whether Hollyoaks are pushing the boundaries with it.[48] Metcalfe revealed that "they are a little bit", saying "It's all shot in a very clever way, so it was fine when it came to compliance. But it was difficult and there was a lot of stuff that we had to be really careful about when we were filming it."[48] Metcalfe would not reveal whether Mercedes survives her encounter with Silas.[48]
In October 2011, Silas tells Lynsey that he is planning to murder again and that she has until midnight on Halloween to identify his next victim.[49] He promises Lynsey that if she works out who his next victim is he will confess his crimes to the police, but if she fails another girl will die.[49] Lynsey has to go along with Silas's mind game after everyone still refuses to believe her claims about him.[49] Hassan explained that Silas does not care if he gets caught or perishes in the process [50] He reminds Lynsey of his plan by sending her clues and presents, such as a chess queen and a pumpkin containing the message "Tick tock, time is running out".[49] Lynsey confides in Doug and tells him what Silas is doing.[49] Silas picks out four potential victims: Lynsey, Texas, Theresa and Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies).[51] He then marks each one of them with chess pieces which are planted in their homes or bags.[51] Silas sends Lynsey a Catwoman outfit with an instruction to wear it at the fancy dress Halloween party at Chez Chez nightclub.[51] Lynsey confides in Doug and tells him what Silas is planning[49] and Brennan said he was "very, very happy" to be involved in the storyline again.[52] Doug believes Lynsey, of which Hassan said "On one hand, she feels like she shouldn't be dragging [Doug] into this mess, but she knows that she needs someone on her side". The actress added that Lynsey cannot believe her luck as Doug show her kindness and friendship and she wonders why she did not confide in him months ago.[53] Rawle revealed that nobody in the village is safe, saying "Theresa's already in his sights, Lynsey is a possible and so is Mercedes - he really doesn't like the McQueens!"[12] He added that there are "lots of other women" whose morals Silas would questionable.[12]
On-screen, Silas accidentally murders his daughter, Heidi Costello (Kim Tiddy).[54] Silas reveals to Lynsey that she was his intended victim and vows to kill her.[54] When Lynsey manages to escape from Silas, he follows her and confuses Heidi with Lynsey as they are wearing identical Catwoman costumes.[54] Silas hits Heidi, who he mistakes for Lynsey, over the head with a brick,[55] before strangling her to death.[54] Silas is devastated when he realises that he has killed Heidi.[54] The Daily Star had previously reported that Silas would kill Heidi, but this was not confirmed by Hollyoaks producers.[56] Tiddy called the storyline "fantastic" and said the twist of Silas killing Heidi was "great".[54] Tiddy opined that Heidi's death would affect Silas, saying "I think we'll see some remorse from him, as killing Heidi was a genuine mistake, and that's what is so great about the storyline. I hope we see some remorse!"[54]
After murdering India, Silas chooses fellow journalist Nancy Hayton as his next victim.[57] Nancy meets Silas and explains that she is writing an article about India's murder.[57] Silas encourages Nancy to visit the crime scene as part of her research and he accompanies her.[57] When Nancy's back is turned, Silas pulls out some rope and prepares to strangle her to death.[57] However, Nancy's boyfriend, Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson), arrives just as Silas is about to strangle her and Silas hides the rope.[58][59][60]
For his portrayal of Silas, Rawle received a nomination in the "Villain of the Year" category at the 2011 British Soap Awards.[61] Kingston (who plays India) called Rawle "amazing" and said she was pleased upon learning that he would play Silas.[14] Kilkelly of Digital Spy praised Rawle's performance, stating: "Jeff Rawle [...] does a fantastic job of portraying the dual role of the affable older man and sinister killer. He should definitely be one to watch out for as he becomes a more permanent fixture in the village in the weeks ahead."[3] Kilkelly described India's murder episodes as "unmissable" and "two of the strongest episodes of the year".[3] Rachel Shenton (who plays Mitzeee) described Rawle as "brilliant" and said the storyline is "really interesting".[62] Jaci Stephen writing for the Daily Mail said that Silas's attempted murder of Lynsey bored her.[63] However of Silas, Stephen opined: "With more sides to him than a hexagon, Silas Blissett has brought tragedy and terror to the Hollyoaks community."[63] Norbury (Riley) opined that it was "unbelievable" to work with Rawle, saying "You can learn everything from Jeff - he's been there, done it and he knows everyone!"[30] In September 2011, Porter (Theresa) praised Rawle, calling him a "brilliant actor".[42] Barlow (Rae) said Rawle was "amazing" and a "dream come true" to work with.[44] Hassan (Lynsey) praised Rawle, saying she really enjoyed working with him.[53] She said "Jeff has the ability to turn any scene into a really great, gritty scene, so for me it's been like taking a masterclass, really."[53]
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