Hollyoaks continues to demonstrate its commitment to progressive storytelling with a new, carefully crafted exploration of cross-dressing, featuring characters Rex Gallagher and Ro Hutchinson. The storyline, which has been developed in close consultation with the LGBT Foundation, represents a significant step forward in sensitive on-screen representation.
A Collaborative and Meaningful Approach
Jonny Labey, who portrays Rex Gallagher, reveals that he personally pitched the cross-dressing storyline to Hollyoaks producers, determined to ensure it would be handled with appropriate sensitivity and depth. "I wanted the show to have this conversation," Labey explained during an exclusive interview. "I laid out the case for what could happen with Rex, drawing from my own experiences with beautiful, rich and diverse trans, cross-dressing, non-binary and bisexual friends."
Learning from Past Representations
The actor acknowledges that previous soap opera portrayals of cross-dressing, such as those in Coronation Street and EastEnders, often sensationalised the topic or presented it through a comedic lens. "Those stories were almost mocked in some of their 'comedic' presentation," Labey observes. "Perhaps it was a product of the time as well as a misunderstanding of cross-dressing. As such, the topic hasn't properly represented the audience who can relate to it – until now."
Character Development and Backstory
Labey provides insight into Rex's complex character journey, explaining how the cross-dressing storyline connects to the character's troubled past. "Rex has a lost identity from when he was younger," the actor reveals. "He's been involved in gangs and sex trafficking rings, part of really toxic masculine circles. I've counted something like 33 fights I've been in since I started the show, and I've not once thrown a single punch. Rex is not a fighter."
The character's discovery that his mother was Grace Black – a femme fatale with distinctive fashion style – significantly impacted him. Losing her has caused Rex to spiral while simultaneously exploring dormant aspects of his identity. "I thought there needed to be something where he was able to express his freedom," Labey continues. "As a gay younger boy and teenager, Rex probably was very dancey and liberal, a lot more queer in terms of his acceptance and how he physicalised himself. Then all these layers of gangs were built on top."
An Unexpected Friendship Forms
One of the storyline's most compelling elements involves the developing friendship between Rex and trans teenager Ro Hutchinson, portrayed by Leo Cole. For a considerable time, Ro remains the only person aware of Rex's cross-dressing, creating a relationship built on kindness, understanding, and patience.
Leo Cole expresses his enthusiasm for the storyline, describing it as "brilliant to work on" and particularly meaningful as his first substantial plot since joining the cast. "It's been really nice since the recast to have something to dig my nails into and be able to relate to it so closely with my community," Cole shares. "It's been kind of sweet, kind of wholesome and relatable, with moments of everyday life while humanising the LGBT community."
Mutual Learning and Support
The collaboration between the two actors has proven mutually beneficial, with both learning from each other's experiences and perspectives. "Jonny's amazing," Cole enthuses. "It's been a really cool experience, and I see him a bit like an older brother. He's mentoring me and helping me, but also I'm having moments of mentoring him and helping him with the LGBTQ side of it. We manage to support each other, and it leads to some really fun and expressive things."
Labey echoes this sentiment, acknowledging his own learning journey. "I'm learning so much from Leo," he admits. "It's a world I've always been a part of, but I don't actually know that much about cross-dressing, so it's fascinating. Leo put me in touch with a friend of his yesterday who does cross-dressing for adrenaline reasons. He's an adrenaline junkie and loves that persona. I thought that would never be the reason."
Expert Guidance from LGBT Foundation
Matthew James Belfield, Head of Marketing, Communications and Editorial at LGBT Foundation, provides expert insight into why this storyline represents such an important development. "We've had a really good history of working with Hollyoaks," Belfield notes, "and we were delighted when they came to us about this particular storyline. It's something that we feel, as a national health and wellbeing charity, isn't spoken about and hasn't been done in quite this way."
The Foundation particularly values Hollyoaks' established track record in exploring gender diversity and LGBTQ+ issues. "We really trust Hollyoaks because of the pedigree they've got," Belfield continues. "For us, what we found incredibly interesting about this is that idea that LGBTQ+ people and trans people can be pillars of strength. That's something that's never spoken about and never really shown on screen."
Avoiding Harmful Tropes
Belfield emphasises the importance of avoiding stereotypical representations. "What we didn't want with this storyline, and what Hollyoaks were really open about, was falling into tropes. They were really open about feedback and really wanted to work with LGBTQ+ people, non-binary people and gender diverse people to get this right. They were very open about where they needed our support, our knowledge, and our lived experience."
The storyline promises to explore both the challenges and lighter moments of Rex's journey, with Cole noting that it feels "really nice to see his alter-ego smiling after the hardship he has endured." Meanwhile, Rex's turbulent relationship with Ste Hay adds further complexity to his exploration of identity.
A Story Rooted in Character Truth
Labey stresses that the cross-dressing development emerges naturally from Rex's established character rather than representing a sudden, arbitrary change. "It's not a random decision," he asserts. "It was in my DNA that that was something I needed to do. I didn't just wake up on a Sunday and decide to wear a dress – it connects to something deeper."
As the storyline progresses, viewers will witness Rex's gradual acceptance of Ro as a confidant, with a long-term friendship blossoming between the characters. The narrative promises to avoid rushing this development, instead focusing on the nuanced exploration of identity, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Both actors express confidence in Hollyoaks' ability to handle this sensitive material appropriately, with Cole noting that the show has "done similar things before" and demonstrating progression in how such storylines are approached. The collaboration between cast, production team, and LGBT Foundation ensures this cross-dressing storyline will be handled with the care, respect, and authenticity it deserves.
