Stephanie Joins Hollyoaks

Former Brookside actress Alex Fletcher and Over The Rainbow contestant Stephanie Davies have been cast as part of Hollyoaks's third new family.

The O'Connors - a four-member Liverpudlian tribe - descend on the fictional Chester village in the summer and bring with them a hoard of heartache and family baggage.

Fletcher - who played the role of Jacqui Dixon in Brookside - has signed to play the part of Diane O'Connor, a step-mother of two who's desperate for a child of her own.

However, with her biological clock counting down by the day - and her second round of IVF apparently destined for failure - her need for a baby quickly spirals out of control.

Her drastic attempts to secure a child of her own, however, poses a threat to the family unit she's already part of.

Meanwhile, Diane's husband Rob - played by Gary Cargill - joins the ranks as deputy headmaster of Hollyoaks High.

With him, he brings his two children 15-year-old Sinead - portrayed by Over The Rainbow contender Stephanie Davies - and 12-year-old Finn (Connor Wilkinson).

Speaking of her role, Fletcher said: "I am delighted to be back filming at Lime Pictures where I started my career on Brookside - then Mersey TV. I worked with Paul on Brookside and I'm thrilled and honoured to be working with him again, especially as this is such an exciting time for Hollyoaks.

"I can't wait to see what else he has in store for the O'Connors and the show. And I'm really looking forward to working with Gary, Stephanie and Connor. We've already connected as a family and my real daughter was a huge fan of Over The Rainbow so she'll be delighted when I tell her that Stephanie is playing my daughter in Hollyoaks!"

Producer Paul Marquess commented: "We're very excited about the arrival of the O'Connors who burst onto screens in August with a very dramatic story-line. And I'm personally very excited to work with the fantastic Alex Fletcher again."

The O'Connors - who make their first appearance in August - are the latest in a string of signings by Marquess, who was tasked with the responsibility of turning around the soap's fortunes. He also masterminded the show's two other new families, The Sharpes and The Costellos.

Noooooo Stephanie. Nooooooooooo.

Ok so that was a bit harsh. That's only cause ive not had a very good experience watching Hollyoaks..lol.

Now im over the shock, im sure she'll be great but Hollyoaks really is going down hill...!

I love Alex Fletcher so was mega excited then mention stephaine so just grow and fact I am a big hollyoaks fan

I stopped watching it months ago...

they got some good stuff coming I stopped for awhile but because I was out all the time but started again.

Oh nooo tis just awfulness.(well most of it at the moment) Sorry!

Well done to Stephanie though!
She'll probs be one of the best in the show, Definitely.

Should really have been Neighbours, Scouse Kylie.

I can't wait
I stopped watching, because I got a little bored, but Stephanie will MAKE the show
Hope she doesn't just give up on MT though "/

Go Stephanie!

I heard she turned down Flashdance for this... Anyhow, she'll definitely be the best on the show, haha. Haven't really watched it before, but once Stephanie's on, I'll give it a go.

I don't think she'll be the best but she'll be great.

So happy for her!!!She was my second fave (after jess obvs) I <3 Her!!!! I didnt watch hollyoaks that much before but im gonna start watching it now Xx

Well, I suppose I wouldn't really know. I think she should have chosen Flashdance though - I don't want her lovely voice going to waste!

Her singing and dancing is the best thing about her so I guess Flashdance would of been better!

Ah well, at least she'll be back on all our TV screens and we won't have to make the effort of going to a theatre to see her, haha. Hopefully she'll land more roles in the future that will bring out the very best in her!

Im not watching Hollyoaks again...will tune in once or twice to see Stephanie though..

Her acting wasn't really shown off tbf - because shes loud; and dorothy isnt - so the dorothy scenes wouldnt really be for her?
Hollyoaks = crazy which means Stephanie will be good

when does she start??? I think she couldve done better than hollyoaks!!! xxx

end of august? I think she starts then! She should be in the west end or theatre silly girl she is!
xxxxxx

She starts 6th September I think =))
Can't wait <3

Ooh thanks Roz, I can't wait to see her and her Scouse-ness again!
xxx