Newt (Hollyoaks)
Barry "Newt" Newton is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Nico Mirallegro. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 22 October 2007. He was introduced as the serial's first emo character and as the foster son of Jack (Jimmy McKenna) and Frankie Osborne (Helen Pearson). During the character's duration he was involved in notable storylines including schizophrenia, a suicide pact and living in foster care. In 2010, Mirallegro quit the serial to pursue other projects. Newt left the village on 25 June 2010. Character creation and casting Newt has been noted as the first "emo" character for Hollyoaks and has been shown to follow certain emo characteristics, such as a reluctance to communicate with those around him. Producer Bryan Kirkwood stated: "He's a little belter who after a couple of years in the background will hopefully prove to be a really big character." Actor Nico Mirallegro was cast into the role. In March 2010 it was announced that Mirallegro would be leaving the serial after almost three years to pursue other projects, although his departure was included in the list of 11 other departees that new series producer Paul Marquess had axed. Character development Characterisation Newt takes on the characteristics of an angry young "emo" character Of his appearance Newt differs from Mirallegro because he has to wear a wig and fake piercings. Mirallegro explained the look has its set backs commenting: "The wig as it’s very hot and annoying and itchy!" The serial's official website describe him as a "kind-hearted emo" and also "loyal to his friends". Schizophrenia One of Newt's key storylines has been the portrayal of schizophrenia, which started in 2008. Mirallegro carried out intensive research for the role including watching the films such as Sybil, Fight Club, Secret Window and A Beautiful Mind. He also read a series of books focusing on the illness. The storyliners who pitched the story worked with called a charity Rethink, the UK's leading mental health charity, Mirallegro also took advice from them. In an interview with lastbroadcast.co.uk, Mirallegro revealed he was completely comfortable with the storyline stating: "I’m liking the direction a lot. It’s been great to play Newt, great from an actor’s point of view to play such challenging role and also to highlight such an important issue too." Mirallegro also revealed that it was to be a long storyline-arc confirming: "Unfortunately his diagnosis is just the beginning of Newt’s problems." Suicide pact In July 2009, at the Hollyoaks press day, series producer Lucy Allan announced that there would be a 'big stunt' involving Newt in October the same year. In September 2009, it was announced that a new character, Rae Wilson (Alice Barlow) would join the serial as part of a "shock suicide plot" involving Newt, which would see the two characters jump off a bridge. Behind the scenes filming took place at Stanley Dock in Liverpool where they had to act out the stunts. Allan praised Barlow and Mirallegro