Hollyoaks shortly will see the McQueens become even more fraught in the wake of Mercedes’ disappearance while Dr. Browning thinks he’s found the culprit and pays them a visit to administer his own dose of Browning medicine… Dr Paul Browning’s rather more charming alter-ego, Joseph Thompson talks about dream storylines, the character and the show.
How would you describe the character you play?
He’s clever, capable, obsessively loving, fun, a tiny bit sleazy… and he’s a sociopath.
Are you anything like them in real life?
I really, really hope not.
If you could play any other character, who would you choose, and why?
Nana McQueen. The tracksuits. (pictured right)
How long have you been in Hollyoaks?
I was first on screen in January last year.
What’s been your favourite scene to shoot in Hollyoaks?
Killing Lynsey. (Joking!) Maybe the scenes with Mercedes just before I was arrested. The little car chase! That was very fun too.
And your worst?
There was a scene in The Dog where I decided Browning would neck a nearly full pint of ‘lager’. After lots of takes, and lots of warm, fizzy, non-alcoholic beer I realised it had been a bad move.
What would be your ideal storyline for your character?
Ahaha I can’t – it would ruin it if it happens. What about: Dr Browning becomes team doctor for the England football team just before the World Cup in Brazil (which of course involves going out there to film for a few months). He has to be registered as a player last minute after poisoning half the squad, and at 2-0 down at halftime against Germany in the final he comes on and scores a hat-trick.
Who is the hottest cast member?
Nana McQueen.
Have you ever given anyone a Hollyoaks calendar as a present?
Erm no…. I promise I will this year. To everyone. Both the boys and the girls.
Do you ever use your job to jump queues for bars, clubs etc?
I can use Hollyoaks to jump queues? This is big news.
Do you ever get sent any weird fan mail?
It’s all been very nice actually.
What’s your favourite joke?
I went to the zoo the other day – and all they had was one dog….. It was a Shih-Tzu.
Who’s your best mate in the cast?
I love everyone equally.
Who’s the worst in the cast for inappropriate laughter?
Nicole Barber-Lane has the most unbelievable laugh you’ve ever heard. It’s genius – and only sometimes inappropriate. (right as Myra McQueen)
Who’s the worst for forgetting lines?
Jakob who played baby Bobby Costello was a shocker for not nailing his lines. He wouldn’t even rehearse sometimes and once he just started crying for no reason.
What’s the best thing about being in Hollyoaks?
It’s a brilliant team of people to work with right throughout the building.
What’s the worst?
Tea mugs magically disappear on set – I reckon there’s some mug magpie stealing them – a mugpie. Ha!
Hollyoaks, weeknights on Channel 4