Cheryl Brady
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Cheryl Brady

Cheryl Brady is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Bronagh Waugh. The character first appeared on-screen on 24 November 2008, during the first series of the Hollyoaks spin-off Hollyoaks Later, as the former love interest of Malachy Fisher. She made her first appearance in main Hollyoaks episodes in July 2009, introduced to the serial by series producer, Lucy Allan. In 2010 when Paul Marquess began producing the serial, he felt that Cheryl was being used in the wrong way, subsequently making her a central character to the show. It was announced on 1 February 2013 that Waugh quit her role. Cheryl departed Hollyoaks on 22 March 2013, after four years on the show, along with her brother, Brendan Brady.

The character of Cheryl was created to help correctly show a cross-section of young people in British society. Cheryl was given immediate links to Malachy Fisher (Glen Wallace), being his ex-girlfriend and Kris Fisher (Gerard McCarthy) who also knew her from his time living in Belfast. When Cheryl was introduced to the main cast she had already established links with character Zak Ramsey (Kent Riley), who she had previously shared a fling with. Series producer Lucy Allan also stated she had big plans for the character. Bronagh Waugh and Ricky Whittle (Calvin Valentine) discussed why they believed the character was introduced into the main series stating: "I think they brought me in to lighten it [Hollyoaks] up." and "They have brought Cheryl in to introduce a bit of comedy, a bit more fun."

Actress Bronagh Waugh received a call to audition for the part of Cheryl in 2008. At first Waugh thought it was a mistake because she did not see herself fitting in with the typical stereotype of the female cast. Waugh went on to get the part, which was initially a short term stint in spin-off series, Hollyoaks Later. After Waugh had impressed series producer Lucy Allan, Waugh was called back and offered a one-year contract to appear in the main series. On hearing the news Waugh jumped up and down screaming, claiming she didn't think she would get the call back. Initially the casting department were looking for an actress that weighed far more, but couldn't find anyone and decided to find someone of normal size with curves. Of the part she said: "I think it's good to see someone with flaws. I feel an enormous responsibility to younger viewers who may be watching and going 'oh my God, the girls in Hollyoaks are so skinny and gorgeous' and I really want to stand up for ordinary girls." Waugh also credited actor Gerard McCarthy who plays Kris Fisher in the series for helping her secure the role.

In January 2010, Waugh announced she was staying with Hollyoaks until at least April 2011 after signing an 18-month contract. Speaking to PA, Waugh explained: "It is quite long actually. Most people are six months or a year. But I'm glad they've let me know longer term because at least you're not going 'Should I look for another job?'. I can really put my head down and concentrate and enjoy the next couple of years." She also admitted she was "happy" to stick with the show for another two years, but believes it will be "time to go" after that. She continued: "It's such a big character that I wouldn't want to get pigeon-holed in just that type of thing."

Cheryl has an outlandish personality, she is loud and a larger than life character, speaking on in conjunction with this series producer Lucy Allan made a comment stating "You can't have anything but big with Cheryl, can you?" Waugh has also compared her to a popular cartoon character stating: "She's like the Tasmanian devil, just a whirlwind hurricane leaving carnage in her wake and then totters off as if that's completely normal and goes and buys a loaf of bread." She has also spoke about her character's softer side stating: "She's like a bulldozer, she just storms in and goes nuts, and she's a real maneater. But at the same time what I love is that they let me show her vulnerability. If you're a big two-dimensional comedy character, it's good fun for a couple of weeks but then that's it. I think someone who's as brash and brazen as her needs to show a flip-side, there's a reason why she acts the way she does and we get to see that too." The official E4 publicity describes her as 'the bubbly tart with a heart' and states that she spells out trouble for the males and causes a ruckus for the females. During an interview on loose Women Waugh spoke about her character stating: "I play the maneater of the village that tries to get them all but it doesn't really work."

Cheryl is often seen in many outlandish outfits consisting of hot pants and items of many bright colours. Waugh was stated that she doesn't mind the outfits because they remain true to her larger-than-life personality. She also said that Cheryl has a lot of confidence in order to dress the way she does.

Cheryl's only long-term relationship with a fellow character was with Malachy Fisher (Glen Wallace), their relationship happened off-screen. The characters have often been shown recalling how good they were together, although it was Malachy who left her. She has shown a keen interest in a strew on male characters since her first appearance but always seems to be unlucky in love. Speaking of Malachy and other men Waugh spoke about their special connection saying:"I think Cheryl is kinda after everyone, she'll be eternally after Malachy he'll always hold a very special place in his heart for her, shes after a lot of other boys, but I think there will always be a connection between Malachy and Cheryl throughout all the time they stay on the show." She was later paired with the character Gilly Roach (Anthony Quinlan) for a few months, but their relationship was ruined after Cheryl found out he was actually in love with Steph Cunningham (Carley Stenson).

On 1 February 2013, it was announced that Waugh had decided to leave Hollyoaks. Her last scenes as Cheryl aired in March and will see her depart during the same week as Emmett Scanlan, who plays Cheryl's brother Brendan. Of her decision to leave, Waugh stated "Deciding to leave Hollyoaks was tough - I have had the most incredible four years on the show and the cast and crew really are like my family - but it just feels like the right time for me and for Cheryl." Waugh revealed that she was keen to pursue new acting role in Ireland and the UK. Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly reported that Cheryl and Brendan's departures will occur during an "explosive week" of Hollyoaks. Cheryl leaves with her boyfriend Nate to start married life.

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