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Ste Hay
Hollyoaks character
Portrayed byKieron Richardson
Duration2006–present
First appearance10 February 2006 (2006-02-10)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Introduced byDavid Hanson (2006)
Bryan Kirkwood (2006, 2007)
Spin-off
appearances		Hollyoaks Later (2025)
In-universe information
Other namesSte McQueen
OccupationChief Restaurant owner
Drug dealer
FatherDanny Lomax
MotherPauline Hay
StepfatherTerry Hay
StepmotherSam Lomax
Half-sistersLeela Lomax
Tegan Lomax
Angela Hay
HusbandJohn Paul McQueen (2014–2017)
Harry Thompson (2018–2019)
James Nightingale (2023–present)
Civil partnerDoug Carter (2012–2013)
SonsLucas Hay
DaughtersHannah Hay-O'Connor
Adoptive daughtersLeah Barnes
StepsonsRomeo Nightingale
GrandsonsJames Barnes (adoptive)
NephewsDaniel Lomax
Noah Dexter
Ro Hutchinson (adoptive)
NiecesPeri Lomax
Dee Dee Hutchinson

Ste Hay (also McQueen) is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Kieron Richardson. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 10 February 2006. Ste was created by David Hanson and was originally intended to be a short-term character for seven episodes. The following series producer Bryan Kirkwood decided to bring the character back on a permanent basis. As of 2010, Richardson has revealed that he is committed to staying in the serial. In April 2017, Richardson began taking hiatus from the show due to paternity leave, and made a full-time return on 18 December 2017. In October 2019, it was confirmed that Richardson will take a hiatus from the show departing on 20 November 2019. He returned on 3 November 2020.

Ste has been at the centre of several storylines including joyriding, domestic abuse, a baby kidnapping plot, drug dealing, HIV, far right radicalisation and a gay relationship. He was initially portrayed as a "bad boy" type character. Although he changed, producer Lucy Allan wanted him to revert. The issue of domestic violence has been portrayed through the character on two occasions: the first was his violence towards girlfriend Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies), and the second when he suffered abuse from his boyfriend Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan). Richardson and co-star Slanina-Davies both fronted an anti-domestic abuse campaign called "Expect Respect" for Women's Aid. He has subsequent relationships with Rae Wilson (Alice Barlow) and Noah Baxter (Law Thompson) which become subject to love "triangle" storylines involving Brendan. Ste's gay storyline prompted Richardson to come out as gay himself. Its aim was to raise awareness of domestic abuse in a homosexual relationship. Whilst Ste and his storylines have received a mixed reaction from critics, Richardson has been nominated for various awards for his portrayal.

Character creation and casting

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The character of Ste was originally a background character, who was cast by David Hanson for only seven episodes.[1] Upon completion of his initial short stint, new producer Bryan Kirkwood decided to bring the character back for another handful of episodes, in October 2006, in which Ste fled the scene of a car accident involving Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies). Following positive viewer feedback after this second stint, Kirkwood asked Richardson to reprise the role on a permanent basis, beginning 26 September 2007.[1]

In 2010 speculation arose that Richardson would leave the show, due to his participation in ITV ice skating competition Dancing on Ice.[2] Richardson said "I'm not leaving, I'm staying put". He added his participation in the reality television series was for "fun",[2] and stating: "I still want to stay at Hollyoaks and progress in my career there" because he did not think he was a good enough actor to pursue other projects.[2] However, he later revealed he was not sure executive producer Paul Marquess would renew his contract.[3] In November 2010 Richardson commented on his future with the show, branding it a new era and thankful to be part of it.[4] Richardson stated: "Marquess loved everything I've been doing and wanted to keep me on. I'm hoping to stick with the show no matter what."[4]

Development

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Characterisation

[edit]

When Ste was introduced on Hollyoaks, he was introduced as a violent and rebellious teenager who was often in trouble. He bullied several of his peers, including Josh Ashworth (Sonny Flood), Jamie "Fletch" Fletcher (Sam Darbyshire) and Nicole Owen (Ciara Janson). His troublesome personality continued as he became a drug dealer, stole money and began hitting Amy. During 2009 Ste's persona improved when he became a single father to Lucas Hay (Jude) and Amy's daughter to a previous relationship, Leah (Jessica Croft-Lane) after she developed post-natal depression. Ste began working in restaurant Il Gnosh to earn money for his children, showing that the character had matured.

In 2010 Richardson revealed that executive producer Lucy Allan was going to return Ste to his "bad" ways.[5] Richardson said that Ste had portrayed the whole "bad thing" and mellowed. He felt Ste was emulating fellow character Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) because Ste was "running a restaurant, camping it up like him and talking like him".[5] Allan wanted to change that and see him regain some old habits.[5] These changes did not happen because Allan quit her position soon after.[6]

Richardson later told Inside Soap that he hated Ste when he first joined the show, adding: "When he came into the show Ste was a bit of a skater boy and I hated that." Richardson would recite his lines in "a sinister way and do under-the-eyebrows stuff", which Richardson felt inspired the writers to develop Ste's character more deeply.[7]

Domestic violence and fatherhood

[edit]
Ashley Slanina-Davies (pictured) plays Ste's girlfriend Amy Barnes, the victim of Ste's domestic violence.

Returning, later in 2007, Ste and Amy eventually got back together. The pair moved into their own flat, to the dismay of Amy's father Mike Barnes (Tony Hirst). Despite this, Ste became increasingly violent and started to hit Amy, on one occasion even cutting off her ponytail. Slanina-Davis raised money from hair cut during the scene in aid the cancer charity CLIC Sargant.[8] At this time, Amy became pregnant, but was unsure whether to keep the baby.[9] Speaking about 2008 as a whole for Ste and Amy, producer Bryan Kirkwood said he was proud of the way Richardson had portrayed Ste in a sympathetic manner so viewers could understand - but not condone his behaviour.[10] He thought he and Slanina-Davies delivered brilliant performances portraying the "reality of so many 16-17-year-olds", struggling to make a life for themselves. He felt some of their scenes were "downright shocking".[10] Eventually, Amy decides to accept the help of her friends and family and leaves Ste for abusing her.[11]

Whilst the storyline aired, Richardson and Slanina-Davies fronted a charity campaign called "Expect Respect" in order to combat domestic violence.[12] At the time Richardson released a statement opining domestic violence affects many young people in any form of life. He stated he could imagine "how frightening it would be to have him as a boyfriend" and condemned his "violence and bullying" because it is always unacceptable."[12] In conjunction with the storyline's broadcast, Channel 4 offered viewers an online advice facility complete with helplines.[13]

During April 2009 Amy gave birth to Lucas and subsequently left due to post-natal depression. Ste was left looking after both Lucas and Amy's daughter Leah. A couple, Abi Raven (Elaine Glover) and Daniel Raven (Chris Hargreaves) befriended Ste and tried to convince him that he was a good father and that he did not need Amy in their lives. However, Abi and Daniel planned to kidnap Lucas, at first in order to keep him and then later on to give him to another family. Richardson expressed to Digital Spy his pleasure with this storyline, saying, "It's getting quite dark." He was also shocked with its entertaining and unexpected ending."[14] When the storyline came to its climax, Abi and Daniel tried to take Lucas, but they were stopped.

Ste told Amy's father Mike to look after Lucas and Leah in the aftermath of the baby plot because he didn't think he was a good father. Richardson reported that he enjoyed working with Jude and Jessica Croft-Lane, the young actors who played Lucas and Leah. He reported that Jude was camera shy and liked to play with camera equipment during filming and that he told Croft-Lane that his name was actually Ste.[15] Richardson concluded the storyline was different and he felt it gave him a chance to showcase his acting abilities.[16]

Homosexual domestic violence

[edit]

During an interview on This Morning, Kieron Richardson revealed that he was gay and that Ste would explore his sexuality and come out as gay after embarking on a dangerous affair with his boss Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan). Ste saw a nicer side to Brendan and they formed an "unusual friendship," which eventually led to having a wild lads night out and a drunken kiss. Brendan rejected Ste, giving into passion later, they kiss again. But the storyline took a dark twist when Ste was beaten badly.[17][18]

During an interview, series producer Paul Marquess, he described it as a long running storyline, adding: "It is dark to begin with, the lessons that Ste learns are ultimately positive and life affirming." He also felt it was about not "being afraid of who you are" and Ste was "refreshingly accepting" of his feelings towards a man. Richardson revealed he was shocked to discover the details of the plot. He felt it was interesting to see how Ste coped with the being the victim of domestic violence.[17][18]

Ste comes out to ex-girlfriend Amy first. During their conversation Ste reveals Amy was the only girl he really had feelings for and that his confusion over his sexuality was not the reason for him abusing her during their relationship. Ste is very relieved by Amy's good reaction. Amy is the one who discovers that Brendan is hitting Ste and she tells Ste to break it off, reminding him of how it was when he was hitting her.

"I think it's nice that the fans have just accepted Ste being gay straight away, because I was worried that it wouldn't be believable because of him being a real straight character in the past and a bit of a scally. But I think the nice thing is that Danny Miller has portrayed a scally-type character who's gay in Emmerdale, so I think people have accepted it a lot more."[19]

—Richardson discussing viewer reaction to Ste's storyline. (2010)

Richardson admitted his initial fears of the portrayal because he felt it was a taboo subject. He had difficulties portraying it initially, this was because he was not familiar with the subject.[20] "The storyline had not been tackled in British soap opera before and Richardson felt Ste was "making television history".[21] He then explained how the storyline differs from other soap operas because "Ste doesn't question his sexuality and it's not about a struggle – it's about domestic abuse in a gay relationship."[22] Richardson also stated because of the plots dark nature, he hoped viewers would be "drawn into it".[21] He branded the storyline as unpredictable because viewers never know if Brendan was going kiss or hit Ste.[21]

A spokesperson for Hollyoaks confirmed that Ste didn't realise "how much power and control Brendan was wielding over him". This was because Ste was still coming to terms with his sexuality. Ste felt a connection he never felt before because he hadn't had another male partner.[23] Brendan manipulated Ste into believing he was to blame for Brendan's anger. The representative said this was why he ended up apologising.[23] The storyline also aimed to shock viewers with the "dark depths" Brendan would go to in order to control Ste.[23] Marquess later stated that Brendan's past would be explained and that everyone should remember it was Ste who used to hit Amy first, adding: "So it's a dark and interwoven story made all the more complicated by the introduction of a new love interest for Ste".[24]

Relationship with Noah Baxter

[edit]

In early 2011 Marquess revealed that Ste would have a new boyfriend. This would help create another "classic triangle" storyline.[25] It was then revealed that new gay character Noah Baxter (Law Thompson) would befriend Ste.[26] Noah's friend Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) decides to help the pair start a relationship.[27] Waring said Cindy does not care about Ste and Noah and she sees them as "the only gays in the village". Waring concluded that she thrives off the attention and gossip their romance generates for her.[27] However Richardson said that despite his new relationship he is still "madly" in love with Brendan. Ultimately he stated "He may care for Noah, but he will always run back to Brendan".[28]

Relationship with Doug Carter

[edit]

It was announced in early 2012 that Doug will began his relationship with Ste. Doug later enters into business with him and they become good friends.[29] As their friendship grows, Doug begins to develop feelings for Ste. Richardson told television host Myleene Klass that there was a possibility of a relationship developing between Doug and Ste.[29] Doug helps Ste into online dating and develops "feelings" when Ste goes on a date with Adam (Alex Morgan). Richardson explained that there is confusion as to whether Doug is jealous of Ste dating a guy - or just jealous that his friend is being taken from him.[29] Brennan told Alison Slade from TVTimes that Doug wants to "regain control of his life" after seeing Ste and Adam on their date. Doug decides to "go back to something familiar" and sleeps with Texas.[30]

Brennan told a columnist from Soaplife that it was not "difficult to see why these two would find solace in one another". This was because of the commonalities between them - a "strong friendship", a history with Brendan and endured "tough times".[31] Doug's past romances were with females; with the pivotal one being Jenny. Brennan explained that Hollyoaks were not just "turning Doug gay". Doug rethinks what type of love he had for Jenny, but she was "definitely" very important to him. He thought that the storyline was plausible because Doug was only twenty years old and people can discover their sexuality in later life.[31]

Richardson told a writer from TV Buzz that Doug and Ste would not solely be "another love story" because Brendan will be involved. On their dynamic the actor said that "they put each other in their place and I think Doug stops Ste from being so moody and miserable all the time."[32] He also thought that the two men share a "really cute relationship". Brennan and Richardson often call each other outside work to discuss varied ways of playing their scenes.[32]

Ste and Brendan are known by fans under the portmanteau of "Stendan"; while Ste and Doug are referred to as "Stug". The storyline divided the audience as they supported either side.[32] Richardson explained that Stendan fans were "obsessed" with idea of Ste reconciling with Brendan and the Stug fans wanted the opposite. He added that the two groups had "this little war" developing on social networking website Twitter.[32]

Brennan himself is gay and he told Jenna Good from Reveal that unlike Doug, it had never been an issue - but there were certain aspects of Doug's persona that he related to and sympathised with. Brennan is protective of Doug and made slight changes to the storyline. He said that because sexuality is personal to him, he wanted stereotypes and clichés to be avoided and do the story some "justice". The actor wanted Doug to find happiness because had a "very difficult" year. Though his story needed plenty of "hiccups and bumps along the way" to avoid boring television.[33]

Biological father and arrival of his paternal family

[edit]

In 2013 it was announced that Stephen Billington had joined the cast as Danny Lomax. A writer from the Hollyoaks website described Danny as "charismatic, charming, pretty-sweeting-captivating". He is also a "thoughtful, intelligent, articulate and well respected member of the teaching profession".[34] Danny is liked by his students because of his youthful approach to life. He also has a "cheeky twinkle in his eyes" which charm everyone. Billington told the writer that can relate to Danny because he also teaches and gets along with young people. But he warned that Danny has a different side to his personality. Viewers will not discover this until later on because it will be revealed over time. Billington added that "you'll still like him, but he's much more complex than he first appears."[34]

In an unpublicised storyline twist, Danny is revealed to be Ste's biological father. Billington told Kilkelly that he was "absolutely thrilled" with his storyline and that he was always aware of the development.[35] He explained that Danny had attempted to make contact on many occasions but Ste's mother, Pauline Hay (Jane Hogarth) prevented it. Billington also warned that Danny had more secrets yet to be disclosed and was confident that Danny would be able to charm the audience with his persona. The actor added that Danny is "definitely not a bad person. He's just a bit of a free spirit and he likes getting his own way. Perhaps he's a bit greedy too, but when it comes down to it, he's a fundamentally good guy."[35] Ste's stepmother finally introduced to the series with Lizzie Roper casting was announced on 19 August, shortly after she made an appearance in E4's first look broadcast as his father wife, Sam Lomax.[36] Producers did not reveal Roper's casting beforehand as they wanted her character to be a surprise for viewers.

Follow by the announced of his arrival, Ste's paternal half-siblings join the series with the arrival of Danny and Sam's three daughters, Leela (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), Peri (Ruby O'Donnell) and Tegan (Jessica Ellis),[37] however a year later Peri is revealed to be his niece and Leela's daughter.

Feud with Ryan Knight

[edit]

On 22 May 2016 it was announced that Blue singer Duncan James join the cast to play as Ryan Knight. The character is later reveal to be his ex-girlfriend Amy Barnes's (Ashley Slanina-Davies) fiancé following her return to the show and will be "polar opposite" to Ste.[38] His would "go head-to-head" with Ste for a storyline tackling blended family life. A show spokesperson teased that "viewers will be torn between luckless Ste and a man who on paper is a better example for his children but not their dad.".[38]

In January 2017, it was revealed that Amy would be departing later in the year in a "whodunit" storyline which would see the character killed off after being murdered.[39] Ste is the prime suspect because of Amy taking Leah and Lucas away from him especially Amy's parents Mike and Kathy for whom they blamed him for abusing Amy. His accused storyline of Amy death leads the star Richardson to take a small breaks from the show due to paternity leave, and made a full-time return on 18 December 2017. However, in October, it was reveal that Ryan is the one who killed Amy. Ste would later discover Ryan's actions and begins feud with him, despite they sleep together. James' departure was announced October 2017. Ryan's last episode aired on 7 May 2018. In his very last scene, it appeared Ryan had drowned in a river. On 8 May 2018, it was confirmed Ryan had drowned when his body was discovered.[40]

Radicalisation and far-right extremism

[edit]

In November 2018, it was announced that Ste would be targeted and groomed by the newcomer Jonny Baxter (Ray Quinn). It was later confirmed that Jonny and Ste would be the focus on a radicalisation and far-right extremism storyline. The story sees Jonny target and groom Ste after discovering his hatred for the Maalik family, who are Muslim, however this begins when Dr. Misbah Maalik (Harvey Virdi) fails to save Ste's half-sister Tegan Lomax (Jessica Ellis) following injuries from a storm, and she dies as a result.[41] Quinn explained that Jonny is sent by the radicalisation group to recruit people. He added that Ste is an ideal person to recruit since he is "very vulnerable and low on his self-esteem".[42] Jonny then cares for Ste "emotionally and financially", growing his self-confidence with an underlying agenda.[42] Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood explained that he decided to tackle the issue after discovering how radicalisation groups work.[41] He added that the story is "a modern story about protecting young people online".[41] Richardson was pleased to be undertaking the storyline alongside Quinn.[41] Quinn, Richardson and Hollyoaks storyliners and researchers worked alongside advisors and charities when creating and developing the storyline. One advisor, Jamie Bartlett, believed that it was important that extremism was explored so that the public knew how extremists operate.[41] The charity EXIT UK agreed that it was good to highlight the taboo topic and offered support and guidance to the cast and crew.[41]

Reception

[edit]
Kieron Richardson (pictured) has been nominated for several awards for his portrayal of Ste.

Richardson has been nominated for several awards for his portrayal of Ste. During the 2009 British Soap Awards, he was nominated for "Villain of the Year".[43] He was nominated for the same award in 2008[44] and at the 2011 awards he was nominated for "Best Actor".[45] Richardson was a nominee for the "Best Actor" award at the Inside Soap Awards during 2010,[46] and was nominated for 'Best Serial Drama Performance' in the 2011 National Television Awards.[47] At the 2011 All About Soap Bubble Awards Ste, Brendan and Rae won the award for "Best Love Triangle".[48] At the 2011 Inside Soap Awards he was nominated for "Best Actor" and "Best Dramatic Performance".[49] He was again nominated in the category of "Serial Drama Performance" at the 2012 National Television Awards.[50] At the 2012 Inside Soap Awards Richardson was nominated for "Best Actor".[51] In August 2017, Richardson was longlisted for Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards.[52] He did not progress to the viewer-voted shortlist.[53]

Holy Soap opined Ste's most memorable moment stating: "Sadly, it's beating up girlfriend Amy."[54] The fatherhood and baby snatch storyline received mixed reviews from viewers. Digital Spy posted a poll asking readers whether they thought the plot was anticlimactic.[55] 76.6% of voters thought it was truly anticlimactic, whilst the rest thought otherwise.[56] Richardson was also longlisted for "Best Actor" at the 2025 Inside Soap Awards.[57][58][59][60]

After Richardson came out on This Morning, Dennis Ayers, writing for gay men's news website AfterElton.com, criticised the revelation, believing it to be for promotional purposes only.[61] Whilst acknowledging Ste as being a "violent bully, a domestic abuser, and a single father", Ayers could see nothing in Ste's "dark past hinted that he might be gay."[61] In spite of his criticism, he praised Richardson for coming out as gay.[61] Anthony D. Langford, also writing for AfterElton, who avidly followed the plot, felt shocked when he witnessed Brendan attacking Ste. He moped there was worse to come and found it compelling viewing. He also did not perceive it as a romantic story stating: "Ste and Brendan's scenes do have an element of sexual allure since the actors have chemistry, but there's too much darkness and manipulation on the edges of every scene to make real romance even possible".[62] He also gave credit to the show for its slow build up over a few months.[63] After Rae became pregnant All About Soap said: "Crikey, at this rate Mr Hay will soon be giving Walford's Jack Branning a run for his money for the Most fertile Man in Soapland award!"[64]

The Liverpool Daily Post said "You know you're not flavour of the month when even Ste Hay looks down his nose at you."[65] In 2024, after a storyline which saw Ste run over and kill Ella Richardson (Erin Palmer), Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy called Ste a "Fan favourite" and wrote, "After a couple of years playing a more comic role in the soap, it's exciting to see long-serving cast member Kieron Richardson get a chance to show what he's made of again."[66]

References

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Ste Hay

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from Grokipedia
Steven "Ste" Hay is a fictional character in the British Hollyoaks, portrayed by since the character's debut in 2006. Introduced as a rebellious teenager prone to and petty such as joyriding, Ste's narrative has spanned nearly two decades, featuring cycles of criminal involvement, domestic , drug dealing, and health challenges including an diagnosis that marked him as the first gay soap character to contract the virus. His storylines have also explored political , including a 2018 arc depicting vulnerability to far-right influences amid personal vendettas, alongside tumultuous relationships that evolved from heterosexual partnerships to marriages with men like and James Nightingale, often emphasizing redemption amid repeated moral failings. As one of Hollyoaks' longest-serving characters, Ste has survived major plot events like explosions and time jumps, continuing to drive dramatic family and romantic conflicts into 2025.

Creation and Casting

Character Conception and Introduction

Stephen Hay, commonly known as Ste, debuted in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks on 10 February 2006 as a short-term character conceived by executive producer David Hanson. Initially planned for seven episodes, the role involved portraying a teenage petty criminal who engages in joyriding and arrives in the fictional village of Hollyoaks to pursue a brief romantic encounter with Amy Barnes. This introduction aligned with Hollyoaks' production emphasis during Hanson's tenure (2005–2006) on depicting realistic social issues affecting youth, including antisocial behavior and group delinquency among working-class adolescents. The character's backstory established him as originating from a troubled family environment, with his mother Pauline Hay depicted as neglectful and his stepfather Terry Hay as abusive, contributing to Ste's rebellious tendencies and criminal inclinations. Siblings such as sister Angela were referenced early on to underscore familial dysfunction as a causal factor in his delinquency, rather than portraying him solely as a victim of circumstance. Early narratives centered on Ste's interactions with peers like Wayne Tunnicliffe, highlighting male group dynamics involving , , and defiance of authority, intended to reflect authentic patterns of youth crime in deprived communities. This conception positioned Ste as a for examining the roots of petty criminality, rooted in empirical observations of socioeconomic influences on adolescent behavior, without romanticizing or excusing the actions through unsubstantiated psychological tropes. Production decisions prioritized causal links between unstable home lives and externalized aggression, setting the stage for storylines grounded in verifiable social patterns rather than idealized redemption arcs from inception.

Casting and Portrayal by Kieron Richardson

Kieron Richardson, born on 12 January 1986 in Eccles, Greater Manchester, was cast as Ste Hay for the British soap opera Hollyoaks, debuting in the episode aired on 10 February 2006. At the time of his casting, Richardson was 20 years old. Richardson's tenure as Ste Hay included a temporary departure from the series, with his final scenes airing on 19 November 2019, allowing him to pursue a theatre role. He returned to the character on 3 November 2020. This break marked an intermittent phase in his otherwise continuous portrayal spanning nearly two decades. As one of Hollyoaks' longest-serving cast members, Richardson's contract has been renewed multiple times, reflecting the role's enduring presence on the show. He continued portraying Ste Hay into 2025, amid the soap's transition to fewer episodes and other production adjustments. His ongoing depiction has emphasized consistency in the character's demeanor and vocal delivery, drawing on his experience to sustain authenticity across episodes.

Characterization and Early Development

Core Traits and Initial Storylines (2006–2010)

Ste Hay debuted in February 2006 as a hot-headed and rebellious teenager, marked by , to friends, and a propensity for reckless behavior including joyriding and petty thefts, traits that underscored failures in personal restraint rather than external systemic factors. These characteristics manifested in early conflicts with peers and authority, often resulting from his own choices, such as bullying classmates and associating with a rough crowd influenced by a desire for thrill-seeking over responsibility. From 2006 to 2008, Ste's storylines centered on involvement in car theft rings and joyriding escapades with associates including Fletch, , , and Josh Ashworth, culminating in a serious in October 2006 where Ste drove recklessly, crashed the , and fled the scene, leaving others injured. This incident led to arrests for Ste and his accomplices, sentences, and heightened strains on his family dynamics with single mother Pauline Hay, highlighting self-inflicted consequences like legal repercussions and fractured relationships that stemmed from repeated defiance of norms. Peer rivalries escalated into physical altercations, further illustrating Ste's volatile temper and prioritization of immediate gratification over long-term stability. By 2009–2010, narrative focus shifted toward Ste's internal conflicts regarding , initiated through his employment under and evolving into personal exploration amid ongoing heterosexual involvements. In September 2010, Ste engaged in a same-sex kiss with Brendan, an event witnessed by , representing an initial acknowledgment of attractions diverging from prior patterns and framed as a product of under social and personal pressures rather than predetermined identity. This development marked a causal progression from external bravado to vulnerable self-examination, though Ste's recklessness persisted in complicating these revelations.

Evolution of Personality and Social Role

Upon his introduction to Hollyoaks in 2006, Ste Hay was depicted as a rebellious "bad boy" engaging in joyriding and petty delinquency, shaped by an unstable upbringing with a single mother after his father's early departure. This initial portrayal emphasized a naive, hot-headed rooted in familial , positioning him as an underdog whose defiance masked vulnerability rather than calculated malice. By the post-2010 period, Ste exhibited signs of maturation, such as efforts to stabilize through in service roles, yet these were frequently undermined by relapses into self-sabotaging choices, reinforcing a pattern of over sustained resilience. Actor noted in early 2010 that producers were considering reverting the character to his "nasty" origins despite interim growth, highlighting how experiential setbacks perpetuated his hardened survivor traits without full redemption. This evolution avoided contrived idealization, favoring causal realism where background-driven flaws— like poor impulse control—logically yielded repeated consequences. Socially, Ste consistently embodied a blue-collar , taking manual labor jobs including mechanics and clashing with institutional authority, which underscored direct links between socioeconomic origins and persistent tendencies. Richardson has advocated for portrayals that reclaim this gritty core, resisting sanitized arcs in favor of authentic informed by the character's history, as evidenced by his push for a "darker side" reflective of original traits. Such adaptations maintained narrative consistency, prioritizing empirical character logic over narrative convenience.

Relationships and Interpersonal Conflicts

Key Romantic Partnerships

Ste Hay's romantic partnerships initially centered on heterosexual relationships, such as his long-term involvement with Amy Barnes from 2008 to 2010, which involved cohabitation and fatherhood but dissolved amid mutual incompatibilities and external pressures. This phase transitioned to same-sex attractions, beginning with an impulsive kiss with Brendan Brady on 14 October 2010 after a night out, evolving into an intense liaison characterized by mutual dependency and frequent reconciliations until Brendan's departure in March 2013. Subsequent to Brendan's exit, Hay entered a with Doug Carter in early 2012, formalizing it as a civil partnership and jointly launching Carter & Hay Delicatessen on 7 May 2012; the partnership exhibited stability through shared business ventures but concluded abruptly with Carter's death in a bomb explosion on 8 October 2013. Paralleling these developments, Hay briefly dated fitness instructor Noah Baxter starting in April 2011, a connection strained by overlapping affections for Brady and unresolved personal turmoil, resulting in its dissolution by mid-2011 amid a resultant . Hay's interactions with Ryan Knight from 2016 to 2018 originated from overlapping romantic histories via Knight's relationship with Barnes, fostering a heated rivalry over custody and past grievances that intensified through physical altercations; despite this, the two engaged in a one-night encounter in December 2017, highlighting erratic shifts in antagonism before confrontational resolutions by April 2018. Post-2020, following Hay's village return in November 2020, his dynamics with Dillon Ray—initially platonic support during Ray's recovery—escalated to a scandalous by 2025, perpetuating cycles of professed loyalty undermined by impulsive betrayals within familial proximities. These partnerships collectively underscore patterns of rapid emotional investment yielding short-term volatility, often exacerbated by external feuds or incomplete prior detachments.

Dynamics of Abuse and Power Imbalances

In the storyline spanning 2011 to 2013, Ste Hay became the victim of sustained physical and emotional from his partner , who inflicted beatings during drunken rages and exerted controlling behavior rooted in Brendan's unresolved from his father's . This arc depicted Ste's entrapment in a cycle of dependency, where and attachment delayed his escape despite visible injuries and pleas for intervention from others. The narrative emphasized psychological bonds that perpetuate such dynamics, with Ste's prior experiences of familial contributing to his tolerance. Conversely, Hay had earlier embodied the perpetrator role in his heterosexual relationship with from 2008 to 2009, where he escalated to physical attacks, including cutting her hair and other violent acts amid escalating arguments. This portrayal underscored Hay's own , influenced by childhood beatings from his stepfather , illustrating how unaddressed trauma can manifest as aggression regardless of relational orientation. was framed through consequences like arrests and separations, rejecting victimhood as absolution. The Brendan storyline explicitly tackled , portraying it as a stark of aggression and control without sanitization or exceptionalism, thereby raising awareness that such patterns transcend heterosexual norms and demand equivalent scrutiny. In other pairings, such as with Ryan Knight around 2016–2018, power imbalances arose from over custody of shared children, fueling repeated physical clashes and verbal escalations that highlighted ongoing relational volatility. These conflicts, often resolved through legal interventions or relational breakdowns, reinforced mutual responsibility in de-escalating toxicity rather than unilateral blame.

Family Dynamics and Fatherhood

Parenthood and Child-Rearing Challenges

Ste Hay is the biological father of Lucas Hay, born to in April 2009, and maintains legal guardianship over Leah Barnes, Amy's daughter from her prior relationship with Billy Parker, despite not being her biological father. He also fathered Hannah Hay-O'Connor with Sinead O'Sullivan around 2020. These parental roles have been central to Hay's narrative arc, with his involvement often complicated by his history of relational volatility and legal disputes over access rights. Custody battles with Barnes exemplified the strains of dysfunctional co-parenting, as Hay's past domestic issues led to restricted visitation. In late , following relational breakdowns, Barnes secured full custody of both Lucas and , confining Hay to limited contact and underscoring how his instability directly impaired consistent paternal engagement. Such disputes highlighted causal links between adult conflicts and child outcomes, including disrupted routines and emotional insecurity for the children amid shifting living arrangements. After Barnes's death in 2018, Hay assumed primary caregiving duties for Lucas and , framing fatherhood as a pathway to personal reform amid ongoing lapses into poor judgment. Efforts to stabilize family life were tested by co-parenting tensions with over Hannah, where separations exacerbated access inconsistencies and modeled relational instability for the children. These challenges revealed persistent patterns where Hay's unresolved personal flaws undermined sustained child-rearing efficacy, despite intermittent commitments to paternal responsibility. In March 2017, following the murder of —mother to Ste Hay's young daughter and son Lucas—Ste was arrested and charged with the killing, a case that highlighted risks to the children's welfare amid the investigation and trial proceedings; he was ultimately acquitted due to but faced immediate vigilante violence from Barnes' relative Kathy, who shot him outside the courtroom. The legal scrutiny indirectly stemmed from Ste's volatile relationships and prior abusive behavior toward , which had already strained custody arrangements for , then around seven years old. In January 2024, Ste accidentally killed teenager Ella Richardson by striking her with his vehicle during a multi-car collision at a roundabout, an incident he initially concealed by fleeing the scene and later attempting to tamper with evidence; upon confession, he faced manslaughter charges, a police investigation, and courtroom testimony, but in July 2024, authorities ruled his conviction unsafe owing to insufficient proof of intent or negligence beyond the accident, resulting in his release despite widespread community outrage and demands for accountability from figures like Cindy Cunningham. This event exacerbated Ste's paternal responsibilities, as he sought to provide for Leah and Lucas amid the fallout, prompting further criminal undertakings to secure their future. Throughout 2025, Ste endured repeated from his teenage son Lucas, including punches, kicks, and an incident where Lucas forced Ste's hand onto a hot stove causing burns; these acts were linked to Lucas's resentment over Ste's earlier harsh disciplinary tactics and family disruptions, forming part of a broader child-to-parent without formal legal charges against Lucas as of October, though it prompted interventions from partner Dillon Ray and social awareness campaigns. Ste chose to conceal the severity initially to shield Lucas from consequences, reflecting his pattern of prioritizing family protection over external accountability.

Ideological and Political Engagements

Entry into Far-Right Circles

In late 2018, following the death of his partner Lomax in October, Ste Hay initiated an online hate campaign targeting Misbah Maalik, a nurse involved in Tegan's care, which exposed his vulnerabilities to external recruitment efforts. This period of personal turmoil, compounded by Ste's and repeated relational failures, aligned with broader grievances over changes, drawing the attention of far-right organizer Stuart Sumner and his associate Jonny Baxter. Baxter, introduced as a charismatic recruiter, first engaged Ste through subtle online outreach, identifying his posts as indicative of shared frustrations with perceived cultural shifts in the neighborhood. Baxter's grooming tactics progressed from digital contact to in-person meetings, where he presented himself as an empathetic ally, fabricating a personal connection by claiming distant familial ties to Ste's mother, Pauline Hay, to build trust. These interactions exploited Ste's isolation, framing far-right ideology as a pragmatic defense against economic displacement and community erosion attributed to and specific ethnic groups, rather than abstract . By early 2019, Ste participated in initial group activities, including the distribution of materials and low-level drives targeting similarly disaffected locals, activities depicted as collective responses to tangible personal hardships like job loss. The storyline emphasized the group's opportunistic inclusion of non-traditional members, such as Ste—a man with a of minority experiences—mirroring documented real-world patterns where extremists recruit from marginalized subgroups by prioritizing ideological utility over strict conformity. Ste's formal into the group occurred on June 12, 2019, involving rituals that solidified his commitment through escalating involvement in coordinated actions. This entry phase highlighted tactical grooming via mixed online and offline channels, leveraging Ste's specific resentments without requiring prior ideological alignment.

Underlying Causes and Exit from Extremism

Ste Hay's vulnerability to radicalisation arose from a confluence of personal adversities, including the aftermath of domestic abuse inflicted by his former partner , which culminated in legal battles over custody of their children in , exacerbating his sense of isolation and failure as a . Financial followed his dismissal from employment amid these familial ruptures, stripping him of economic stability and amplifying resentment toward perceived societal neglect. These factors, compounded by an as a man navigating stigma and rejection, created fertile ground for exploitation by far-right groomers who offered camaraderie and a of victimhood, mirroring real-world patterns where extremists target those disillusioned by intimate betrayals and material hardship. The storyline's architects consulted deradicalisation experts, from accounts of former extremists who cited analogous triggers like post-traumatic drift and unmet belonging needs, underscoring how individual agency falters under sustained duress rather than innate ideological affinity. The exit from peaked in November 2019, when Ste, coerced into assaulting a defecting associate named Jed Mercer and confronting a planted in his home, rejected the group's escalating during a orchestrated by leader Stuart Sumner. Family intervention proved pivotal: stepfather and ally facilitated his evasion, highlighting relational bonds as catalysts for reversal over state-led programs, with Ste's internal revulsion at irreconcilable acts—like endangering his children—driving the break. This denouement echoed testimonies from rehabilitated radicals, who attribute departure to personal epiphanies amid group implosion, not external salvation, as evidenced by the plot's avoidance of simplistic redemption arcs. In subsequent episodes, Ste grappled with residual ideological echoes, manifesting as intermittent and community , yet pursued reintegration through measures like , reflecting the protracted, non-linear nature of deradicalisation where doubt persists alongside progress. This portrayal resisted facile closure, portraying exit as a tenuous reclamation of agency amid enduring scars from prior vulnerabilities, informed by input emphasizing redeemability's dependence on self-confrontation rather than societal .

Health, Crime, and Personal Vices

In the storyline, Ste Hay contracted through unprotected with Connor, a who was unaware of his own positive status, during a one-night encounter in late 2014. Ste received notification of the exposure risk via a contact-tracing call and subsequently tested positive, with the diagnosis revealed in episodes airing in 2015. This marked the first instance of a major recurring character in a British being diagnosed with , emphasizing realistic transmission risks associated with casual sexual encounters among men who have with men. Producers consulted with the Terrence Higgins Trust to depict medical aspects accurately, including routine testing protocols, the asymptomatic nature of early infection, and the necessity of antiretroviral therapy for viral suppression. Ste's narrative portrayed treatment as a lifelong regimen of daily medication to maintain undetectable viral loads and prevent progression to AIDS, aligning with clinical guidelines from bodies like the British HIV Association. Behavioral factors contributing to his infection, such as inconsistent condom use amid multiple partners, were highlighted without mitigation, underscoring personal responsibility in risk assessment. Long-term management integrated into Ste's arcs revealed adherence challenges exacerbated by life instability, including periods of non-compliance that risked health deterioration. Disclosure to romantic partners strained relationships, as seen in his partnership with , where revelations about status and medication needs tested emotional bonds and prompted discussions on safer sex practices. The storyline addressed stigma through Ste's internal conflicts and societal reactions, portraying as a manageable rather than a fatal one, though persistent barriers like fear of rejection influenced his relational patterns and self-perception.

Involvement in Drugs and Criminal Activities

Ste Hay's early criminal activities included joyriding, which escalated into dangerous incidents driven by poor impulse control. In one storyline, Hay took friends Fletch, Amy Barnes, Josh, and Michaela McQueen on a joyride that resulted in a car accident, after which he fled the scene, highlighting initial patterns of reckless theft and evasion of responsibility. These entry-level crimes, often linked to peer influence and financial pressures, marked the beginning of Hay's recidivist tendencies, with theft occasionally surfacing in later conflicts, such as attempts to steal from associates amid desperation. By the early , Hay engaged in dealing to address financial instability, a role that exposed him to arrests and deepened his involvement in networks. Suppliers' unreliability intensified his risks, leading to sporadic dealing arcs where peer pressures compounded his , resulting in police interventions, including instances where authorities were alerted to his possession during attempts to discard substances. This phase underscored , as dealing transitioned into personal use, with Hay struggling against amid ongoing legal scrutiny. A significant escalation occurred in 2016 when Hay developed an addiction to crystal methamphetamine, introduced by Cameron Campbell amid relational strife, leading to episodes, of money for drugs—including smashing a child's —and eventual rehab admission after the addiction's exposure in a focused episode. Consequences included hospitalization and relational breakdowns, yet patterns persisted without sustained reform. In the 2020s, Hay exhibited relapses into drugs and alcohol, connected to broader personal instability following losses like partner Harry Thompson's death, with hints of renewed use amid financial and emotional pressures, perpetuating cycles of vice without external excuses. These incidents reinforced , as prior arrests and rehab failed to deter sporadic returns to substances, often intersecting with desperation-fueled crimes.

Recent Storylines (2020–Present)

Return from Hiatus and Renewed Conflicts

Ste Hay returned to the village on 3 November 2020, following a hiatus that began with his departure on 20 November 2019. The actor's break was extended due to suspending production from March to July 2020 in response to the , with subsequent episodes filmed under strict protocols including and reduced crew sizes. Upon reintegration, storylines emphasized Ste's attempt at a fresh start after his time away in Newcastle, reflecting on prior involvement in without resetting character memory or consequences. Immediately post-return, Ste witnessed Sid Sumner's engagement proposal to Yasmine Maalik in the village center, prompting shock from Yasmine due to Ste's unexpected presence. This event highlighted renewed relational dynamics, as Ste re-entered a community aware of his contentious history. He quickly formed an alliance by supporting Sid through a severe injury sustained in a car crash, which necessitated leg ; Ste provided emotional backing during Sid's recovery. Tensions resurfaced with family members and ex-partners, including interactions tied to his daughter and past relationships, setting the foundation for ongoing personal conflicts without contrived resolutions to prior grievances. Kieron expressed hope that Ste had evolved from his experiences, advocating for narratives that portrayed genuine character growth amid returning feuds. These elements bridged Ste's absence to contemporary arcs, focusing on realistic reintegration challenges in a post-hiatus environment.

Major Events in 2024–2025

In January 2024, Ste Hay accidentally killed teenager Ella Richardson by striking her with his vehicle during a multi-car pile-up at a , an incident he initially concealed by fleeing the scene and attempting a . Despite efforts to hide , including discarding , Ste confessed to his James Nightingale and later to authorities, leading to his on suspicion of . The confession unraveled amid mounting pressure from investigations and family confrontations, though Ste maintained the act was unintentional. Ste faced trial in mid-2024, where including vehicle forensics confirmed his role, but the court released him without conviction in July, citing insufficient grounds for imprisonment despite the tragedy's emotional toll on Richardson's family, particularly stepmother . This outcome stemmed from procedural reviews and witness testimonies emphasizing the chaotic crash conditions, allowing Ste to avoid a potential 14-year sentence but intensifying his guilt and relational strains. In September 2025, Ste vanished from the village, triggering searches and revelations tied to his ongoing personal crises, including discoveries about hidden communications and locations that exposed vulnerabilities in his support network. He reemerged in October 2025, shortly before the show's milestone episodes, amid heightened conflicts. Following an impulsive kiss with Dillon Ray—complicated by Ste's paternal responsibilities—the pair stood and were struck by an oncoming , sustaining severe injuries that left their in doubt and prompted immediate responses. Parallel to these events, Ste's abusive interactions with son Lucas Hay escalated throughout 2025, manifesting in physical confrontations such as burns and assaults that Ste downplayed as accidents, while Dillon uncovered the true extent of the coercive dynamic during interventions. Episodes around October 2025 anniversaries hinted at Ste's risks of relapsing into substance issues and criminal patterns, exacerbated by the disappearance and crash aftermath, though no confirmed relapses materialized by late October.

Reception and Legacy

Viewer and Critical Response

The radicalisation storyline featuring Ste Hay culminated in a significant ratings increase for on E4 in October 2019, with official figures indicating a boost during the dramatic episodes. Similar surges occurred in 2024, as autumn stunts involving Hay contributed to the soap's highest streaming ratings of the year, including a 23% year-on-year rise in online views among the key 16-34 demographic. These peaks reflect sustained viewer interest in Hay's arcs, evidenced by active engagement around his 2025 on-screen appearances and returns, such as fan-driven content tracking episodes from September onward. Kieron Richardson's portrayal of Hay has garnered recognition for its depth, including a nomination for Best Soap Performance at the 2026 TV Choice Awards. The associated far-right extremism narrative earned Hollyoaks the Broadcast Award for Best Soap in 2020, praised for addressing the "dangerous impact of racism" through layered character development. Fan polls underscore this appeal, with Hay frequently ranking in the top tiers of Digital Spy forums' annual favorite character surveys, such as second place in early 2025 heats and fourth in all-time lists compiled by enthusiasts. Viewer opinions remain divided, with praise for the gritty realism in depicting Hay's struggles often tempered by critiques of implausibility and repetitive hardship. While supporters highlight the character's enduring survivability as a testament to resilient —evident in demands for his retention amid high-stakes like explosions—detractors argue that cycles of victimhood erode agency, rendering arcs predictable despite awards nods. This tension manifests in mixed critical reception, where bold thematic tackles are lauded but occasional over-dramatization questioned for straining credibility in a long-running format.

Impact on Social Issue Representation

Ste Hay's diagnosis storyline in marked the first instance in a British of a major male character testing positive, contributing to heightened visibility of transmission risks among young men who have with men, a demographic experiencing rising rates at the time. The narrative depicted Ste contracting the virus through unprotected with an unaware partner, emphasizing personal accountability and ongoing management rather than portraying it as a terminal inevitability, which aligned with medical realities of treatment advancements while avoiding outdated stereotypes of as exclusively a " disease." This approach prompted discussions on prevention without didactic moralizing, fostering realism by illustrating lived consequences like stigma and relationship strains. In addressing within LGBTQ+ relationships, Ste's arc with highlighted physical and emotional dynamics often overlooked in media, portraying the victim's and societal barriers to disclosure without romanticizing the . More recently, the 2025 child-to-parent storyline involving Ste and his son Lucas depicted targeted violence stemming from familial trauma, resulting in a surge of calls to domestic helplines and underscoring under-recognized patterns where is unidirectional and rooted in unresolved grievances rather than mutual conflict. These portrayals advanced accurate representation by focusing on causal factors like perpetrator and victim self-blame, countering tendencies in some media to equate all relational strife as bidirectional or excusable. The far-right extremism narrative drew directly from testimonies of former members, such as grooming consultant Christian Bromage, to illustrate recruitment pathways beginning with legitimate personal grievances—like economic hardship or —escalating to ideological , thus providing a counterpoint to sanitized depictions that attribute solely to innate bigotry. By centering a bisexual character vulnerable due to relational fallout, the storyline reflected real trends in minority without distorting , emphasizing exit through and external intervention over simplistic redemption arcs. This realism influenced public discourse, as evidenced by a 16-year-old viewer in an extremist group seeking help after watching Ste's arc, highlighting the potential for narrative exposure to prompt individual reflection absent coercive solutions. Ste's repeated fatherhood failures, including neglect amid personal vices and strained parenting of children like Lucas and Leah, portrayed unfiltered repercussions such as intergenerational trauma and custodial losses, diverging from narratives that idealize parental redemption without accountability. These elements collectively prioritized empirical depictions of social issues' complexities—consequences persisting despite awareness campaigns—over resolutionist tropes, enhancing representational fidelity to real-world data on relapse risks in , cycles, and challenges.

Controversies in Storyline Handling

The radicalisation arc for Ste Hay, which aired from late to 2019, drew praise for depicting the grooming of a minority into far-right , challenging stereotypes of recruits as solely white heterosexual males, as data shows increasing targeting of LGBT individuals through shared grievances like personal isolation and economic hardship. However, critics argued the storyline oversimplified ideological motivations by emphasizing Ste's personal financial woes and family breakdowns over the doctrinal appeals of extremist groups, potentially downplaying how such ideologies provide structured identity and purpose beyond individual trauma. Real-life former extremists identified parallels in the grooming process but highlighted omissions in portraying sustained redemption, noting that post-exit paths often require ongoing support rather than abrupt personal epiphanies, with one ex-member stressing societal acceptance of change as essential yet underrepresented. In handling abuse and family dynamics, storylines depicting Ste as both perpetrator and victim—such as his coercive control over partner in 2008–2010 and later child-to-parent violence from son Lucas Hay starting in 2025—faced accusations of romanticizing intergenerational cycles by framing them primarily through Ste's own abusive upbringing, including beatings from his and his mother's , without sufficiently disrupting the pattern through . Defenders countered that this approach reflected causal chains in dysfunctional, low-socioeconomic households, where unresolved trauma statistically perpetuates across generations, as evidenced by elevated rates in such environments, arguing that soaps must illustrate realism over idealized resolutions to avoid misleading viewers on prevention. ruled in July 2025 that specific Ste-Lucas confrontation scenes breached broadcasting standards on violence portrayal pre-watershed, prompting producer scrutiny for graphic depictions that some viewers found gratuitous amid the arc's focus on hidden familial . Fan reactions to Ste's 2020s narratives, involving compounded misfortunes like unknowingly causing his Ella's in a 2024 car , subsequent HIV management, drug relapses, and a 2025 kidnapping alongside partner , included backlash for overburdening the character with unrelenting adversity, with complaints peaking after a October 2025 "Later" episode featuring implied elements deemed excessively disturbing. This piling of tragedies elicited online forums decrying a lack of balance, where Ste evades full repercussions—such as avoiding for Ella's despite outrage—potentially normalizing impunity for figures. Proponents of the execution maintained it mirrored empirical patterns of clustered hardships in marginalized demographics, where socioeconomic factors correlate with disproportionate life stressors, justifying the disproportionate scripting to authentically represent resilience amid chaos rather than sanitizing for comfort.

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  88. https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hollyoaks/a330538/hollyoaks-star-kieron-richardson-teases-ste-brendan-future/
  89. https://metro.co.uk/2019/09/18/16-year-old-far-right-extremist-sought-help-watching-hollyoaks-ste-storyline-10767829/
  90. https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/2430335/hollyoaks-ste-hay-since-the-far-right-story
  91. https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hollyoaks/a65403563/hollyoaks-ofcom-investigation-rules-ste-hay-scenes/
  92. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/37098110/hollyoaks-fans-slam-soap-later-episode-disturbing-rape-scene/
  93. https://www.reddit.com/r/hollyoaks/comments/1mefshb/is_ste_ever_going_to_be_held_accountable/
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