Ellis’ father arrives in the village
FAMILY DRAMA AS ELLIS’ DAD ARRIVES IN THE VILLAGE…
There’s a big shock for Ellis this week, when his dad Al makes an uninvited appearance in the village. Father and son haven’t spoken to each other in almost a year, so the last thing Ellis is expecting is for Al to arrive on his doorstep out of the blue. But why has he turned up now – and what does he want from his boy?
“Al comes back and wants to pick up with Ellis where he left off – and obviously Ellis is not too happy about that,” admits Michael Wildman, who plays the elusive father. “Al’s been abroad on business, and at first it’s not quite clear what his intentions are. But he’s the kind of person who just thinks he can walk straight back into someone’s life and carry on as normal. However, Ellis has other feelings about that…”
Ellis’ mother Jessie married Al very soon after her first husband Evan died. Jessie had never really got over losing Evan – with whom she had eldest son Billy – and she and Al eventually divorced on bad terms. So it’s no surprise that Jessie and Billy are just as unhappy as Ellis to see Al back.
“Ellis is blood and Billy isn’t, so he and Al are even more estranged than Al and Ellis,” sighs Michael. “Billy doesn’t like Al at all. Billy went to prison for GBH shortly after Al and Jessie split, so Al left them just as Billy needed a father figure. Al is there to build bridges with Ellis, and as far as Jessie is concerned, there’s nothing for her and Al to talk about…”
Unfortunately for Jessie, Al’s visit makes what’s already a disastrous week a whole lot worse. Having resigned her
Al comes back and wants to pick up with Ellis where he left off…”
head teacher’s post in light of Maya’s scandal and the discovery of Lydia’s baby’s remains, Jessie’s in a pit of despair. She’s humiliated – and drunk – when Nicola confronts her over Maya, prompting Jessie to fling back damning accusations concerning the local kids!
Unbeknown to Jessie, Al is secretly watching as her mortified family escorts her home. It’s not until the next day that Ellis realises his dad is back – but will he allow Al to stay long enough to reveal his plans?
“I’m not sure anyone will be pleased to see Al!” says Michael. “He’s the type of character who just waltzes in and feels comfortable – and will always ruffle feathers. He’s predominantly back for Ellis, but is something else linked to that? We’ll have to wait and see!”