Matthew James-Bailey
Hollyoaks’ Ethan Williams
Dishy Ethan has been setting our screens alight with his hot romance with Sienna! Though will Hollyoaks star Matthew break a sweat while he answers our readers’ burning questions?
“Who was the first person you met in the Hollyoaks cast?”
The first person I met was Ashley Taylor Dawson, when Ethan kidnapped Darren! And what a great introduction to have to the show, because he just embodies everything Hollyoaks. It was really enjoyable – and now Ethan and Darren have a blossoming bromance!
“Is it true you played another part on Hollyoaks before Ethan?”
Yes, I did! I played a character called Jake, who again was a bit of a troublemaker; he came in and stole some laptops from under the McQueens’ noses. That was back in 2016, and clearly I made an impression as a not-very-nice guy, because they asked me back!
“Who’s your best friend in the Hollyoaks cast?”
I have two – me and Lily [Best, who plays Lizzie] absolutely adore each other. We came in together as part of the ChenWilliams family, and the laughs we have are ridiculous. It’s just the best of times. But working with Anna [Passey, aka Sienna] is just like working with my best mate. That’s why I think the chemistry is so great on screen.
“Which actor have you learned most from?”
Dominic Power [Dave] is an absolute powerhouse. I’ve learned so much from him. With Dom, I often find myself forgetting that I’m acting and just watching him, and admiring how good he is.
“What would be your dream storyline for Ethan?”
I like the idea of Ethan going to space! That’s never been done before in a soap, has it? Let’s push some boundaries and get him into space – I think I’m on to a winner here!
“If there was a film of your life, who would you want to play you?”
I’d really like to see Anna Passey play me, just to see what direction she’d go with! I think she’d really commit to the role, cut her hair and put on a bit of an Essex accent. I keep asking her to do an impression of me, but she absolutely refuses.
“Do you have a hidden talent?”
“What’s your karaoke go-to song?”
Staying Alive, by the Bee Gees. I was indoctrinated by my dad growing up, because the Bee Gees and Fleetwood Mac were all that was playing during my childhood.
Disco is my secret persona!
“What was it like working with Russell T Davies on the TV show Cucumber?”
“Who was the first cast member you met?”
The only word I can use to describe Russell is genius. He’s an absolute pleasure to work with, because he doesn’t just write it and disappear; he’ll be there on set, talking you through it and his vision for the character. I bumped into him the other day actually. He gave me my TV debut, so I’ll always be grateful.
“Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever been recognised?”
Iceland. Not the shop – the country! I was recognised outside the hotel by two Icelandic girls, and that was quite early doors, when Ethan had just come in. I didn’t realise there were big Hollyoaks fans in Iceland, so that was a bit of a surreal experience.
“Where’s your favourite holiday destination? And where would you like to go?”
One of the greatest places I’ve been, hands down, is New Zealand. That country is incredible, from the arid deserts to the tropical rainforests, to the beautiful beaches and snowcapped mountains. You have it all. And the one place I’m yet to tick off is Asia, because Covid ruined my plans. I’d love to travel through Japan, Thailand and Cambodia, so hopefully that’s next.
“Do you have a hidden talent?”
I’ve been playing guitar my whole life, with my two brothers. I also sing a bit. I’m actually quite big into country I’m a massive Tom Cruise fan, so if I could choose any film to be in, it would be Top Gun. I’m an adrenaline junkie and I love adventure, and that film was just pure cinema. I’d love to have been involved in it. And I’d absolutely do all my own stunts as well! music, I don’t know if that’s my American dad’s influence, but that’s my secret guilty obsession. Nobody else was into it five years ago, but now it’s gaining traction, which is really nice to see.
“Ethan is running the Loft, but how would you fare in charge of a nightclub?”
I would be absolutely terrible at it! I would be getting involved every single night, giving free drinks to everyone, and I’d end up running the business into the ground! But I’d have fun doing it. I do think there’s a gap in the market for a hybrid disco/country nightclub, though, so let’s get that going!
“Is there a film or TV show you wish you’d starred in?” …asks Hannah from Manchester