Production
In August 2020, Hollyoaks's broadcaster, Channel 4, expressed their plan to host a Black Takeover Day, which was later renamed to Black to Front. For the day, Channel 4's flagship programming aired episodes starring and created by Black talent. The purpose of the initiative was to "amplify the conversations around representation and diversity" a year after the protest movement arising from the murder of George Floyd.[1] The broadcaster worked with the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity for Black to Front. The centre stated that if the initiative were to be handled incorrectly, it would risk people believing that Channel 4 are attempting to capitalise on Black Lives Matter.[2] Alongside programmes including The Big Breakfast, Countdown and Celebrity Gogglebox, it was confirmed that Hollyoaks would be included in the initiative.[3] It was confirmed that the episode would have an extended runtime of 60 minutes and would solely feature Black cast members, as well as a predominantly Black production team. The clothing worn by cast members was also sourced from local Black-owned businesses.[4] Grant, who portrays Brooke, commented that it was their favourite costumes to date.[5] All of the music featured was performed by Black musicians, some suggested by cast members.[5]
On 25 July 2021, it was confirmed by The Guardian that filming was underway. They revealed that the episode would be centred around Walter's birthday and that it would feature both new and existing Black characters. They also revealed that actor Patrick Robinson would be making his directorial debut on a continuing drama by directing.[2] Bryan acted as a script consultant, alongside starring as Martine.[6] In an interview with The Guardian, Hollyoaks's executive producer Lucy Allan stated that the team were prepared to receive criticism following the episode. However, Allan said that negative comments from viewers would not matter to her or the team and that people who do not understand the concept are "all the more reason" to execute it.[2] Blackwood, who portrays Felix, was interviewed by Stephen Patterson of the Metro about the episode. He felt that since Black people are "not really on the screen", it was important to show equality onscreen.[7] Blackwood added: "we live in a multicultural society and it needs to be represented".[7]
A week before the episode aired, it was confirmed that a stunt involving Felix would take place. The production team hinted that the stunt could result in Felix's death. The stunt involved Blackwood's character almost drowning and being resurfaced from the water.[8] Blackwood said that he enjoyed filming the stunt but that he found it difficult to put his head completely underwater. He wished that he could have performed the full stunt himself, feeling that seeing a stunt double film "takes away from the magic of being involved".[7] As well as immersing himself underwater, Blackwood also found it difficult to act unconscious. He said that since breathing is the first instinct when emerging from water, it was hard to act like he had passed out, especially due to not being able to train for such a performance.[8] Ade, who made his debut appearance as DeMarcus in the episode, found filming the stunt "crazy", owing his nervousness during the stunt to the fact that he cannot swim in real life.[7] He was scared to be on the lake but confirmed that everyone involved in the production of the stunt was cautious and followed safety precautions.[7] Due to the cold weather and water during the filming of the stunt, cast members who were involved had to wear wetsuits.[8]
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Griffin, who portrays Ripley, said that the theme of the episode is love, and that it involves Ripley and Brooke realising that they may have a romantic connection. The couple's plot centres on Ripley continuously messing up their dates, but Brooke seeing an endearing quality in Ripley's efforts to make them work. Griffin was happy to be featured in the episode and praised director Robinson for "created an amazing environment for [them] to work in".[5] Ali, who portrays Celeste, felt honoured to appear, describing the episode as "history".[10] Ali said that it would have "a lot of highs, a lot of lows, and a lot of drama" but stated that ultimately, the episode is focused on bringing the Deveraux family together.[10] She hoped that it would show a variety of Black characterisation and that they should not be typecast. Like co-star Griffin, Ali also praised Robinson for his involvement. She explained that due to his acting background, Robinson could sympathise with the cast members and give individual notes to all of them. She liked being able to get his opinion and to see his perspective, as she felt it was helpful and beneficial.[10]
For the episode, numerous Black cast members made their first appearance and it was confirmed that they would continue to appear in Hollyoaks as series regulars. They also hinted that two Black guest stars would appear in it.[11] These characters were later confirmed to be Nate,[12] Olivia,[13] Pearl,[14] DeMarcus[15] and returning character Prince.[16] Thompson-Dwyer voiced his excitement to reprise his role as Prince for the episode since he felt that the episode would raise awareness that he felt is needed on television.[16] The guest stars were later confirmed to be Jamelia and DJ Target.[17] Jamelia appeared in the episode as Sharon Bailey, the daughter of Pearl. She described the filming process as "the most fantastic experience".[9] Jamelia felt like she had been around family during the filming of the episode and described the process as joyous.[9]
