The Daily Star March 2007
HOLLYOAKS STAR JAMES BARES HIS SOUL ON GAY ROLE...AND MAKES A MOTHER'S DAY PLEA
Hollyoaks hunk James Sutton says no one deserves a Mother's Day break more than his screen mum. Poor Myra McQueen has been the centre of some of the Channel 4 soaps biggest storylines over the past year, thanks to her kids' wild ways. Myra (Nicole Barber-Lane) has been ragged, sorting out their lives. But after putting her feet up today she's going to have to pick up where she left off - with James' character John Paul in hot water once again.
John Paul recently "came out" and admitted he's gay - something James has been taking a ribbing over from his real-life pals. And he's soon set to be at he centre of one of the soaps most controversial scenes when he romps with best friend Craig Dean (Guy Burnet). But James reckons he and his screen sisters including Jennfier Metcalfe (Mercedes), Gemma Merna (Carmel) and Claire Cooper (Jacqui), who all took part in our photoshoot, cope so well with things on and off the set thanks to "mum" Nicole.
James said: "The writers have handled the issues surrounding John Paul's sexuality so sensitively. "It's been more about romance than sex. and I was so glad that when he did come out his family were right behind him. It was really important to show that side of it. "His sisters were all fantastic about it and Myra was amazing.
"It's funny as Nicole is very similar to my own mum. She even tells me off when i'm misbehaving on set. "Myra definetly has her hands full being a mum to us lot but she handles it really well. She deserves a break today - but she'd better enjoy it while she can!"
James also defended his bosses' plan to show his gay sex scene in the shows tea-time slot. He has yet to film it but he's read the scripts and believes it was something they had to do. He added: "A lot will be left to the imagination but viewers will be in doubt as to what has gone on. I just feel incredibly lucky to have such a great storyline."
- Daily Star March 2007
