'Oaks star disappointed over plot axe

Hollyoaks star Amber Hodgkiss has expressed disappointment over the decision to axe the soap's controversial child killer plot.

The 21-year-old actress had filmed scenes as village newcomer Chrissy, who was to play a key part in the high-profile storyline focusing on show regular Loretta Jones's (Melissa Walton) dark past.

In scenes scheduled to air this week, viewers were to see Loretta exposed as a killer when her old friend Chrissy made a shock appearance. It was to be revealed that the pair had been living under new identities after they killed a 12-year-old girl when they were the same age.

However, the programme's producers scrapped the plotline just days before transmission following complaints from Denise Fergus, the mother of murdered 2-year-old James Bulger. Fergus had felt that the story mirrored the death of her son, who was abducted and killed by two 10-year-olds in Merseyside in 1993.

Hodgkiss has now told Wigan Today that she is saddened by the axing of her scenes, though she said that she understood why the decision was made.

She commented: "The storyline has been completely cut. I am not so happy about it. I would like it to go ahead, but I don't have that decision. It wasn't based on Jamie Bulger, but people portrayed it that way. It was quite a big storyline that could affect people, but it happens and I am fine.

"I was very honoured to play such a role. Chrissy was a huge character."

The actress added: "I was overjoyed when I got the part. It was my first big role, but hopefully bigger and better things will come. It was great meeting the cast. They were lovely and very welcoming, especially Melissa. I hope to stay friends with them."

Hodgkiss also reportedly said that she would "love" to be offered the chance to play another character on Hollyoaks in the future.