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ME VS MY CHARACTER: GERARD McCARTHY
Thursday 1 November
How would you sum up your character's look?
Experimental and provocative. Kris's style is difficult to describe as although he wears clothes generally aimed at women he's not a cross-dresser or a transvestite. His clothes are very much an individual look rather than an attempt to convince people that he is a woman!
How does this differ from your own look when you are at home?
I'm really boring, just jeans and jumpers. I don't even wear shorts in summer as I have really girly legs!
How did you envisage that your character would dress when you auditioned for the part?
When I first auditioned I thought that Kris was a goth but as we got further into the process I was told that he wore women's clothes. The casting team explained that Kris's style was aimed at provoking a reaction rather than a drag queen look - sort of Eddie Izzard or Russell Brand.
Were you surprised the first time that you saw yourself as your character?
Yes, definitely. Going into make up is like being on Stars In Their Eyes every day. I find it really interesting to watch how I change in the mirror.
Do you find it embarrassing when you have to walk around the building wearing something particularly outrageous?
I did at the start until I realised that so many of the girls in the cast think that men in make up is a bit hot!
Did you contribute to your characters look or have you helped his style to evolve in any way?
I have had a few heated debates in the costume department but only because Kris's look is such an important part of his character. I think that the trick is to balance the look – if he is wearing thigh high boots for example, its important that there are other traditionally masculine items in the outfit.
Were you involved with sourcing your character's clothes or is that left to the costume department?
I was actually. They brought me into women's clothes shops and I had to go into the changing rooms to try stuff on. I was mortified because it was before I appeared on screen and no-one knew what we were doing!
Would you like your character to look more like you do in real life or is it easier to play such an opposite?
No. Kris is such an interesting character and I love playing him, I wouldn't want him to be more like me at all.
If you could change one thing about your characters look what would it be?
I don't think I would change anything... except maybe having to wear lipstick. I don't mind the other make up but wearing lipstick feels really alien!
If you could take one item of your character's wardrobe home what would it be?
Well it certainly wouldn't be the fishnets or shoes!! If I could take one thing to remind me of Kris I think it would have to be his new full-length denim coat which was made from 30 pairs of old cast members jeans. I think that really sums up Kris's character, that he has taken things that normal people wear and put them together into something creative.
Who do you think has the best and worst looks in Hollyoaks?
The worst look would have to be either the McQueens for the ridiculous clothes that they wear or Ricky Whittle for not having to wear any clothes at all!! Jacqui and Michaela do have to wear some really awful outfits though. I think the best look would be Roxanne McKee (Louise), she does really well in the costume department.
Who has the best look outside of Hollyoaks?
I think I'm going to say Loui Batley as she has a really great style and the confidence to try new looks.
