FAREWELL INTERIEW: DARREN JON JEFFRIES
Monday 25 February
As OB leaves HOLLYOAKS and heads to the bright lights of London, we've put together a last interview with Darren Jon Jeffries...
Monday 25 February
As OB leaves HOLLYOAKS and heads to the bright lights of London, we've put together a last interview with Darren Jon Jeffries...
What has been your favourite storyline for OB over the years?
There have been so many in the space of ten years that I've really loved at the time, but can't remember now. The Clare and Max storyline was brilliant. Bryan Kirkwood really believed I could do something more serious like that. Previously I'd done a lot of comedy which was great, but Bryan gave me the chance to challenge myself and do something new.
There have been so many in the space of ten years that I've really loved at the time, but can't remember now. The Clare and Max storyline was brilliant. Bryan Kirkwood really believed I could do something more serious like that. Previously I'd done a lot of comedy which was great, but Bryan gave me the chance to challenge myself and do something new.
Can you think of any scenes that you really dreaded doing?
I'm not fan of getting my kit off! I'm not especially shy but I'm not vain either so I don't look forward to naked scenes or swimming pool scenes. It's not like I can't sleep the night before but I don't look forward to it, I'd rather be in my hoodie. I'm also not a fan of Max and OB's flat it's really dark on set. Although it looks good on screen, there's no natural light making it a bit dark and depressing.
I'm not fan of getting my kit off! I'm not especially shy but I'm not vain either so I don't look forward to naked scenes or swimming pool scenes. It's not like I can't sleep the night before but I don't look forward to it, I'd rather be in my hoodie. I'm also not a fan of Max and OB's flat it's really dark on set. Although it looks good on screen, there's no natural light making it a bit dark and depressing.
Do you think you will ever return to the show?
I'd never say never to coming back, I don't think you can as an actor. I like to think I'll be doing other things but would maybe like to come back for a one-off or a couple of episodes. I want to move on really, but as I said you can never say never.
I'd never say never to coming back, I don't think you can as an actor. I like to think I'll be doing other things but would maybe like to come back for a one-off or a couple of episodes. I want to move on really, but as I said you can never say never.
What do you think has been your finest moment on the show?
More recently it has to be punching Clare! No one cares that I saved Max just that I punched Clare. The single that Max and OB recorded in the early days too, people always ask about that so I think it must be quite memorable.
More recently it has to be punching Clare! No one cares that I saved Max just that I punched Clare. The single that Max and OB recorded in the early days too, people always ask about that so I think it must be quite memorable.
If you could go back in time and change the ending to any of OB's storylines which would it be and why?
I still to this day think it's a shame that the twins (Mel and Sophie Burton) were written out. Bryan Kirkwood does a fantastic job and I respect his reasons, but I was really sad to see the twins go because we got on so well, we still are very close. I think OB and Mel would have made a good couple and people wanted to see them together, so if I could, I would make both twins survive the fire.
I still to this day think it's a shame that the twins (Mel and Sophie Burton) were written out. Bryan Kirkwood does a fantastic job and I respect his reasons, but I was really sad to see the twins go because we got on so well, we still are very close. I think OB and Mel would have made a good couple and people wanted to see them together, so if I could, I would make both twins survive the fire.
Who will you miss the most?,/strong>
I'll really miss Matt (Max) and Ellis (Tom) but I'll still see Matt all the time. The thing with Ellis is that I have watched him grow up from the age of three, and he's seven now. Every time you see him he's grown up a bit more - he's a bit bigger and says more grown up stuff. It will be sad not to see him for long periods because he'll have changed lots so I'll miss that. I'll miss a lot of crew too; they've known me since I was 15.
I'll really miss Matt (Max) and Ellis (Tom) but I'll still see Matt all the time. The thing with Ellis is that I have watched him grow up from the age of three, and he's seven now. Every time you see him he's grown up a bit more - he's a bit bigger and says more grown up stuff. It will be sad not to see him for long periods because he'll have changed lots so I'll miss that. I'll miss a lot of crew too; they've known me since I was 15.
Which bits about the job will you miss most?
Well I just love acting so probably acting regularly is what I'll miss most. Being in a soap is the best job for working constantly. It's hard work but it's regular work and no actor would turn that down. It's an insecure profession so I know I'll miss the regularity of the job.
Well I just love acting so probably acting regularly is what I'll miss most. Being in a soap is the best job for working constantly. It's hard work but it's regular work and no actor would turn that down. It's an insecure profession so I know I'll miss the regularity of the job.
So Darren, what would your ideal job for the future?
I want to do something really gritty! OB is a large character personality-wise, and I'd love to do performances which were more understated, real, and gritty. Anything like that and I'd jump at the chance.
I want to do something really gritty! OB is a large character personality-wise, and I'd love to do performances which were more understated, real, and gritty. Anything like that and I'd jump at the chance.
What plans do you have for the future?
Well I'm sorting a new agent out because I was with a kids agent because I started so young. I'm thinking of moving to London as well for a bit of a change, I get itchy feet and don't like to stay anywhere too long. Basically, I want to do the things I haven't had time to do like learn how to play the guitar, and I really want to learn a language which I'm definitely going to do. I want to stay proactive and have plenty to do while I'm auditioning.
Well I'm sorting a new agent out because I was with a kids agent because I started so young. I'm thinking of moving to London as well for a bit of a change, I get itchy feet and don't like to stay anywhere too long. Basically, I want to do the things I haven't had time to do like learn how to play the guitar, and I really want to learn a language which I'm definitely going to do. I want to stay proactive and have plenty to do while I'm auditioning.
I'm glad to be doing this interview to set the record straight to the HOLLYOAKS fans, as there seems to be some speculation about why I'm leaving. I've heard so many rumours, one saying that I'm leaving to look after my daughter and I don't even have a daughter! I also heard that people thought I was leaving but being replaced! The truth isn't as scandalous as that I'm afraid!
Everyone at HOLLYOAKS wishes Darren all the best in whatever he goes on to do next.
Check out the brilliant photo gallery of OB's finest moments on the show from the past ten years here!
Everyone at HOLLYOAKS wishes Darren all the best in whatever he goes on to do next.
Check out the brilliant photo gallery of OB's finest moments on the show from the past ten years here!
