| Lizzie Chen-Williams | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollyoaks character | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Lily Best | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 2021–2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First appearance | Episode 5745 17 December 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last appearance | Episode 6369 7 May 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Lucy Allan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lizzie Chen-Williams, played by Lily Best, made her first appearance on 17 December 2021 and her last appearance on 7 May 2024 when the character was killed off. The character was announced in the programme's 2021 winter trailer, where she was confirmed to be a new love interest for Sid Sumner (Billy Price). The trailer also showed her having a connection with Serena (Emma Lau), who had previously had a romantic interest in Sid.[1] Later scenes confirmed that she is the stepsister of Serena.[2] The role is Best's first television role following her education at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. She described her audition process for Hollyoaks as one of the nicest that she had experienced, noting that it was relaxed and that the casting directors made her feel welcome. The final round of Best's audition process involved her visiting the Hollyoaks studio, which she found daunting. She found the cast and crew to be welcoming, and after she was informed that she had been cast as Lizzie, she cried due to feeling lucky.[2] An official Hollyoaks video highlighting the Chen-Williams family called Lizzie "The sassy sister".[3]
Storylines
editLizzie was killed-off in a previously unannounced departure on 7 May 2024 after taking impure drugs sold by Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas).
Development
editCasting and characterisation
editBest described Lizzie as "the epitome of bubbly" and said that she "brings a really good energy into the room… unless you annoy her or upset her".[2] When asked if her character has any secrets, Best opined that Lizzie is a fairly open character, but hinted that she has some underlying insecurities which viewers would see when she argues with Serena. Lizzie's debut formed part of the introduction of the Chen-Williams, a new family on Hollyoaks. On being introduced as part of the family, Best said that she felt lucky to be involved, especially due to the Chen-Williams being the first East Asian family on a soap opera.[2] Speaking more about Lizzie's initial connection with Sid, the actress said that she likes Sid a lot due to seeing the real him. Lizzie is also initially unaware that Sid and her stepsister have shared a kiss. On it eventually being revealed to Lizzie, Best said that it would hit her "like a ton of bricks" due to not expecting it at all.[2] However, she noted that despite her feelings for Sid, Lizzie would step aside and support Serena and Sid if they decided to pursue a romantic relationship.[2] When the truth emerges, Sid affirms that he wants to continue his relationship with Lizzie. Best said that she likes Sid and Lizzie together due to their contrasting personalities, with Sid's moodiness and her own character being a "breath of fresh air".[4] They both get jobs at The Dog in the Pond public house, which for Lizzie allows her to be creative and have fun. On the eventuality of more drama hitting her relationship with Sid, Best said that Lizzie would not enjoy the drama but would take it on due to being a "force to be reckoned with".[4]
Reception
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Winter trailer characterswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b c d e f Cite error: The named reference
Lizziewas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
Videowas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Penwill, Alice (5–11 February 2022). "Lizzie's a breath of fresh air!". Inside Soap. p. 49.