A Q&A with Danny Mac of Hollyoaks

20 August 2012

Name:
Danny Mac

 

Who do you play?
Mark (Dodger) Savage

 

How would you describe the character you play?
He's a loveable rogue and a ladies man with strong family loyalties and strict principles. He would do ANYTHING for the people he cares about. He has a HUGE heart but a short temper, with a reluctance to commit. His exterior is that of a free spirit but his interior is troubled and confused thanks to an ever-growing lack of knowledge of where he came from and who he truly is, following the revelation of a family life built on lies and secrets.

 

Are you anything like him in real life?
A bit - all his best bits are me and the worst are fictional, ha! I think we are similar in a way, as I'm 'one of the boys'. However, I'm a thinker and quite rational about stuff that surrounds me. I think Dodger sometimes is too, he has this very secure, confident front, I do believe he's a 'thinker' to some extent, but I think his biggest flaw is when he can't understand or justify his thoughts or feelings. If he feels something that scares him, he freaks out, becomes aggressive or runs away, which obviously has a great effect on the people around him.

 

If you could play any other character, who would you choose, and why?
It'd have to be someone crazy like Silas or totally different like Will. Will's such an introvert and it leaves a lot to play with, which James Atherton does incredibly. 

 

How long have you been in Hollyoaks?
Since February 2011 - the Savage brother's first episode aired on 7th April 2011.

 

What's been your favourite scene to shoot in Hollyoaks?
There's a scene coming up where Dodger smashes up his van. I got to throw paint over it, then sledge hammer the driver's window and the windscreen. That was great fun.

 

And your worst?
That 'outside shower' scene back when I started. It was late Feb and the fountain was frozen over. 

 

What would be your ideal storyline for your character?
I like what's going on with Dodger and his family history, so would really like that to be explored. I'd also love to be involved in a big stunt or something that looks really impressive. I think it'd be great to see Dodger get in some real trouble too. I had a taste of it early doors when Dodger started dealing with Brendan and Warren and it made a nice change from flirting with the ladies.

 

Who is the hottest cast member?
Thomas Scurr, who plays Barney!

 

Have you ever given anyone a Hollyoaks calendar as a present?
Ha, no. 

 

Do you ever use your job to jump queues for bars, clubs etc?
Shamefully yeah, but only if we know them and it's in advance, never on the door!

 

Do you ever get sent any weird fan mail?
Not weird as of yet. It's always been pretty pleasant. 

 

Who's your best mate in the cast?
I'd say James Atherton as we play brothers and live together, we get on really well. Everyone loves ‘Jim' - he's everyone's best mate. Also Bianca and I are good mates, which is great because we work a lot together, she's a top girl. 

 

Who's the worst in the cast for inappropriate laughter?
Me and James used to struggle at times depending on our mood. But I think the worst I've ever had it was with the Scan (Emmett J Scanlan) during a 'staring contest' scene last year. It was painful and worse when no-one else found it funny.   

 

Who's the worst for forgetting lines?
Everyone's pretty much on their lines. That's your job at the end of the day.

 

What's the best thing about being in Hollyoaks?
Having a job! And not knowing what's going to happen to you next.

 

What's the worst?
Not knowing what's going to happen to you next!