Ray Quinn thinks Hollyoaks' far-right storyline is "important" to tell so viewers see "how extreme" such people can be.
Ray Quinn as Jonny Baxter
The 30-year-old actor recently joined the Channel 4 soap as extremist Jonny Baxter who will indoctrinate Kieron Richardson's character Ste Hay into his group in upcoming scenes, and the former 'Brookside' star hopes the plot will make viewers more "aware and knowledgeable" about the subject.
He said: "It's important because it's getting it out there on the television every day, and I think it's better to have it out there so viewers can see how extreme it can go.
"The core issue is going on every single day, and in some cases, to people we know and love. When it's on the forefront of people's minds every day at half past six on Channel 4, it makes people more aware and knowledgeable on the subject, so people can be wary of it."
Through researching the plot with real-life examples, Ray has learned that his character Jonny and his pal Stuart Summer's (Chris Simmons) group recruit Ste because they want the movement to "expand" and become heard.
He added: "Jonny and Stuart have targeted Ste because, from what I have learned from the research chats we have had, the movement is looking to recruit a variety within the group to broaden the horizon of where it first began.
"They bring in a gay man in order for the group to grow and expand and make
their movement heard. Ste is vulnerable, because he's gone through a lot. He's scared because he's been hurt. He's right at the bottom of the barrel before Jonny arrived."
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