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Hollyoaks star Richard Blackwood has had a pretty fascinating life off-camera.
The actor joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap as Felix Westwood in 2020, having previously appeared on EastEnders as Vincent Hubard. He spent three years portraying the gangster on the rival BBC One soap from 2015 until 2018 when his character mysteriously disappeared after falling into a trap orchestrated by Walford hardman Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
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Vincent was last seen stranded with a gun pushed into his head, leaving his fate unknown. Daily Star has taken a look into Richard's life away from Soapland as Felix battles with his own demonds in Hollyoaks village.
Saucy DMs
Richard is no stranger to the limelight and certainly attracted a lot of attention from soap fans when he joined EastEnders back in 2015. Speaking shortly after his character's arrival in Albert Square, the actor revealed that he was bombarded with naughty messages on social media.
He previously told Daily Star: "They say stuff I couldn't repeat in a newspaper. It seems women like the bad guy. I think they like someone who doesn't play by the rules. They buy into the fantasy of a guy who is a bit rebellious and has no fear. It's all part of the business, I don't take it too seriously. Back in the day people would send me fan letters but now they're sending me messages instantly. So I understand it, you have to almost expect it."
Supermodel step-sister
Richard isn't the only famous star in his extended family. The actor was once step siblings with supermodel Naomi Campbell. They lived together for a brief period in the 1980s after Richard's dad Cliff married Naomi's mum Valerie.
Cliff and Valerie separated after seven years but speaking to The Guardian years ago, Richard said the pair remained friendly in the years that followed. He said: "We were closer when we were younger – then my dad and her mum split up. She's got her life to lead, and I have my own.
"Remember, we were only together for a short space of time; our parents were together for only seven years. But we speak from time to time. Naomi's good people. She was a good sister for a long time. She saw me at the clubs. We still talk."
Bankruptcy heartache
Richard has bounced back from hard times to enjoy the soap success he has today and has been candid about his past suicide attempt.
In an Instagram interview last year, the actor revealed that he purchased a gun with the intent of killing himself in 2003 after being made bankrupt. Richard said: "I tried to shoot myself, I went to pull the trigger."
Later in the interview, Richard explaining how he was saved by his former partner Samia Stokes, who hit the gun out of his hand as he went to pull the trigger. Explaining that the gun had been in his mouth at the time, he added: "How she stopped me from doing it, is that she picked it up and she goes: 'I'll shoot myself at first then you shoot you.' And that's how she stopped me. That's the truth."
Mum's tragic death
Richard's mum sadly passed away in December 2020. He confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram at the time and shared a plethora of snaps of the pair of them alongside the tragic news.
His mum had battled cancer three separate times and died surrounded by loved ones. The TV penned: "I post and write this with a Heavy Heart this morning! I never put too much up over the last few weeks but my close friends and Family knew my mum was fighting her 3rd battle with Cancer!"
"She passed away in my arms last night in front of my Sister, My Niece and my Son!! I’m not going to spend too many words on here cause I just don’t feel too but I want to Thank everyone that was supporting, That was reaching out, even those that just checked in on a how are you in this time!!! The reason I still say God is Good because he is thats how Mum raised us! Mum you're watching over us now but I’m honoured to be your Son Love You."
Televised poo
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Back in 2003, when he was an MTV presenter, Richard really let the cameras in on his most intimate moments when he had a colonic irrigation on-screen. Is part of Celebrity Detox Camp, the actor let the cameras roll as he had the procedure done.
He was seen grimacing as he got in position and the machine started doing its work, leading to hilarious viewing. Richard went on to show viewers the results in a moment which, thankfully, many fans have since forgotten.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that
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- Eastenders
- Hollyoaks
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