Vincent Elegba
| Vincent Elegba | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Hollyoaks character | |
| Portrayed by | John Omole |
| Duration | 2013–2014 |
| First appearance | 16 April 2013 |
| Last appearance | 18 September 2014 |
| Introduced by | Bryan Kirkwood |
| Classification | Former; regular |
| Profile | |
| Occupation | Barista (2013) |
| Home | London |
Vincent Elegba is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, played by John Omole. The character made his first screen appearance on 16 April 2013. Vincent is an illegal immigrant from Nigeria. He left the country to seek refuge fearing persecution because he is gay. The storyline has been described as an original by those involved. The show worked closely with LGB charity Stonewall to portray the issue. His main scene partners have been Phoebe McQueen (Mandip Gill) and George Smith (Steven Roberts). His friendship with Phoebe explored unrequited love as she pursued a relationship while Vincent fell in love with George. His subsequent detaining by immigration officials found him placed on remand and becoming the victim of homophobic violence. The character has proved unpopular with critic Anthony D. Langford from TheBacklot.com who has often deemed his relationship with George as implausible.
The character departed the show on 18 February 2014 and has since been written back into the show. Vincent then returned on 17 September 2014, nearly seven months later.
Omole's casting was announced on 5 February 2013 via his management's website. The actor initially signed a six-month contract with Hollyoaks. Vincent was then reported to be from Uganda. Omole's agent informed him that Vincent would be gay prior to auditioning. He recalls the Hollyoaks audition process as being a "fantastic" one.
Vincent is from Nigeria and he seeks refuge illegally in the United Kingdom. Omole has described Vincent as a "nice guy" who would never intentionally hurt people. He has a "hero complex" where he feels obliged to help those close to him. Omole told Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy that Vincent has a "sweetness of him [that] is attractive" to viewers. Vincent has a Nigerian accent but Omole is from London. As his parents originate from the country, Omole can project a thick Nigerian accent. But he did tone the accent down knowing that a broad audience watch Hollyoaks. But Omole felt that he struggled to find the right level of projection.
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