Tylan Grant's Hollyoaks character changes name to Phoenix: 'I'm a guy'

Hollyoaks has aired powerful scenes yet again this week, with Tylan Grant’s character opening up to Charlie Dean (Charlie Behan), revealing that he has changed his name to Phoenix and now identifies as a man.

The popular regular character, who works at The Love Boat, confided in Charlie, who has been struggling with his mental health over the past few months, with scenes earlier this week seeing him attempt to take his own life.

Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) managed to track him down and save him before it was too late, with Charlie subsequently being hospitalised with secondary drowning.

Charlie refused to seek help – until Oscar (Noah Holdsworth) paid him a visit, asking him not to go, hoping he would instead stay to look after him. Emotional, Charlie promised that he wouldn’t be going anywhere, as he vowed to seek help.

Wednesday’s first look offering of the Channel 4 soap saw the teen return home, and there was conflict aplenty between he and Darren once more, as he reconsidered counselling.

Hoping to offer support, Phoenix approached Charlie and proceeded to give him a hug, with Charlie subsequently asking his sibling to tell him anything as a way to distract him. It was at this point that Phoenix revealed his new name, before proceeding to explain to Charlie that he’s a man.

‘For Ripley, non-binary was exactly who they were,’ said Phoenix. ‘But for me, I knew I wasn’t a girl. There was a big part of myself that I was suppressing and I can admit that now.

‘I’m a guy’.

Charlie, in typical Charlie fashion, proved supportive, and subsequently received some advice from Phoenix, who shared his perspective on the teen’s struggles.

Charlie isn’t the only one who proves supportive either, with Darren and Jack (Jimmy McKenna) both delighted that Phoenix felt able to trust them with his news in upcoming scenes.

Discussing the storyline, Tylan said: ‘I hope people enjoy the story and will learn something from it, especially with Charlie’s reaction and the rest of the Osborne family.

‘It’s very daunting and not an easy thing to realise who you are and then announce who you are, whether that’s in a big proximity or a small one.

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‘The responses we see from the characters are something to really look up to,’ he continued to Digital Spy. I’m really proud of what’s been done and I’m excited for Phoenix’s future.’

Tylan, who underwent transition surgery earlier this year, shared his ‘joy’ following the surgery. ‘To my trans family – euphoria and liberation is our birthright.

‘Please never give up on it, our happiness is worth it!!!’

Tylan’s friends and loved ones were quick to comment, with mum Carrie writing: ‘You are a light, you are brave and strong and I champion you my son. #ProudMama’.

Hollyoaks continues on Thursday September 7 at 7pm on E4 or stream the next episode from midnight.

Need support?

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.

If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: [email protected] between the hours of 9am and midnight.

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