Jacqui Mc Queen

Jacqui Mc Queen

Jacqueline "Jacqui" McQueen (credited as Jacqui Ashworth, previously Malota) is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Claire Cooper. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 26 September 2006 and was introduced by series producer Bryan Kirkwood as part of the McQueen family. Cooper has stated that whilst Lucy Allan produced the serial she was not used and Jacqui had "lost her identity". In 2010 when Paul Marquess took over the role, he recognised she was an under used character split her apart from her on-screen family, subsequently increasing her role within the show. Jacqui has been portrayed as a "tough ex-con" and is extremely feisty, she often takes on the matriarch role within her family. She is also described as loyal and is one of a few characters to remain faithful within a relationship in the serial itself.

Many of Jacqui's early storylines revolved around her life of crime, marrying illegal immigrant Aleksander Malota to pay off debts and her wayward relationship with Tony Hutchinson, which became popular with viewers. One of her most prominent early plots involved her desire to have her own child after a miscarriage left her unable to, this resulted in failed adoption, various surrogate mother stories involving her family and eventually led to the breakdown of her relationship with Tony. Jacqui's later storylines involved her relationship with racist Des Townsend, covering up Calvin Valentine's murder, being blackmailed and held at knife point for sex and a "surprise relationship" with Rhys Ashworth which also become very popular with audiences. In 2011 Jacqui made a rape accusation against Gilly Roach, whether Gilly is guilty or innocent was decided by a jury composed of viewers. The storyline sebsequently resulted in Gilly being found not guilty. Various critics have praised the character because of her "feisty and tough persona". Others have criticised her "chav" dress sense and accused her of being a "trollop". Cooper has received various award nominations for her portrayal.