Ste Hay

Ste Hay

Steven "Ste" Hay is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Kieron Richardson. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 17 February 2006. Ste was created by David Hanson and was originally intended to be a short-term character for seven episodes. The following series producer Bryan Kirkwood decided to bring the character back on a permanent basis. As of 2010, Richardson has revealed that he is committed to staying in the serial.

Ste has been at the centre of several storylines including joyriding, domestic abuse, a baby kidnapping plot and a gay relationship. He was initially portrayed as a "bad boy" type character. Although he changed producer Lucy Allan wanted him to revert. The issue of domestic violence has been portrayed through the character on two occasions: the first was his violence towards girlfriend Amy Barnes, and the second when he suffered abuse from his boyfriend Brendan Brady. Richardson and co-star Slanina-Davies both fronted an anti-domestic abuse campaign called "Expect Respect" for Women's Aid. He has subsequent relationships with Rae Wilson and Noah Baxter and Doug Carter All have become subject to love "triangle" storylines involving Brendan. Later, a new storyline saw Doug Carter (PJ Brennan) question his sexuality after developing feelings for Ste. They get engaged and are forced to share a wedding with Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard). The highly publicized "Enjoy the Ride" episodes air and Ste is transferred to a coma after gaining serious injuries, attempting to save his daughter Leah from being hit by the minibus.

Ste's gay storyline prompted Richardson to come out as gay. Its aim was to raise awareness of domestic abuse in a homosexual relationship. Whilst Ste and his storylines have received a mixed reaction from critics, Richardson has been nominated for various awards for his portrayal.