David Tag made a lasting impression on Hollyoaks viewers as Sylver McQueen, but after his great-cousin and stepson Bobby Costello (Jayden Fox) left him to die in a dramatic on-screen stunt, it was time to say goodbye to the fan-favorite character. Now, Tag is returning to Hollyoaks for a special “What If” episode, reflecting on what it’s been like to step back onto the set, revisit his time on the soap, and look back on his favorite memories as part of the iconic McQueen family.
Tag exited Hollyoaks in January of 2022, and four years later, he found himself back on set once again. “It was honestly like I’d never left,” he shared. “I was on set and we were just laughing like the old days, it was pretty amazing. Seeing all the new family members as well, I had coincidentally met them all before. I’ve met Leah at a few events in the past. Gemma used to go to my acting class and I have mutual friends with Hollie-Jay. It was great to be on set with all of them.”
Tag also expressed excitement for viewers to see the special episode. “I think the fans are going to react really well,” he teased. “Without giving too much away, you will see Sylver in a very different light…”
The “What If” episode will also see the return of several familiar faces from Hollyoaks’ past, in addition to Tag those returning for the special include, Gemma Merna, Hollie-Jay Bowes, Leah Hackett and Annie Wallace.
Discussing filming the special, Tag added, “A few things happened on set, when Nancy, played by Jessica Fox, turned up in a Goth outfit it took everybody by surprise, she looked incredible. Myra broke the Christ the Redeemer statue, and then me and Malique missed our cue two or three times because we were playing a racing game on the computer, which wasn’t very professional… “
Reflecting on his time on the show between 2018 and 2022, Tag shared that several storylines stood out. “When I was a McQueen, the storyline which really stood out for me was when Liam Donovan was involved, I loved working with Jude Monk McGowan.”
The actor shared some other moments that stood out to him, adding, “It goes without saying when my onscreen mum was a serial killer. The late-night episode with her was brilliant, she was such fun to work with. Then when I first arrived, we went to Magaluf, I couldn’t believe my luck, as soon as I arrived, I was flying off to paradise.”
Tag believes the enduring appeal of the McQueens lies in how relatable they are to viewers. “The McQueens still relate to the audiences now because they’re normal people, who get in awful situations,” he explained. “They’re honest, they’re raw, and people love that about them.”
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For Tag, his favorite memory of being part of the McQueens is the family he gained along the way. “My favourite memory of being a McQueen is my family, every single member of it are such individuals on the show and in real life. We’ve maintained friendships since I’ve left and they’re all amazing unique people. It’s a privilege to have known them and to have been a part of that family.”
Reflecting on what being a McQueen has meant to him, Tag added, “I can now safely say that in my acting career I have been part of an iconic family and no one can take that away from me. I’ll always be grateful and proud of that.”
Hollyoaks airs Monday through Wednesday in the U.K. on E4, with episodes being available on YouTube for global
