Silas Blissett

Silas Blissett
Hollyoaks character
Portrayed by	Jeff Rawle
Duration	2010–2012, 2016, 2020–2022
First appearance	Episode 2979 23 December 2010 (2010-12-23)
Last appearance	29 September 2022 (2022-09-29)
Classification	Former; regular
Introduced by	Paul Marquess (2010) Emma Smithwick (2012) Bryan Kirkwood (2016, 2020) Lucy Allan (2022)
Spin-off appearances	Hollyoaks Later (2011)
In-universe information Other names Cameron David Cox Edward Mann Occupation Journalist Barman Mother Nancy Blissett Wife Joan Blissett Daughters Heidi Costello Wendy Blissett Grandsons Riley Costello Seth Costello Jason Costello Other relatives Bobby Costello Phoenix Costello

Silas Blissett is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jeff Rawle. Rawle's casting was announced in December 2010 and it was revealed that he would portray a serial killer. Rawle was approached by Hollyoaks and met with series producer, Paul Marquess, who explained the role of Silas and his storyline. Rawle found the storyline something which he would like to "have a crack at". The actor said that the role of Silas is "very interesting" for him as he had not played a murderer in his career before. He made his first on-screen appearance in episode 2979, originally broadcast on 23 December 2010. However, Silas departed for the first time on 4 November 2011. Silas returned on 19 July 2012, as a guest stint. Silas returned again in 2016 as well as making two further returns in 2020 and 2022 with this being his last return as he was killed-off in a final showdown with the McQueens.^[1]

Silas was credited as "Mystery Man" in his first episode to keep his identity hidden. He is revealed to be Heidi Costello's (Kim Tiddy) father and the grandfather of Riley Costello (Rob Norbury), Seth Costello (Miles Higson) and Jason Costello (Victoria Atkin). Silas is a serial killer who is described as sinister, scary and complex. Marquess called him mild-mannered and likened him to a bogeyman. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy described Silas as a dual role of the affable older man and sinister killer. Silas is "old-fashioned" and dislikes women with "loose morals"; believing his murders as a positive, cleansing service to society.

Silas' storylines have mostly focused on his various murders. From his onscreen murders and his scrap book, Silas has seventeen confirmed victims on the show, and is believed to have killed up to 100 women. Silas murders India Longford (Beth Kingston) after using another identity on an internet dating website and arranging to meet her. Silas plans to murder India's sister Texas Longford (Bianca Hendrickse-Spendlove), but refrains. Silas begins targeting Lynsey Nolan (Karen Hassan). Silas then murders a woman named Jenny (Daisy Turner) after they arrange to meet on a social networking site. Silas also murders Rae Wilson (Alice Barlow) and frames Brendan Brady (Emmett J. Scanlan) for the crime. Silas kidnaps Riley's pregnant fiancée, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), who confesses that she had an affair with Riley's father Carl Costello (Paul Opacic), and Silas holds her captive. He accidentally murders Heidi after mistaking her for Lynsey, before being arrested for his crimes. Silas left Hollyoaks on 4 November 2011, but returned for a guest stint on 19 July 2012, in an attempt to murder Texas again, but once again, refrains.

The character made an unannounced return in 2016 as part of the show's new serial killer story. In his return, Silas works with murderous doctor Lindsey Roscoe (Sophie Austin) before killing her. Rawle reprised the role again in October 2020 for Hollyoaks' 25th anniversary, departing again in episodes originally broadcast in January 2021. The character and Rawle's portrayal has been well-received by viewers, critics and his co-stars alike, with Silas being considered as one of the soap’s most popular and infamous villains. Rawle won "Best Villain" at the 2012 All About Soap Bubble Awards.