Niall Rafferty

Niall Rafferty
Hollyoaks character
Portrayed by	Barry Sloane Devon Jackson (flashback)
Duration	2007–2008
First appearance	3 December 2007
Last appearance	27 November 2008
Classification	Former; regular
Introduced by	Bryan Kirkwood
Spin-off appearances	Hollyoaks Later (2008)
In-universe information Other names Matthew Brownlow Matthew McQueen (birth name) Occupation Hairdresser (2007–2008) Family McQueen Father Martin Brownlow Mother Myra McQueen Adoptive father Mr. Rafferty Adoptive mother Jean Snow Half-brothers John Paul McQueen Half-sisters Jacqui McQueen Mercedes McQueen Tina Reilly Carmel McQueen Michaela McQueen Carmina McQueen Grandmothers Marlena McQueen Nephews Max McQueen

Niall Rafferty (born Matthew McQueen) is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Barry Sloane.^[1] He first appeared during an episode broadcast on 3 December 2007.^[2] Former Brookside actor Sloane was cast as the "mysterious" hairdresser Niall and was introduced by the series' producer Bryan Kirkwood. During Sloane's portrayal of Niall on-screen, he was central to a storyline involving the already-established McQueen family and it was revealed Niall was the illegitimate son of Myra McQueen (Nicole Barber-Lane). The storyline featured Niall seek revenge on the McQueens, which concluded in highly advertised episodes featuring Niall kidnapping his siblings and causing the death of his half-sister Tina Reilly (Leah Hackett). Niall was portrayed by upcoming actor Devon Jackson, the older brother of Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson, in flashback scenes depicting Niall's childhood.^[3]

Niall's other storylines included his relationship with Steph Cunningham (Carley Stenson). Sloane made his final appearance as Niall during Hollyoaks late-night special series Hollyoaks Later in November 2008. Sloane has been nominated for several awards for his portrayal of the character.