| Zak Ramsey | |||||||||||||
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| Hollyoaks character | |||||||||||||
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| Portrayed by | Kent Riley | ||||||||||||
| Duration | 2004–2010 | ||||||||||||
| First appearance | 6 September 2004 | ||||||||||||
| Last appearance | 6 August 2010 | ||||||||||||
| Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Jo Hallows (2004) Bryan Kirkwood (2006) | ||||||||||||
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Zak Ramsey (also Barnes) is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Kent Riley. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 6 September 2004. The character was originally credited as "Zak Barnes". After only four months, Riley was written out of the show. Producer Bryan Kirkwood reintroduced him in 2006 and was then credited with the surname Ramsey. Zak was introduced into the series as one of three new student characters, who arrive to study at the Hollyoaks Community College. Joining Zak were Bella Manning (Kim Bourelle) and Stuart Harding (Dan Cryer). When the character was reintroduced, a new set of students were created for Zak to share stories with. Zak is portrayed as a Scouser / Liverpudlian character, with a "fun-loving" persona and enjoys partying rather than concentrating on his studies.
In 2008, producers invested more in the character and created Zak's most prominent relationship storyline. Paired with Michaela McQueen (Hollie-Jay Bowes), Riley believed that the two characters were embarrassed about their unlikely relationship but later fell in love. Producers also introduced Zak's sister, Hayley Ramsey (Kelly-Marie Stewart), a disabled character who has the illness, Guillain–Barré syndrome. The topical story allowed writers to explore the impact that new disabilities have on family members. Riley explained that Zak and Hayley shared a close relationship until she became reliant on her wheelchair because of her disability. Other notable stories include the exploration of national discrimination when Archie Carpenter (Stephen Beard) accuses Zak of theft because of his Scouser heritage. Beard confirmed that his character was not politically correct in his accusations of Zak, just because he is from Liverpool.
Following the arrival of producer Paul Marquess in January 2010, the series underwent a rejuvenation. As part of cast changes, it was announced that Riley had been axed from the series for a second time. Marquess claimed that he removed Zak and fellow characters from the show because writers had run out of storylines for them. Zak's final stories focused on his break-up with Michaela and his involvement in a racism storyline in which his friend, Des Townsend (Kris Deedigan) convinces Zak to help him target ethnic minorities. Zak was grieving the death of his brother during the story and turns to alcoholism. Zak exposes Des' crimes when he realises the extent of his hate campaign. Zak made his final appearance during the episode broadcast on 6 August 2010.