Kurt Benson
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| Kurt Benson | |||||||||||||
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| Hollyoaks character | |||||||||||||
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| Portrayed by | Jeremy Edwards | ||||||||||||
| Duration | 1995–1999, 2020 | ||||||||||||
| First appearance | 23 October 1995 | ||||||||||||
| Last appearance | 10 December 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Created by | Phil Redmond | ||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Phil Redmond (1995) Bryan Kirkwood (2020) | ||||||||||||
| Spin-off appearances | Hollyoaks: Off on One (1998) Hollyoaks Later (2013) | ||||||||||||
| Crossover appearances | Brookside (1998) | ||||||||||||
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Kurt Benson is a fictional character from the British television soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jeremy Edwards. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 23 October 1995. He was created by Phil Redmond as one of the serial's original characters. Despite the character's supposed death in 1999, Kurt returned in 2020 as part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary, with the explanation being that he faked his death.[1]
Characterisation
Kurt is part of the show's Benson family which includes Kurt and his younger siblings Lucy Benson (Kerrie Taylor) and Ollie Benson (Paul Leyshon).[2] Kurt is described as having "two passions in his life – his motorbike and his music". Kurt is "intent on achieving just two things – becoming a rockstar and getting his hands on the desirable Natasha!" Kurt is described as being "despaired at [Tony's] submissive nature" while his brother Ollie is described as the "constant bane of his life".[3] Kurt is described by British newspaper The Independent as being the Alpha male.[4] They also go on to state: "A clean-cut guitarist with a quiff of dark hair and jeans that are unpleasantly loose, bagged together by a tight belt. He's chased by a panda car wherever he goes, though it's not clear what he's done wrong."[4] MSN described him as the serial's "original bad boy".[5] Virgin Media described him as "good looking, cheeky and often in trouble with the police, but everyone loved him".[6] The Daily Record described him as a "rebel- without-a-cause".[7] The Liverpool Echo described him as "heart throb" and said "He was a motorcycle-loving rock star-in-waiting."[8] The Independent described him as "cool-guy Kurt".[9] A writer from the show's official website described Kurt as "the Hollyoaks original bad boy".[2]
Relationship with Ruth Osborne
Writers created a relationship storyline between Kurt and Ruth Osborne (Terri Dwyer). When Kurt finds Spike (Jack Deam) manhandling Ruth, he attacks Spike. The fight ends with Spike being taken to hospital and Kurt is arrested for attempted murder.[10] Kurt faces the prospect of fifteen years in prison if he is found guilty. A trial date is set and Kurt decides to use his possible final two months of freedom to marry Ruth.[10] Edwards told Steven Murphy from Inside Soap that "the wedding was a desperation thing, it's a reinforcement of their love, trust and friendship. It's the ultimate 'I believe in you to the point that I will forsake all others'."[10]
Edwards described his character as "very nervous" about the trial and struggled to cope with the "tough" scenario. Spike enlists witness Gary Watson (James Murray) exaggerate the events of the fight to ensure Kurt is found guilty. Kurt confides in Ruth about his fears about the trial. Edwards explained that "I really don't think Kurt could cope if he had to go to prison, he's already told Ruth that it'll kill him if he goes to jail."[10]
Departure
In Kurt's final scenes he informs best friend Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) he is leaving. The scene featured Tony in a comedic scene with lard on his head because they thought he was going bald. Despite the scene being comedic, Tony becomes emotional to lose his friend.[11] The show's executive producer Jo Hallows told Wendy Granditer from Inside Soap that it was her "absolute favourite" moment of Hollyoaks. She noted it was a "silly storyline" but Pickard's performance made her cry. She added Kurt was one of the first "major characters" to leave the show and "it was the end of an era."[11]