Scott Anderson is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Daniel Hyde. The character debuted during the main series spin-off titled Hollyoaks: Indecent Behaviour, which was released on home media on 17 November 2001. He made his main show debut during the episode broadcast on 4 December 2001. Scott initially appeared on a recurring basis but Hyde was promoted to the regular cast and Scott's storylines were expanded when he buys The Loft night club. Scott is characterised as a "bad boy" type who is "ambitious and possessive" but knows how to use his charm.
Writers used Scott to generate controversy within the show. The character's initial storylines revolved around a rape accusation made against him by Beth Morgan (Kate Baines). Scott is portrayed as Beth's antagonist as he taunts her about the events of the rape. Scott begins a relationship with Steph Dean (Carley Stenson) to further discredit Beth's accusation. Beth becomes determined to seek revenge and starts a hate campaign against him. Beth later runs Scott over with her car and she is put on trial for attempted murder and sent to prison. Hyde found the story challenging because of the negative reaction he received from viewers in public. Writers created a potential romance storyline between Scott and Izzy Cornwell (Elize du Toit). Scott begins a rivalry with Ben Davies (Marcus Patric) as they vie for Izzy's affections. Izzy later chooses Ben and marries him, but the story was revisited when their marriage ends following Scott and Izzy having an affair.
Other stories include a power-play with his employee, Ellie Hunter (Sarah Baxendale), committing fraud via a counterfeit money operation and forcing Matt Musgrove (Kristian Ealey) to take the blame. He later begins a feud with his employee, Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson), who frames Scott for credit card fraud. Hyde decided to leave the series in 2004. His departure storyline occurred following a fire at The Loft started by Scott, trapping himself and Darren inside. Scott disappears following the fire but continues to threaten Darren whilst off-screen. Hyde returned for two episodes in 2005 to conclude the storyline. Hyde made his final appearance as Scott during the episode broadcast on 11 February 2005. Critics responded to Scott by labelling him the show's "bad boy" character. Hyde has twice been nominated for the "Best Villain" accolade at the British Soap Awards and an Inside Soap Award nomination for "Best Bad Boy".
Development Introduction and characterisation The role of Scott is Hyde's first prominent television acting role. Scott makes his first appearance in Hollyoaks: Indecent Behaviour, which is a spin-off episode filmed for VHS video and DVD release on 17 November 2001. Scott's role in the show is a friend of Jason Cunliffe (Alex Reid), the partner of Geri Hudson (Joanna Taylor). He made his first main series appearance during the episode broadcast on 4 December 2001. Hyde continued to make guest appearances in the show on a recurring basis. He was later promoted to the show's regular cast and Scott's storylines were expanded when he buys The Loft night club.
A writer from the official Hollyoaks website described Scott as "ambitious and possessive, Scott has a mean streak that can quickly offend - but when needs be he can easily turn on the charm." Another described Scott as the show's "number one bad boy and resident love-rat". They added "whenever there's the chance for stirring up a bit of controversy in Hollyoaks Village, it's a safe bet that Scott won't be far from the centre of the action."
Rape accusation The character was introduced in Hollyoaks: Indecent Behaviour, which was released on DVD. Scott is a footballer and is then accused of raping Beth Morgan (Kate Baines). The episode synopsis was vague, detailed that Scott and Beth "are drawn into the revelries" at a "wild, all-night party". It was conceived as a special stand alone feature-length episode, which runs parallel to the main show's storylines. In a press release, it was detailed that the episode also "reveals the events that will have momentous repercussions for the Hollyoaks characters momentum."
Scott is found innocent on all counts of raping Beth at his trial. Scott then takes pleasure in gloating about the verdict, which angers Beth. She vows to take revenge against Scott. Baines told Francesca Babb from All About Soap that her character "was absolutely devastated" that the jury did not believe her. She revealed that Beth "cannot handle the fact someone has got away with raping her." Baines believed that Scott being a footballer and celebrity makes the situation worse. In addition Scott "enjoys rubbing her face in the fact he's escaped conviction." Beth becomes fixated on finding someone who will believe her. She wants to prove to Scott that she can still get a man despite being raped. She has casual sex with O.B. (Darren Jeffries) but feels worse after. Scott then sells his story to the magazine "Hey Today!", which Beth finds in the local shop Drive n Buy. Beth is shocked by Scott's actions and purchases every copy to prevent it circulating the village. Beth decides to show up to Scott's football training session to confront and embarrass him. Baines added that "once again he manages to get one over on her. No matter what she does he always comes off as the innocent party and everyone still believes him over her." Baines revealed that Beth gets so angry the police arrive to arrest her. The incident makes Beth more determined to get revenge against Scott. The story progresses with Beth containing to follow Scott to promotional events, including a book launch. Baines noted that her behaviour "is actually starting to scare Scott now". Scott starts to feel "stalked" and is "freaked out" when Beth whispers in his ear that he will never escape the fact he raped her.
Baines told Alison James from Soaplife that Beth feels "short-changed by the justice system". She explained that Beth is believes Scott's status as a "so-called celebrity footballer" helped him get away with raping her. If Scott had been an "average guy" he would have been found guilty. This further pushes Beth's need for revenge. Beth decides to break into Scott's home and vandalises his belongings. Beth is arrested for her crime and other characters begin to turn against her. Baines revealed that they too believe Scott's innocence and think Beth is "obsessed" and "hounding him". Baines concluded that after Beth's behaviour, she would have a "very rough ride" as Scott "shows just how dangerous he can be."
Hyde told Kaz Gillett from BBC Online that Scott's rapist story had a negative impact on his public life. He recalled an incident in which a viewer shouted "rapist!" at him while out in public. He also learned to ignore crude comments from some female viewers about rape.
Scott later flirts with Steph Dean (Carley Stenson), who is sixteen years old. Steph is also friends with Beth's younger sister, Zara Morgan (Kelly Greenwood). Baines explained that Beth worries Steph is "naïve" and will be "totally taken in by Scott". Beth tries to warn Steph but she just thinks Beth is a "nutter". She becomes more determined to get revenge when she learns Scott and Steph are developing a relationship. Baines concluded that "she's going to push things as far as she can so that he will never ever forget what he did to her!"
Attempted murder trial
Writers continued to victimise Beth by making her the criminal when she runs Scott over with her car. Beth is arrested and the authorities put her on trial for attempted murder. In the episodes leading to the trial, Beth's mental health deteriorates and she becomes obsessed with death. She dreads the trial to the extent she contemplates committing suicide. Interviewed by Karen Dunn (All About Soap), Baines revealed that Beth "is convinced" that she will be found guilty "which means Scott will have won." Baines revealed that Beth later changes her mind, still wanting to expose Scott as a rapist. She added "the only thing keeping her going is the chance that the world may see Scott for what he really is. If this means her going to prison, then that's what she's prepared to do."
Beth is later put on trial and Scott arrives at court feeling confident. The Morgan family support Beth and pay for a good barrister to defend her. In the build up to the trial, Beth tells her barrister that she meant to harm Scott. Despite her admission and she pleads not guilty. She sacks her barrister and hires a new one, played by Sylvester McCoy. Baines told an Inside Soap reporter that her new barrister is disorganised and a comedy part. She explained that Beth's admission is her "just being completely honest. I think she would have reversed back over him if she'd had the chance!"
At the trial, Beth's friend Izzy Cornwell (Elize du Toit) gives evidence and this supports Beth's version of events. Scott's barrister uses Izzy's comments to make Beth appear guilty and the trial begins falling in Scott's favour. Baines concluded that she felt the story between Scott and Beth was too prolonged and wished it had have concluded six months earlier. She added that whilst rape is a serious issue, writers made a "miserable" story last too long. Beth is found guilty and sent to prison. Beth's mental health deteriorates and she later tells her family that she wishes she had murdered Scott. After Beth is released from prison she decides to leave Hollyoaks and move to France. A writer from the Hollyoaks website warned that Beth had been plotting revenge against Scott. When Beth's brother, Luke Morgan (Gary Lucy) returns, Scott is ready for another confrontation with the Morgan family.
The Loft and fraud crimes Scott buys the local nightclub called The Loft and makes his presence as the owner known. This causes outrage in the village who begin a hate campaign to force Scott to leave. Scott takes over the nightclub after it faced closure and staff member Ellie Hunter (Sarah Baxendale) is relieved to keep her job. Baxendale told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that Ellie is shocked that Scott is the new owner, but is thankful to keep her job. Ellie "tries to keep things sweet" with Scott so they can work together. Other residents continue to harass Scott and graffiti the word "rapist" over a wall. Scott considers selling The Loft but Ellie concocts a scheme to change his mind. Baxendale explained that Ellie flirts with Scott to convince him to stay. Ellie's behaviour concerns her friend, Izzy and she worries that "bad things will happen" to Ellie. Her ex-boyfriend, Toby Mills (Henry Luxemburg) also gets involved in her welfare. Baxendale believed that Ellie knows her friends are correct to worry about her involvement with Scott but is unwilling to admit it. Ellie knows "Scott's not the nicest person in the world" and is aware not to take her scheming too far. She revealed that as the story progresses writer create a "power struggle" between Scott and Ellie, and she begins to endanger her safety.