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Mint
4 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Major League Baseball Is Too Silent on Immigration Raids
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Last week, at the height of the immigration protests convulsing Los Angeles, federal agents showed up at Dodger Stadium, seeking access to the parking lot. Up to that point, the Dodgers had refused to comment on the Trump administration's immigration sweeps and their effect on the city's Latino community. The silence stoked complaints that the team had turned its back on some of its most passionate devotees. By some accounts, Latinos comprise over 40% of Dodger fans. But the morning agents came, the Dodgers finally acted. The team denied them access to the parking lot and a day later announced a $1 million pledge to help immigrant families harmed by the ongoing raids. That's a modest show of support for an organization worth an estimated $7.7 billion, and it hasn't satisfied everyone. But satisfactory or not, it's a clear indication of whose side the Dodgers are taking. Major League Baseball and its 29 other clubs, on the other hand, aren't following the Dodgers' lead, preferring silence. If this is their way of not drawing the ire of President Donald Trump, it's an awkward strategy. Immigration has been essential to baseball's history and continues to fuel its growth. In America's early years, baseball was a new sport for a new country. For immigrants, making a mark on an organized team was an indicator that the player — along with his ethnic group — was upwardly mobile and, finally, an assimilated American. Superstar shortstop and national sensation Honus Wanger, a son of German immigrant parents, was a prime example of this during the late 19th and early 20th century. He uplifted the German-American status, and in his community, he was an icon for making it big. Three-quarters of a century later, Fernando Valenzuela, a Mexican pitcher for the Dodgers, repeated the feat. In 1981, he electrified Los Angeles and his community with a dominant season, including seven complete games and five shutouts, which netted him Rookie of the Year and Cy Young honors (still the only player to win both in the same season).'Fernandomania,' as his early to mid-80s heyday is recalled, was a cultural phenomenon that diversified and drove attendance upward. In 1981, the Dodgers drew an average of 7,500 additional fans when he pitched at home, and an extra 19,000 when he started on the road. Mexican-Americans were an estimated 10% of the team's supporters when he joined the team; now the Dodgers — affectionately known across LA as Los Doyers — are a unifying institution for the city's Latinos. More fans, inevitably, means more kids playing baseball, both at home and abroad. Though there are a range of factors responsible for the growth of baseball internationally, the increase in Latin American and other international players has certainly contributed to the expansion and development of deep international talent pipelines. For MLB teams, bringing that talent to US shores is only constrained by their ability to scout. During the 1930s, a period of notoriously tight immigration restrictions and mass deportations, less than 1% of MLB players were foreign-born. Thankfully, in the post-war period, America decided to open its borders. The result? The number of foreign-born players in the league has seen steady growth over the decades. In 2025, nearly 28% of MLB players are foreign-born, and it's simply impossible to imagine baseball without stars such as Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. Those international stars, in turn, are leading a surge of interest in the game and the business of baseball. MLB is on track for its third straight year of attendance growth, and viewership in the US and Japan is surging in 2025. Of course, other factors are in play too, but does anyone seriously think a less international game would be as well-played, entertaining, and lucrative? Trump's immigration policies put that success at risk. For example, under the terms of his recently enacted travel ban, the issuance of new visas to Cuban and Venezuelan nationals is severely restricted. Dozens of players from both countries — Hall of Famers like Tony Pérez and current players like Jose Altuve — have made prominent contributions to MLB for decades. The new policies will make it far more difficult for teams to bring new signees from either country to the US. But even if loopholes are found, the message to players and their families in these baseball hotbeds is hardly welcoming. So far, MLB has chosen to remain silent on these changes, just as it has clammed up over the deportations that are running through its Latino fanbase. Perhaps the league and its teams believe that quiet diplomacy is the best way to approach the Trump administration on immigration-related matters. But if so, there's little public indication that doing so has achieved anything other than damaging relations between the Dodgers and their fans. Meanwhile, other sports are acting. In mid-June, the players associations for the Women's National Basketball Association and the National Women's Soccer League issued a joint statement of support for immigrants experiencing hardship due to the raids. Angel City FC of the NWSL took it a step further and distributed 10,000 T-shirts to fans and players emblazoned with 'Immigrant City Football Club' on the front. Proceeds from sales of the shirts go to an organization offering legal assistance to immigrants. Of course, no team or sport will convince Trump to change his course on immigration. But by showing solidarity with their fanbases, players and teams strengthen the community connections that are critical to growing sports, and the commerce around them. That's a legacy that can outlast any executive order. It's time for Major League Baseball to step up to the plate. More From Bloomberg Opinion: This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Adam Minter is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering the business of sports. He is the author, most recently, of 'Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale.' More stories like this are available on
Los Angeles Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Letters to Sports: They need to turn it down at Dodger Stadium
As someone who has permanent ringing in the ears (tinnitus) as a result of hearing damage from concerts, I must take exception to how loud the music is played at sporting events these days. Despite quotes from Dodger players and executives stating how 'great' the loudness at Dodger Stadium is, they are putting the paying customers and employees at risk for hearing loss with the excessive volume. Entertaining the fans is one thing, assaulting the delicate instrument that is our ears is quite another. I'm sure they could turn it down to safer decibel levels and everyone will still have a good time. Mark FurcickSan Pedro Dodger Stadium hosts a Military Appreciation Night, a Salvadoran Heritage Night, and a Guatemalan Heritage Night. But we will never see an Autism Spectrum Night. The ear-shattering sound system would cause fans to run from the stadium screaming in pain and terror. I suffer from a condition called hyperacusis, where loud noises can cause ear pain lasting for days or even weeks. It's rare in the general population, but more common among autistic people. I love baseball, and used to love going to Dodger Stadium from the year it opened until 20-something years ago. But now I'd have to wear industrial-strength ear protection. Russell StoneWestchester I used to like bleacher seats but won't sit there again — way too loud right under the sound system. Bob WietingSimi Valley Sure it's 'entertainment.' Sure the players like the enthusiasm. But there are seats located beneath or near speakers that are simply painful to the ears. Richard MelnikerLos Angeles Thanks for the excellent article on loud music at Dodger Stadium, which reminded me of how annoying it was to watch UCLA basketball at Pauley Pavilion last season. Constant painfully loud rap and techno-music, measured at 90 decibels, which according to OSHA, can cause hearing damage from two hours of exposure. As an older alum, I would prefer to hear just the sound of the band playing and the cheers from the crowd. Tony DeRiggiSacramento What genius decided to use position players to pitch in the ninth inning when the team was either way ahead or way behind in a game? It's embarrassing to see lousy pitching, bases loaded, and hitters scoring. Use a regular bullpen pitcher, and spare us, your fans, from flinching. Deborah R. IshidaBeverly Hills Considering his recent outings and record, you'd have to say Clayton Kershaw is now the Dodgers' staff ace. Great story for him, maybe even worthy of comeback player of the year, if he keeps it up. Also more than a bit ironic, given the big money paid to the Dodgers' underwhelming three free agent starters. Kershaw might be barely hitting 90 mph on the radar gun, but he's pitching effectively, and more important, taking his turn in the rotation — which is a noteworthy achievement on this staff. John MerrymanRedondo Beach Ever since he got his vision corrected in April, Max Muncy has been on a hitting tear! Which has me wondering … when can we expect a bobblehead night for his ophthalmologist? Nick RoseNewport Coast Memo to the Los Angeles Dodgers: Find out who Max Muncy's eye doctor is and send the rest of the team to him. Ira M. FriedmanBeverly Hills Congratulations to the Oklahoma City Thunder for winning the NBA title. One thing I noticed about this very young team is how mature and classy they are. They don't make ridiculous gestures like some of the old veteran superstars i.e. 'Night Night,' 'Ice in the Veins,' etc. I hope you veterans can learn something from these young champions. Paul KawaguchiRosemead The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms will not be used. Email: sports@
Los Angeles Times
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Dodgers Dugout: It's time for Kiké Hernández to retire ... as a pitcher
Hi, and welcome to another edition of Dodgers Dugout. My name is Houston Mitchell. If the Dodgers put Kiké Hernández on the injured list, does that count as another injured pitcher? There are few Dodgers who have been more loved than Hernández. He plays almost every position and plays them well. He is the Dodgers' version of Mr. October come the postseason. He plays catch with kids in the stands occasionally before games. He brings a fun-loving spirit to the team, something that was noticeably missing when he was playing elsewhere. But it's time for him to stop pitching. The goofy looking helmet and the lobbed pitches were cute at first. But they have grown increasingly less cute as time has gone on (though he doesn't wear the helmet every time now). It borders on disrespectful, especially when the Dodgers have a big lead. It's more like 'You can't hit our real pitchers, so try this guy.' It's Little League. Sure, the Dodgers are playing within the rules, but that doesn't make it more palatable. Yes, they want to save a bullpen arm, but they aren't even doing that anymore. He came in June 14 against the Giants with an 11-0 lead and gave up five runs in two-thirds of an inning. He had to be relieved by Anthony Banda. He came in Sunday against the Nationals with a 13-3 lead, gave up four runs in one-third of an inning and had to be relieved by Alex Vesia. So, what is pitching him accomplishing exactly? This really points to a bigger problem in baseball, if I can sound like an old guy for a moment. It's sort of sad that any team with eight relief pitchers has to turn to a position player in order to preserve arms. Yes, the game is different. Pitchers are asked to throw as hard as they can on every pitch, and just about every pitcher, especially in relief, has a 95-mph-or-better fastball. In the late '70s, the Dodgers had a four- or five-man bullpen. In 1977, it was mainly Charlie Hough (can you imagine a knuckleballer being a closer today?), Elias Sosa, Mike Garman and Lance Rautzhan. The 1988 Dodgers had Jay Howell, Alejandro Peña, Tim Crews, Brian Holton and Jesse Orosco. And this isn't just limited to the Dodgers. Last season, 40 position players pitched in a game, some in multiple games. They pitched 66 1/3 innings and had a 7.08 ERA. In 2006, no position players pitched. In 2021, it happened 112 times. That's ridiculous. Might as well bring in the stilts guy from the Savannah Bananas to pitch. Of course, this is a byproduct of starters not able to go past five innings for the most part. This season, the six Dodger pitchers with the most starts are averaging 5.26 innings per start. In 1988, Orel Hershiser averaged 7.82 innings a start. The five top Dodger starters average almost seven innings a start. In 1981, Fernando Valenzuela averaged 7.69 innings per start. The four top Dodger starters averaged 6.77 innings per start. So, there's a need for more relief pitchers today. But you have eight and need to use a position player? Something has gone wrong when that happens. And can we please stop talking about how 'we are preserving arms' when there are more pitching injuries now than any time in history? Will this change one day? Not soon, but it could. It will take a team who is willing to develop starters who can go deep into games, and then win consistently doing that. The stolen base disappeared from the game until Maury Wills won an MVP award and would at times single-handedly win games for the Dodgers. Four-man rotations were around for years until the Dodgers switched to a five-man rotation and found much success. There is something lost when you can't cheer a Clayton Kershaw when he walks off the mound with two outs in the eighth inning, clinging to a 2-1 lead, and then watch one reliever come in and close it out. That's how legends are made and how baseball elevates itself as a sport. That's what kids talk about on the way home. The noise of that crowd when the pitcher comes out. It's not the same when Kershaw stays in the dugout after five innings, and the 17th reliever the Dodgers have used this season, just called up that day, comes in to pitch. Followed by the 18th pitcher. The kid doesn't go home in awe of that. Those little moments have been lost. Let's hope one day in the future they come back. In the meantime, don't let Hernández pitch, since you don't seem to be preserving anything by doing so. At the end of April, may baseball pundits across the land called for the Dodgers to get rid of Max Muncy and trade for Nolan Arenado of the Cardinals. Muncy was through. It was all over. He was toast. (If you are wondering what was said in this newsletter, dig out the April 28 edition, or, if, you have a digital subscription to The Times, you can read it here). On April 28, Muncy was hitting .180/.295/.236 with five doubles, no homers, 14 walks and 34 strikeouts in 105 plate appearances. On April 29, Muncy started wearing glasses during games. He homered. On Sunday, he hit two homers, a grand slam and a three-run homer. Since April 29, he was hitting .268/.410/.514 with four doubles, two triples, 11 homers, 41 RBIs, 35 walks and 30 strikeouts in 183 plate appearances. 'You look at the last 30 days, I think he's been our best hitter,' Dave Roberts told reporters after Sunday's game. 'We never wavered in our confidence, and we've shown that, and he's proven us all right.' Muncy has gone from being one of the worst hitters to someone who should get All-Star consideration. It's a testament to him, it's a testament to the Dodgers not giving up on a veteran and it's a testament to optometrists everywhere. While I'm channeling my inner 'old man yells at cloud,' let's talk a little bit about how loud Dodger Stadium is. It has gotten so loud, you can't talk to people seated next to you between batters. Recently, Times reporter Bill Shaikin took a decibel reader to Dodger Stadium. It topped out at 95 decibels, which is the sound a jackhammer makes if you are 50 feet away from it. It's also the level at which sustained exposure may result in hearing loss. To be clear, it wasn't always at 95; it was 95 during the pregame lineup introductions. And it gets louder than that when a home run or another exciting play happens. But I get emails every week from readers, both young and old, complaining about how their ears are ringing a day after going to a Dodger game. Or that they can't hear their seatmate. Shaikin took his decibel reader to Angel Stadium and San Diego's Petco Park. Dodger Stadium was louder, especially in the hour before the game. The players Shaikin talked to seem to love it. 'I think it's great,' Clayton Kershaw said. 'Even on the road, I'd rather have that than quiet. St. Louis was just really quiet. It almost felt like golf at times. 'The louder, the more fun, the better. The Dodgers have the best sound system out there. So why not use it?' Mookie Betts: 'It's just all part of an entertainment show. There is no 'too loud.' ' Read all about it here. Will Smith is leading the league in batting average (.328) and on-base percentage (.425) and is seventh in slugging (.544). Freddie Freeman is second, third and 11th in those categories. Shohei Ohtani is 10th, fifth and first... In the May 19 newsletter, we discussed the tough 29 games the Dodgers were about to play, all against teams at the time in or on the cusp of a postseason spot and how we'd get a real sense of how good the Dodgers are after that. The games were: seven against the Mets; three with Cleveland; three against the Yankees; three against St. Louis; three against Arizona; seven against San Diego; three against San Francisco. The Dodgers went 17-12 in those games. So, they're pretty good. Six of their next nine games are against the two worst teams in baseball, the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox. Now watch them go 2-4 against them. ... Tyler Glasnow, on the IL since April 28, made his first rehab start Sunday, pitching two scoreless innings for triple-A Oklahoma City. He walked three and struck out one, throwing 48 pitches.... If you want to vote for the All-Star Game starters this season, you can do so online by clicking here.... On Friday, the Dodgers announced they have committed $1 million toward assistance for families of immigrants affected by the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, as well as plans for further initiatives to be unveiled in the coming days. 'What's happening in Los Angeles has reverberated among thousands upon thousands of people, and we have heard the calls for us to take a leading role on behalf of those affected,' team president Stan Kasten said in a statement. 'We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.' A look at how some prominent Dodgers from the last few seasons are doing with their new team (through Sunday). Click on the player name to be taken to the Baseball Reference page with all their stats. Batters Cody Bellinger, Yankees: .254/.320/.436, 297 plate appearances, 12 doubles, three triples, 10 homers, 38 RBIs, 110 OPS+ Michael Busch, Cubs: .271/.365/.504, 271 PA's, 13 doubles, three triples, 12 homers, 44 RBIs, 148 OPS+ Jason Heyward, Padres, .176/.223/.271, 95 PA's, two doubles, two homers, 12 RBIs, 38 OPS+, on the IL Gavin Lux, Reds: .262/.352/.371, 261 PA's, 14 doubles, one triple, three homers, 33 RBIs, 96 OPS+ Zach McKinstry, Tigers: .272/.351/.427, 266 PA's, 10 doubles, seven triples, four homers, 21 RBIs, 120 OPS+ Joc Pederson, Rangers, .131/.269/.238, 146 PA's, five doubles, one triple, two homers, six RBIs, 49 OPS+, on the IL Keibert Ruiz, Nationals, .248/.279/.321, 258 PA's, 12 doubles, two homers, 24 RBIs, 72 OPS+ Corey Seager, Rangers: .234/.322/.389, 199 PA's, six doubles, seven homers, 16 RBIs, 106 OPS+ Chris Taylor, Angels: .200/.294/.400, 34 PA's, three doubles, one homer, three RBIs, 93 OPS+, on the IL (numbers with Angels only) Justin Turner, Cubs: .204/.296/.255, 115 PA's, two doubles, one homer, 11 RBIs, 61 OPS+ Trea Turner, Phillies: .300/.357/.450, 342 PA's, 16 doubles, two triples, nine homers, 35 RBIs, 121 OPS+ Miguel Vargas, White Sox: .243/.323/.438, 310 PA's, 20 doubles, two triples, 10 homers, 34 RBIs, 113 OPS+ Alex Verdugo, Braves: .247/.305/.302, 197 PA's, 10 doubles, 12 RBIs, 70 OPS+ Pitching Ryan Brasier, Cubs: 0-0. 1.93 ERA, 9 1/3 IP, eight hits, three walks, eight K's, 204 ERA+ Walker Buehler, Red Sox: 5-5, 5.95 ERA, 59 IP, 67 hits, 22 walks, 53 K's, 70 ERA+ Jack Flaherty, Tigers: 5-8, 4.83 ERA, 78 1/3 IP, 64 hits, 31 walks, 93 K's, 82 ERA+ Kenley Jansen, Angels: 1-2, 4.39 ERA, 15 saves, 26 2/3 IP, 26 hits, nine walks, 25 K's, 95 ERA+ Craig Kimbrel, Rangers: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, one IP, one hit, one walk, one K, in the minors Kenta Maeda, Cubs: 0-0, 7.88 ERA, 8 IP, nine hits, six walks, eight K's, 52 ERA+, in the minors Ryan Pepiot, Rays: 5-6, 3.04 ERA, 94 2/3 IP, 76 hits, 28 walks, 91 K's, 131 ERA+ Max Scherzer, Blue Jays: 0-0, 6.00 ERA, three IP, three hits, 0 walks, one K, 77 ERA+, on the IL Ryan Yarbrough, Yankees: 3-1, 3.90 ERA, 55 1/3 IP, 48 hits, 17 walks, 49 K's, 103 ERA+ Is there a player you'd like to see listed here? Email me at and let me know. Tuesday: Dodgers (TBD) at Colorado (Germán Márquez, 3-8, 6.11 ERA), 5:40 p.m., Sportsnet LA, AM 570, KTNQ 1020 Wednesday: Dodgers (Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 6-6, 2.76 ERA) at Colorado (Chase Dollander, 2-7, 6.19 ERA), 5:40 p.m., Sportsnet LA, AM 570, KTNQ 1020 Thursday: Dodgers (*Clayton Kershaw, 3-0, 3.31 ERA) at Colorado (*Austin Gomber, 0-1, 8.38 ERA), 12:10 p.m., Sportsnet LA, AM 570, KTNQ 1020 *-left-handed Dodgers commit $1 million for assistance for families of immigrants affected by ICE raids Arellano: Welcome to the deportation resistance, Dodgers. What's next? Dave Roberts suspended one game by MLB for actions during Dodgers-Padres game While Dodgers wait to speak, Jaime Jarrín, Kiké Hernández and others support immigrants From 1992, rookie Eric Karros hits a walk-off home run against the Pirates. Watch and listen here. Have a comment or something you'd like to see in a future Dodgers newsletter? Email me at and follow me on Twitter at @latimeshouston. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.
Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine in darkest ever plot as she gets shock new love interest
Clare is no stranger to scheming behaviour sick scheme Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine in darkest ever plot as she gets shock new love interest Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLLYOAKS is launching baddie Clare Devine's darkest ever plot - as she gets a shock new love interest. The soap villain - played by Gemma Bissix - returned earlier this year despite having been previously killed off. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Clare Devine is set for a dark Hollyoaks plot Credit: Lime Pictures 4 She forms an unlikely bond with Dodger Savage Credit: Lime Pictures 4 Dodger is unaware of Clare's deceit Credit: Lime Pictures In a shock scheme, Claire claims she is diagnosed with cancer - and her treatment is not working. It's a ploy to manipulate her way back into daughter Tori's (Harriet O'Shea) life. She hatched the plot following a hospital trip to visit sister Grace Black (Tamara Wall). After seeing patients receive treatment, Claire realised she could use this to her advantage. It comes as an unlikely spark seemingly forms between Clare and Dodger Savage (Danny Mac). Dodger has been firmly opposed to Clare due to her role in the exploitation scheme orchestrated by her ex-husband DI Banks (Drew Cain). However, he softens his stance upon learning of Clare's alleged cancer situation. With the undercover cop falling for her deceit, Clare moves on to the next stage of her plan. Namely, making Dodger feel guilty over taking Tori away from Clare - given her current "poor health". Hollyoaks star quits after nine years - and his final scenes have already aired After accomplishing this, the pair then share a heart-to-heart, as Clare says she'd believed her husband was having an affair, not leading an exploitation ring. The two continue to grow close - despite Dodger's sister Sienna (Anna Passey) warning him to steer clear from Clare. Later, the ever-resourceful Clare devises a sneaky plan to get Dodger to her flat - as he apologises for thinking she was involved with her husband's crimes. Feeling like he's falling for Clare, Dodger starts to worry if lines are becoming blurred. As their chemistry intensifies, will Dodger be able to see through her lies? A source said: "Clare's done some pretty bad things in her time but faking cancer is one of the worst. From Hollyoaks to Hollywood James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap. The former American TV host doesn't have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was "hell on earth." Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey. Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010. Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs. Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child. Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady. Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent. Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth. Hannah's eating disorder storyline was the first of it's kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away. Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry 'Newt' Newton. Nico's main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact. He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village. Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America. He played one of the soap's resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 - when he was killed off at his wedding. After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods. He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009. Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt. His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off. After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop. Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving. In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC's series, taking over from Ruby Rose. "She uses it to get one over on Mercedes and get her daughter back. "She'll stop at nothing to get Tori home and away from the Blakes. "Dodger has no idea what he's dealing with even if he's not the sharpest tool in the box at the best of times." Hollyoaks airs on E4 and streaming.
The Irish Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine in darkest ever plot as she gets shock new love interest
HOLLYOAKS is launching baddie Clare Devine's darkest ever plot - as she gets a shock new love interest. The soap villain - played by Gemma Bissix - 4 Clare Devine is set for a dark Hollyoaks plot Credit: Lime Pictures 4 She forms an unlikely bond with Dodger Savage Credit: Lime Pictures Advertisement 4 Dodger is unaware of Clare's deceit Credit: Lime Pictures In a shock scheme, Claire claims she is diagnosed with cancer - and her treatment is not working. It's a ploy to manipulate her way back into daughter Tori's (Harriet O'Shea) life. She hatched the plot following a hospital trip to visit sister Grace Black (Tamara Wall). Advertisement After seeing patients receive treatment, Claire realised she could use this to her advantage. Read more on Hollyoaks It comes as an unlikely spark seemingly forms between Clare Dodger has been firmly opposed to Clare due to her role in However, he softens his stance upon learning of Clare's alleged cancer situation. Advertisement With the undercover cop falling for her deceit, Clare moves on to the next stage of her plan. Most read in Soaps Namely, making Dodger feel guilty over taking health ". Hollyoaks star quits after nine years - and his final scenes have already aired After accomplishing this, the pair then share a heart-to-heart, as Clare says she'd believed her husband was having an affair, not leading an exploitation ring. The two continue to grow close - despite Dodger's sister Sienna (Anna Passey) warning him to steer clear from Clare. Later, the ever-resourceful Clare devises a sneaky plan to get Dodger to her flat - as he apologises for thinking she was involved with her husband's crimes. Advertisement Feeling like he's falling for Clare, Dodger starts to worry if lines are becoming blurred. As their chemistry intensifies, will Dodger be able to see through her lies? A source said: "Clare's done some pretty bad things in her time but faking cancer is one of the worst. From Hollyoaks to Hollywood James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap. The former Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010. Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs. Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady. Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent. Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth. Hannah's eating disorder storyline was the first of it's kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away. Since leaving the soap in 2010 Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry 'Newt' Newton. He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village. Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America. He played one of the soap's resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 - when he was killed off at his wedding. He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009. Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt. His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off. After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving. In 2021 "She uses it to get one over on Mercedes and get her daughter back. "She'll stop at nothing to get Tori home and away from the Blakes. Advertisement "Dodger has no idea what he's dealing with even if he's not the sharpest tool in the box at the best of times." Hollyoaks airs on E4 and streaming. 4 Will Dodger realise he's being tricked? Credit: Lime Pictures
