Hollyoaks’ Richard Blackwood reveals son was held at knifepoint on terrifying bus trip
HOLLYOAKS star Richard Blackwood has revealed his son was mugged at knifepoint in a terrifying ordeal on a bus.
The actor, whose soap character will be involved in an upcoming knife crime storyline, admitted he was relieved his son Keaun, then 11, escaped with his life.
He said: “He was on a bus when he was held by a knife for his phone. He was 11.
“When I found out what had happened I was furious. As a parent, you fear the worst.
“I was grateful he survived it. There are many kids who go though that and can’t tell the same story. My son is 21 now and he’s a great man.”
The former EastEnders star, 50, plays Felix Westwood in Hollyoaks and will soon be left stunned after discovering onscreen son DeMarcus has been carrying a knife.
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Richard is hoping it will raise awareness of the issue and potentially stop people from using weapons.
In the coming days viewers will see DeMarcus look for revenge after bullying victim Charlie Osborne reports his knife carrying to police officer Saul Reeves.
Tomi Ade, who plays DeMarcus, told Alt Africa: “This point in the story is the first time we’ve really seen DeMarcus challenged to the point where he’s felt like he’s had to acquire a knife just to protect himself.
“And I think what’s important is how he deals with being a young black boy in a village where there is hardly anyone, if anyone, who looks like him, especially his age.
“In this day and age, a black man with a knife, there’s only one answer. There’s only one place you go.”