Carl Costello is a fictional character from the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Paul Opacic. The character was introduced by executive producer Paul Marquess and he debuted on screen during the episode broadcast on 19 July 2010. Carl arrived in the village as the new owner of The Dog in the Pond and the father of established character Jem Costello (Helen Russell-Clark). Carl departed from Hollyoaks on 1 December 2011 with his son Jason Costello (Victoria Atkin). Opacic later reprised his role and returned to Hollyoaks on 26 September 2012 and left again on the 5 October 2012. Opacic reprised his role once more in January 2013, which coincided with the exit of Mitzeee Minniver (Rachel Shenton). He returned on 25 January 2013 and departed again on 15 February 2013. Opacic returned again for a guest appearance on 10 July 2018, which ended in his character being murdered by Breda McQueen (Moya Brady) on 11 July 2018. He departed on 16 November 2018, When the character was killed off.
Creation and casting
Lucy Allan quit the role of executive producer in January 2010, Paul Marquess is then quickly employed as her replacement. Marquess revealed his plans to give Hollyoaks a "shake up", and initiated a cast cull along with the introduction of several new characters. In April 2010 Marquees announced his intentions to introduce the Costello family. Speaking about the new family Marquees stated "They're only one of three families. They're family number two. The thing about the Costellos is that The Dog has to be somewhere the audience wants to be. [...] I'm not saying the Costellos won't have serious stories but I think you'll want to be there. He branded Carl and Heidi Costello (Kim Tiddy) as good looking. The Costellos were a built on family to the all ready established Jem Costello (Helen Russell-Clark). Opacic was cast in the role and during an interview with E4 he stated: "It's a very exciting time at Hollyoaks right now. Paul Marquess has got a proven track record, and I think it's turned the whole thing around. [...] It seems like a re-birth of Hollyoaks."
Development
Characterisation
E4 publicity describe him as being "self-assured smooth operator who's charming, but will play things underhand." Opacic brands Carl a "legendary philanderer" and a "naughty boy" but defends him stating "He would never leave Heidi, he loves her enormously, but he just can't help himself." He also calls Carl a "bit of a dinosaur" when it comes to sensitive issues such as Jamine's identity issues. Remaining optimistic of Carl's views he stated: "He might become a new man and start to be more understanding, I'm sure it will be a huge learning process for him." E4 later shed more light on Carl during the third series of Hollyoaks Later adding that he "is known for his fiery temper."
Returns
On 1 August 2012, Opacic's management revealed that he had reprised his role of Carl and had begun filming his return scenes. Carl will appear from September 2012. Tom Eames from Digital Spy later revealed that Carl would return when his grandson Bobby Costello goes missing. A show insider explained "Carl agrees to put aside his differences to be there for his son and Mercedes" upon his return.
On 20 December 2012, it was announced that Rachel Shenton would be leaving her role of Mitzeee in 2012 and that Carl would return as part of her exit storyline. It was revealed that the storyline would feature Carl returning to seek justice for Riley's death and that he would enlist Mitzeee in helping him punish Simon Walker (Neil Newbon). An official statement by Hollyoaks teased that Mitzeee could get a happy ending or that it was possible "her involvement with Carl has put her life in danger". Carl returned on 25 January 2013.
On 1 July 2018, it was announced that Opacic had reprised his role, over five years after his last appearance. Carl returns for "an explosive comeback" as part of Mercedes' return storyline. It was reported that Carl would return after Mercedes takes Bobby from him in America. He then makes a public appeal for Bobby to be returned to him, before appearing at the McQueen house looking for Bobby. It was confirmed on 2 July that Opacic's return is a guest stint.
Storylines
Carl is an ex-premiership footballer, whose first wife died when his daughter Jem (Helen Russell-Clark) was young, he then went on to marry Heidi (Kim Tiddy), with whom he has three more children; Riley (Rob Norbury), Seth (Miles Higson) and Jasmine (Victoria Atkin).
