The Dog in the Pond (commonly known as The Dog, briefly named The Jolly Roger) is a fictional
public house
A pub (short for public house) is a kind of drinking establishment which is licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises. The term ''public house'' first appeared in the United Kingdom in late 17th century, and was ...
in the British
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British free-to-air public broadcast television network operated by the state-owned enterprise, state-owned Channel Four Television Corporation. It began its transmission on 2 November 1982 and was established to provide a four ...
soap opera
A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
''
Hollyoaks
''Hollyoaks'' is a British soap opera which began airing on Channel 4 on 23 October 1995. It was created by Phil Redmond, who had previously conceived the soap opera ''Brookside (TV series), Brookside''. Since 2005, episodes have been aired on ...
''. It has been at the centre of the show's setting since it began in 1995. In 2003, The Dog in the Pond was nominated as the "Best TV Boozer of All Time" in a poll run by
Blackthorn Cider
Blackthorn Cider is a cider produced by Gaymer Cider Company, a subsidiary of C&C Group. Previously it was known as Blackthorn Dry or Dry Blackthorn. It is sold in a variety of forms, commonly being served draught in pubs or being sold in cans or ...
. The pub was burnt down in episodes airing in September 2006 during the 'Fire at The Dog', which killed five regular characters. The fire was named as one of soap's biggest disasters by the ''
Daily Record'' in 2010.
Set
Scenes at The Dog in the Pond are filmed at ''Hollyoaks'' studios in
Lime Pictures
Lime Pictures, formerly known as Mersey Television, is a British television production company, founded by producer and writer Phil Redmond in the early 1980s. They produce award winning drama, and entertainment shows, for the international ma ...
. In 2012 the set was refurbished under the decision of series producer
Emma Smithwick
Emma Smithwick is an Irish television producer. Smithwick worked at the BBC for six years where she was involved with several shows for the teen brand BBC Switch and moved on to write for its in-house teen soap The Cut. For the final year of BB ...
. On-screen owner
Riley Costello
Riley Costello is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Rob Norbury. Riley was introduced on 20 July 2010 with the Costello family as part of a cast overhaul of the series. In December 2011, the seri ...
decided that "it was time for a major refurbishment". In June 2012 the refurbished set began airing on-screen.
Ashley Taylor Dawson
Philip Ashley Taylor Dawson (born 11 January 1982), known as Ashley Taylor Dawson, is an English actor and singer. He is known for portraying the role of Darren Osborne in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', as well as being a member of th ...
, who plays landlord
Darren Osborne
Darren Osborne is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks''. He was introduced by executive producer Phil Redmond as part of the Osborne family, making his first screen appearance on 18 November 1996, portrayed ...
commented on the new set, saying that "the old set had lots of nooks and crannies, so often people in the background weren't needed for every shot because they'd be out of sight of the camera. But now everyone can be seen - there's nowhere to hide - so pub filming days are like one big party. We get excited and everybody messes around".
Storylines
In the beginning of the series, The Dog is owned and run by
Greg Andersen (
Alvin Stardust
Bernard William Jewry (27 September 1942 – 23 October 2014), known professionally as Shane Fenton and later as Alvin Stardust, was an English rock singer and stage actor. Performing first as Shane Fenton in the 1960s, Jewry had a moderately s ...
) and his wife
Jane Andersen (
Sally Faulkner
Sally Faulkner (born 1944) is an English actress.
She is perhaps best known for her film appearances in movies such as ''The Body Stealers'' (1969), ''Layout for 5 Models'' (1972), ''Vampyres'' (1974), ''Feelings'' (1975), ''I'm Not Feeling ...
) until 1996, when they move to the United States. Greg sells The Dog to his brother-in-law
Jack Osborne
Jack Osborne is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Jimmy McKenna. He first appeared on 18 November 1996 and is the second longest serving character in the serial. He was introduced as part of ...
(
James McKenna
James Stephen McKenna (born 9 October 1942) is a Scottish actor. He is known for his roles as Jack Osborne in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'' and Don Brady in ''A Touch of Frost''.
Personal life
McKenna lives in Sheffield, England w ...
). Jack's son Darren Osborne (
Ashley Taylor Dawson
Philip Ashley Taylor Dawson (born 11 January 1982), known as Ashley Taylor Dawson, is an English actor and singer. He is known for portraying the role of Darren Osborne in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', as well as being a member of th ...
) buys half soon after.
In September 2006, rapist
Sam Owen
Sam, SAM or variants may refer to:
Places
* Sam, Benin
* Sam, Boulkiemdé, Burkina Faso
* Sam, Bourzanga, Burkina Faso
* Sam, Kongoussi, Burkina Faso
* Sam, Iran
* Sam, Teton County, Idaho, United States, a populated place
People and fictio ...
(Louis Tamone) set fire to The Dog and caused it to explode. The fire kills Sam,
Mel Burton
Mel Burton is a fictional character from the British television soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by actress Cassie Powney. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 23 September 2003. Powney joined the cast along with her twin C ...
(
Cassie Powney
Cassie Powney (born 22 May 1983) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Mel Burton on the Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks''.
Career
She played the role of Mel Burton in the soap opera ''Hollyoaks'' alongside her sister Conni ...
),
Sophie Burton
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'' in 2003, in order of first appearance.
Dale Jackson
Dale Jackson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Holly ...
(
Connie Powney
Connie Powney (born 22 May 1983 in Eastbourne) is an English actress.
Personal life
Powney has a twin sister, Cassie, who is her younger twin by two minutes.
Career
She played the role of Sophie Burton in the soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', al ...
),
Joe Spencer (Matt Milburn) and
Olivia Johnson
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'' in 2005, by order of first appearance.
Louise Summers
Rob Owen
Robert "Rob" Owen is a fictional character from the long-running Channel 4 so ...
(Rochelle Gadd). The pub is refurbished soon after and a plaque is added in memorial to the deceased. Darren loses his half of The Dog in a poker game to
Warren Fox
Warren "Foxy" Fox (also known as Mike Jones) is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', portrayed by Jamie Lomas. The character and casting were announced on 12 May 2006, and Warren made his first appearanc ...
(
Jamie Lomas
James Lomas (born 21 April 1975) is an English actor, known for his soap opera roles as Warren Fox in ''Hollyoaks'' and Jake Stone in ''EastEnders''.
Life and career
Lomas was born in Manchester. Before joining ''Hollyoaks'' in 2006, he had m ...
). Warren's gangster friends take several people hostage in late 2007 and Darren is shot. Soon after, Warren sells his half back to Jack. The Osborne family begin having money troubles during 2008, which leads to Jack faking his death. After it is revealed and Jack is jailed, his wife
Frankie Osborne
Frankie Osborne (also Dean) is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Helen Pearson. She made her first on-screen appearance on 9 October 2002. Frankie was once the longest-serving female character in ...
(
Helen Pearson
Helen Pearson (born 16 November 1959) is a British actress who has been in three major soap operas, '' EastEnders'' (during 1990 as April McIntosh), ''Emmerdale'' (from 2000 to 2001 as Carol Wareing), and as Frankie Osborne in ''Hollyoaks'' fr ...
) auctions The Dog later on and gives
Neville Ashworth
Neville Ashworth is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera, ''Hollyoaks'', played by Jim Millea. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 30 September 2005 and was introduced by David Hanson. Neville departed in Ju ...
(
Jim Millea
James Millea (born 25 November 1958) is an English actor who played small businessman and publican Neville Ashworth in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks''.
Millea trained at the Rose Burford College of Speech and Drama, and developed his act ...
) money so he could out-bid Warren. Nev renames the pub The Jolly Roger, but quickly changes it back to its original name after he discovers it has become a gay bar. The Ashworths own The Dog until 2010, when they move abroad and sell it to
Carl Costello
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 ...
(
Paul Opacic
Paul Opacic (born 1966) is a British actor from Halifax, England. Best known for his roles as Carl Costello in ''Hollyoaks'', Steve Marchant in ''Emmerdale'' and Mark Waddle in '' Bad Girls''. In 2021, he joined the cast of the ITV soap ope ...
). The Costello family then move in. As the new owners the Costello family hire Jack Osborne as manager.
Silas Blissett
Silas Blissett is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Jeff Rawle. Rawle's casting was announced in December 2010 and it was revealed that he would portray a serial killer. Rawle was approached by ...
, father of
Heidi Costello
Heidi Costello (also Blissett) is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Kim Tiddy. She made her first on-screen appearance on 20 July 2010 and made her final appearance in the series on 1 November 201 ...
(
Kim Tiddy
Kimberley Jane Tiddy (born 3 September 1977) is an English actress, known for her roles as PC Honey Harman in the ITV procedural drama ''The Bill'' and Heidi Costello in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks''.
Life and career
The daughter of J ...
) soon moves in. Warren Fox stages a break in which nearly goes wrong when Carl and Riley Costello (Rob Norbury) try to stand up to the thieves. He intervenes and they leave. Warren Fox's friend,
Rocco
Rocco or Rocko is both a given name and a surname. Notable people with the name include:
First name
* Rocco Baldelli (born 1981), American Major League Baseball player and manager of the Minnesota Twins
* Rocco Botte (born 1983), American actor a ...
(
Arinze Kene) beats Riley in a bet for his fathers England squad cap so Riley stages a break in at the Dog. In late 2011 Heidi is murdered by her father Silas and Carl moves to America with his son
Jason
Jason ( ; ) was an ancient Greek mythological hero and leader of the Argonauts, whose quest for the Golden Fleece featured in Greek literature. He was the son of Aeson, the rightful king of Iolcos. He was married to the sorceress Medea. He w ...
leaving other son Riley in charge, however Riley decides to move out and asks Darren and Jack Osborne to move in and run the place for him, making them licensees again.
In 2012, Building work on the Dog took place off-screen after Riley Costello decided that it was time for a major refurbishment. The Grand Opening took place on 15 June 2012, but was interrupted after the Osborne's realise that the Savages have taken up residence in their new houseboat just outside the pub. In October 2012, Riley is shot dead by
Simon Walker and leaves the pub to
Mitzeee
Anne "Mitzeee" Minniver is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Rachel Shenton. The character debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 23 July 2010. Mitzeee was created by series producer Paul ...
. Mitzeee departs in 2013 and puts the pub up for sale, giving The Osbornes 5 weeks to come up with the money or she would sell it elsewhere.
Seamus Brady
The following is a list of characters that first appeared or will appear in the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'' in 2012, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the series' producer, Emma Smithwick. The first cha ...
won a huge sum of money due to him gambling, he lost the slip which Darren Osborne found. When Seamus died, he was able to put in an offer for The Dog In The Pond, which Mitzeee accepted. Darren and his wife Nancy have since exchanged contracts and are the new owners of The Dog. In 2014 following her affair with
Rick Spencer being exposed Nancy and Darren split up days after getting remarried. Darren offers to buy Nancy's half of The Dog and days later the contracts are exchanged making Darren the sole owner of The Dog. In October 2015, the Dog hosts Hollyoaks Gay Pride as a favour to
Tony Hutchinson
Tony Hutchinson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Nick Pickard. His first appearance on-screen occurred on 23 October 1995, the inaugural episode of the programme, and is the longest-serving ...
however, gangster Trevor Royle, who is pursuing Jason and Robbie Roscoe, pulls out a gun and fires it, causing part of the decoration to fall, injuring Doctor Charles S'Avage who is then murdered by the
Lindsey Butterfield
Lindsey Roscoe (also Butterfield) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Sophie Austin. The character made her first on-screen appearance on 3 June 2013. Lindsey had been involved in storylines such as coveri ...
(
Sophie Austin
Sophie Austin (born 5 January 1984) is an English actress who started her career out in theatre once she left drama school but later moved to screen. She is best known for portraying Lindsey Butterfield in the British soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', a ...
) as the gloved hand killer. Tony tells Diane that Jack may be liable for the death. Jack later reveals to Darren that he has sold the Following the sale, the Dog in the Pond will be taken over by the new pub, the Osborne's tenure as owners.
After the entire village learn that Mac is responsible for setting the fire at Hollyoaks High that causes Neeta's death and suffered an locked in syndrome that causes into a care home, his daughter Ellie remains the owner of the pub until she sells it to Mecedes McQueen.
Residents, landlords and employees
Current landlords and employees
Current residents
Former landlords and employees
See also
*
List of fictional pubs
This is a list of notable fictional bar (establishment), bars and pubs.
A
*Ace of Clubs – ''Smallville''
*The Admiral's Arms – ''Queen of the Damned''
*The Admiral Benbow Inn – ''Treasure Island''
*The Aidensfield Arms – ''Heartbea ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dog in the Pond, The
Hollyoaks
Fictional drinking establishments