David Tag, best known for his role as Sylver McQueen in Hollyoaks, is taking on a bold new challenge in the upcoming LGBTQ+ film Departures.
The film, set in Manchester, delves into the complexities of a toxic relationship, offering audiences a raw and emotional journey through themes of love, denial, and self-acceptance.
In Departures, David portrays Jake, a man struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.
His character is involved in a passionate yet destructive affair with Benji, played by the film’s co-director and writer Lloyd Eyre-Morgan.
The story follows Benji as he wrestles with the emotional fallout of his breakup with Jake,
who, despite his feelings, insists on keeping their relationship hidden, only allowing their encounters to take place on secretive weekend trips to Amsterdam.
David’s involvement in Departures stems from his longstanding collaboration with Eyre-Morgan and co-director Neil Ely. Their working relationship began in 2019 when David starred in one of their short films while still appearing in Hollyoaks. Since then, he has worked with them on multiple projects, including White Wedding, an LGBTQ+ horror-musical short film. Although he had to audition for Departures, David was a strong contender for the role due to his prior experience with the directors and their vision for the film.
Taking on the role of Jake presented a fresh and compelling challenge for David. The character is layered and complex—an outwardly confident and dominant figure masking deep-seated insecurities and inner turmoil. Describing Jake, David explains that he portrays a hyper-masculine image while simultaneously grappling with his hidden desires. The film explores the tension between his need to conform to societal expectations and his inability to ignore his feelings for Benji.
Unlike the fan-favorite Sylver McQueen, Jake is far from universally likable. However, David believes that even the most unlikable characters deserve understanding. He explains that Jake’s actions stem from personal struggles and past trauma, which manifest in his treatment of Benji. While he exhibits selfish and hurtful behavior, the film also offers glimpses into his vulnerability, allowing audiences to empathize with his internal battle.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Departures for David was the collaborative nature of the project. The directors encouraged input from the actors, allowing them to bring their own interpretations to the characters. While the script provided a framework, much of the dialogue and interactions were improvised, lending a natural and realistic feel to the performances.
Filming took place over several months, primarily on weekends to accommodate the cast and crew’s schedules. Key scenes were shot in Manchester and the Lake District, with additional sequences filmed in Amsterdam to capture the essence of Jake and Benji’s clandestine meetings. One particularly memorable scene required David and Lloyd to swim in a lake, which, despite being meant to depict a warm summer’s day, was filmed in freezing temperatures. Despite the challenges, David found the experience both enjoyable and rewarding.
The dynamic between Jake and Benji is left open to interpretation, adding depth to the storytelling. While it is clear that there are strong emotions between them, Jake’s reluctance to embrace his true self prevents their relationship from ever developing beyond a series of secret encounters. This emotional push-and-pull creates tension throughout the film, making for a gripping narrative.
Given the film’s intimate subject matter, the production team ensured that the cast felt comfortable and safe during its more sensitive scenes. An intimacy coordinator was brought in for key moments, including scenes between David and his co-stars, such as Coronation Street alum Kimberly Hart-Simpson. This support allowed the actors to fully commit to their roles while maintaining a respectful and professional environment on set.
David’s Hollyoaks co-star Tyler Conti also features in the film, playing one of Benji’s close friends. Although they had never worked together before Departures, David and Tyler quickly developed a strong rapport and have remained in touch since filming wrapped.
Excitement is building for Departures, with upcoming screenings, including a showcase at the BFI in London. David hopes that the film will not only allow audiences to see him in a different light but also serve as a stepping stone in his career beyond soap operas. The film has already garnered positive reviews, and David is optimistic that its success will open doors for more diverse roles in the future.
Since leaving Hollyoaks, David has embraced a variety of projects, ranging from television dramas to commercials. He has even taken on adrenaline-fueled challenges, such as skydiving for a commercial. One of his upcoming roles sees him portraying a Salford gangster in a yet-to-be-released Channel 4 docufilm, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.
When reflecting on his time in Hollyoaks, David has no regrets about his departure. While he appreciates the opportunities the show provided, he is eager to take on new and more challenging roles. Although breaking free from the soap opera mold has proven to be more difficult than he initially expected, he remains determined to carve out a diverse and fulfilling career in the industry.
While open to the possibility of returning to the world of soap operas, David is particularly interested in roles within Coronation Street or Emmerdale. He previously made a one-episode appearance in Emmerdale years ago and would welcome the chance to take on a more substantial part if the right opportunity came along.
David still keeps in touch with Hollyoaks cast members, particularly Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes McQueen. They occasionally meet for coffee and catch up on life after the show.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, David remains optimistic about the future of soap operas. He acknowledges that changing viewing habits and the rise of streaming platforms have impacted traditional television formats, but he believes that soaps will continue to thrive as long as they adapt to the shifting landscape.
With Departures poised to make a significant impact, David Tag’s career is on an exciting trajectory. His commitment to taking on challenging and meaningful roles demonstrates his dedication to growth as an actor, and audiences can look forward to seeing him in even more diverse and compelling performances in the future.
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