List of Hollyoaks characters (2003)

Dale Jackson is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Laila Rouass. She appeared throughout 2003. Upon Rouass's casting the ''Liverpool Echo'' said "if tv bosses are looking for a replacement for Cilla - Hollyoaks newest recruit may be the answer" and described her as a "new soap siren". She was also described as "feisty" and her entrances was said to "ruffle a few feathers". Dale has also been described as having a "no-nonsense attitude".

Rouass commented on the casting saying "Dale is a real go-getter, very independent and career-minded she doesn't take any nonsense. I've really settled into the `family' now. It's certainly been a change from my past experience, but Dale is a really strong character and the role has certainly given me something to get my teeth into". Rouass started filming in December 2002. The character has also been described as "mysterious". Rouass beat seventy other auditionees for the part which she said "was unbelievable" and added that she didn't "know how I got it". Rouass also added that she was "loving every minute of it".

Dale Jackson arrives in Hollyoaks village to investigate series of murders. Colleague Will Davies allows Dale to move in with him and his son, Ben and daughter Abby. Abby begins to see Dale as a mother figure but Ben is dubious about him living together. She sleeps with Ben and is caught by Will. Ben tries to apologise; however, Will insists that it really never bothered him and makes it clear to Ben that he is free to do anything he wanted. Dale tells Will she has feelings for him and the pair begin to date, despite Ben's warnings. Ben was furious at his father's actions and accuses Dale of using him, leading Will to throw Ben out of his own house. Eventually, Will and Ben make up, but Dale leaves after being sacked by the commissioner.

The ''Daily Mirror'' commented positively on Rouass's performance saying it was "sizzling" and had "set the screen alight". The ''Liverpool Echo'' commented positively on her "will they, won't they" storyline with Will labelling it a "far more pressing puzzle to be solved" than the serial killer storyline. Provided by Wikipedia