Inside Hollyoaks David Tag's life – rival soap role, tragic deaths, racy snaps

Soap fans will know David Tag best as Sylvester “Sylver” McQueen on Hollyoaks, but the actor’s off-screen life has been full of drama, too.

David has played troublesome Sylver on the hit Channel 4 soap since July 2018 – who is husband to Mercedes (Jennifer Metcalfe) and father to Cher (Bethannie Hare).

It’s a big week for David’s character Sylver in the soap as he’s set to call it quits on his marriage with his wife Mercedes who is desperate to salvage the love they had for each other.

Mercedes has made a drastic decision and is ready to make a huge announcement to her family, and daughter Cher could be in danger when the identity of her online friend “Jade” is finally revealed.

To prepare for Sylver’s tense episodes on Hollyoaks this week, Daily Star has had a dig into actor David’s fascinating life, which includes tragic deaths, becoming a father, and his stint on a rival soap.

Rival soap role on Emmerdale

Although David is best known for playing Sylver on Hollyoaks, his first foray into the soap world was actually in a rival soap.

That’s because he originally starred in the hit ITV soap Emmerdale – playing a character called Darryl who visited the show’s Woolpack pub as a customer.

David recently revealed that he’d be up for returning to the Dales for a full-time role in the future.

Speaking to OK! about a possible return to Emmerdale, David said: “Absolutely. I’d never say never.

“I love Hollyoaks but if opportunities arrives in the future I’d love to take on a new challenge.”

David previously posted a throwback snap of himself on the show alongside Kym Marsh’s former fiancé, Dan Hooper.

David penned the caption: “Throwback to me being Daryl on Emmerdale, pulling out my best lines on the girls in the Woolpack… standard @danhooper05.”

Becoming a father

David recently achieved an exciting milestone in his life as he’s become a father for the first time.

The actor welcomed his first child, a beautiful baby boy, with his partner Abi Harrison.

David and Abi have been in a relationship for two years, and moved in together during the first lockdown.

The happy couple welcomed their son into the world on Wednesday, June 9 – naming him Reuben David.

Announcing the exciting news, David said at the time: “Myself and Abi are both thrilled to share the safe arrival of our beautiful baby boy, born on Wednesday 9th June at 12:14pm.

“Both Abi and our little man are doing great and we can’t wait for you all to meet him!”

Speaking to OK!, David revealed they picked the name Reuben as it was the “only one they could agree on”.

He said: “We both love it. I liked names like River, Forest and Zeus but Abi was like, ‘No, that’s not happening!'”

The couple apparently thought about choosing an Iranian middle name – referring to David’s heritage – but eventually decided on the name David.

David and Abi have confessed they are already broody, so another baby could be on the way soon.

David said: “We instantly made ourselves broody again when he came out and we saw how cute he was! We would like more than one.”

Chatting in a joint interview, Abi added: “When I was pregnant I said I wanted to not be pregnant for at least a year, as I didn’t really enjoy it.

“If I didn’t have to be pregnant, I would have another one right now! I would like them close together.

“I haven’t been put off at all. I know some people say, ‘Never again’ – but I definitely would.”

Tragic deaths of friends

David was faced with heart-break when he lost two of his friends to suicide during lockdown.

The actor urged males to speak out about their mental health battles after his tragic losses as he opened up about the deaths of his friends.

Taking to Instagram, the performer wrote: “Even the happiest of faces can suffer from mental health problems.

“The charity organises get-togethers where you can open up to each other.

“I am a strong-willed person and I found during lockdown a lot of people suffered in a lot of different ways.

“During lockdown two people I know died by suicide.”

David was promoting MenWalkTalk – a mental health charity which he became an ambassador for after going through a break-up.

The actor explained that there is still a “stigma” around mental health struggles for men.

He told the Manchester Evening News: “When it gets down to the nitty gritty men pull back and think ‘I’m being pathetic, weak and stupid.’

“There is a stigma.”

He also remarked: “We get so wrapped up in the day to day life, when you go outside and see the nice views it helps you to relax.”

Racy topless snaps and ‘X-rated’ flashes

Handsome David may be a soap star, but he’s no stranger to getting his kit off on Instagram, either!

The hunky celeb has left his online fans swooning on a number of occasions after stripping off for a series of steamy topless snaps.

The gym-toned star is not afraid to pose up a storm whilst flashing his rock-hard abs and burly biceps in front of the mirror.

However, on one occasion, David’s fans were left hot under the collar after spotting his private parts underneath his towel.

David could be seen sporting nothing but a pair of tight grey boxers, and he left little to the imagination when it came to his manhood.

One follower wrote: “I can’t stop staring.”

Another added: “That would poke my eye out.”

“Hollyoaks hottie alert,” a third gushed.

Captioning the shot, David cheekily penned: “Take your pants off, it’s Friday!

“Thanks Dan Collins for the shots.

“Think the stool really makes it. Looking forward to seeing the rest.”

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs to talk, call the free Samaritans helpline 24/7 on 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org or find your local branch online.

For more of the latest showbiz news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk