of the soap opera. Pickard is the longest serving cast member in the serial's history having played Tony since the show began in 1995. Pickard was cast in the role when he was nineteen years old and he relocated to Liverpool where the serial is filmed. He has said that his character gets a balance of serious and humorous storyline which he enjoys. In 2009, The Daily Star reported that Pickard had quit the role and was "disgusted" with series producer Paul Marquess following the axing of his real life brother John Pickard as Dom Reilly. Pickard later announced that he had no plans to leave the serial. Development Characterisation Tony was originally described as a "loveable geek and the sort of guy who would instantly and completely fall in love". He is described as the "oldest friend" of Kurt Benson (Jeremy Edwards) and "the anithesis of Kurt, sensitive and keen to settle down, Tony lacked Kurt's confidence with women". An early official Hollyoaks website, Hollyoaks.com, described Tony as "A worrier, who lacks self-confidence but always does the decent thing". A more recent official Hollyoaks website describes Tony saying: "Tony has had what you would call "a colourful life". Quite the Romeo, he has been married TWICE. [...] On top of that there's been numerous engagements, romances and flings [...] A natural-born entrepreneur, he has built (and lost) a business empire that would make Sir Alan [Sugar] proud, encompassing burger bars, launderettes, health spas and restaurants [...] He may be down but he's certainly not out. NEVER underestimate the Hutch". Virgin Media profiled Tony, of his persona they state: "Pompous and irritating at times, Tony has also provided plenty of slapstick." They also comment on his relationships, writing: "After inexplicably romancing some of the numerous blondes in the series, Tony's suffered enough personal tragedy to garner some sympathy." What's on TV also profiled Tony stating: "The entrepreneur is a bit of a fuddy-duddy but he has never had any problems in the romance department. He must be the most fertile man in the village as he's got five women pregnant so far!" Relationships Early relationships Tony and Julie Matthews (Julie Buckfield) begin a relationship. The pair soon after become engaged. Explaining how Tony feels on his wedding day, Pickard said "Tony has a lot of nerves about the whole thing". He explained that this is due to Julie's parents taking