on her, Hallows said: "I saw Lewis's death being filmed and, even though I knew what to expect and what was coming next, it was so absolutely terrible it brought tears to my eyes. I think people will be truly shocked, I'd be amazed if they weren't, because it is such a horrible death". Hallows hoped the scenes would have a positive impact for those facing similar problems to Lewis and would help them to talk about their difficulties. Hallows opined that the decision for Lewis to commit suicide was made to raise awareness of the subject and not to gain viewers. Hallows felt that if "Lewis's story can help one person and save them from going down that same route, then it will have been an issue worth doing". Hollyoaks worked closely with Campaign Against Living Miserably when developing the storyline. The Liverpool Echo described Lewis's final scenes as "a shocking soap storyline as graphic as any ever seen on TV". Storylines Lewis first arrives in Hollyoaks as part of the Richardson family, and is protective over his sister Mandy (Sarah Jayne Dunn) because they were both abused by their father Dennis (David McAllister). Lewis moves into a flat above the Video Shop with sisters Jude (Davinia Taylor) and Dawn Cunningham (Lisa Williamson). Lewis dates Jude but ends the relationship upon discovering from Jude’s criminal activities. Lewis discovers that his sister Mandy has gone missing and along with his father, Lewis begins searching for her. Lewis worries when he thinks Mandy may have committed suicide but Lewis finds Mandy alive in a hospital. Lewis arrives at her bedside and is devastated when Mandy confesses that their father had raped her. Lewis supports Mandy and together they report the incident to the police. Dennis is soon after arrested. Lewis takes care of Mandy, helping her through her trial. Their father is found guilty and is sentenced for seven years imprisonment. Lewis begins a relationship with Ruth Osborne (Terri Dwyer), following the separation from her husband Kurt Benson, although they decide to keep it secret. The relationship ends when Ruth confesses that she has slept with Luke Morgan (Gary Lucy). Beth Morgan (Elizabeth O'Grady) and Lewis begin a relationship. Lewis ends the relationship after deciding Beth is too young for him. Lewis is shocked to discover that his mum Helen Richardson (Kathryn George) was pregnant with Gordon Cunningham's (Bernard Latham) child.