 Pryor's casting details were announced on 7 August 2018, when it was also revealed that his character would have a connection with returning character Sinead O'Connor (Stephanie Davis).The character and further details about the role were announced on 17 September 2018 in an interview with executive producer Bryan Kirkwood.Laurie is introduced as Sinead's husband and the new deputy head teacher of Hollyoaks High School.