Damian Evans

William Ash as Damian (2023)

John Barlow (2020-22)

André Lopez (2022)

Steven Robinson (2024)

Shive Evans

Julia Jackson]]

Karren Grant

Daniel Coonan as Damian (2020)

Damian Evans is the father of Denzil Spider & Louisa Spider, and the brother of Dave Evans, Shive Evans & Adrian Johnson. He will make his debut in December 2019. He left in June 2022. He returned in August 2023. He was played by Daniel Coonan from December 2019 to June 2022, and William Ash from 2023.

## Storylines

Damian is first mentioned in March 2019, when Dave Evans tells Nick about him, describing him as "In and out of prison all his life". In July, Damian is mentioned again, turning out that Denzil Spider is actually Nick's cousin, as he's the son of Damian. Damian arrives on Hole Street on Christmas Day 2019, along with Denzil, Louisa, & Nathan. Denzil discovers that the Mitchell family have moved into 7 Hole Street. Damian tries to threaten Jamie Mitchell into moving out, but Denzil stops him. At Jade & Emma's sten do, Damian suddenly is reduced to tears, and goes out the back. Suspicious, Eddie Lacey follows him out and asks him what's wrong. Damian tells him that seeing Jade & Emma together reminds him of when he was younger, and his father hated and abused him, because he was gay. This reflected in his life, making him turn to crime, which also reflected in his children's lives too (presumably explaining why Denzil was nasty). Eddie tells him that his parents are now dead and he needs to move on. Damian and Eddie suddenly kiss. However, this goes no further. In December 2020, Damian meets old friend John Barlow. The pair start a relationship, in secret. In March 2021, Damian comes out to Denzil and Louisa. Denzil is asked to sing in the Tumpetty. Damian and John go outside and kiss. They are spotted by Matthew Alderton and his gang, and they beat them up. However, they both recover. In November 2021, Damian becomes a suspect when Matthew is murdered, however he was ruled out. In January 2022, Damian is annoyed when John's annoying ex-boyfriend, André Lopez, arrives. In April 2022, Damian and Andre kiss. In May 2022, Damian tells John about the kiss. John is devastated, and leaves, telling him he can't trust him. He moves in with Jennifer. Damian is later devastated when John commits suicide. André's boyfriend Chris Taylor tells Damian to keep clear of André. At John's funeral, John's father, Joe and sister Victoria arrive. After the funeral, Joe punches Damian, holding him responsible for John's death. Despite this, Damian thanks him for being a good father to John. In June 2022, Damian vows revenge, and meets up with André. Damian ends up hitting André with a crowbar, killing him. Damian goes to stay with Adrian in Liverpool, only telling Denzil and Louisa where he's going, so he won't get found and arrested. He returns in August 2023, when he feels the dust has settled, shocking his family. In January 2024, Damian talks to Steven Robinson, and ends up kissing him

## Background Info

Damian was mentioned regularly throughout 2019, and was described as "In and out of prison all his life". Critics described him as "Shive Evans' bad boy brother" and also "put money on him appearing in N&F" . In August 2019, it was announced that Damian would be joining N&F, along with the returning Denzil Spider, his sister Louisa & son Nathan. The actor was announced as former Eastenders actor Daniel Coonan. They arrive/return in December 2019. In February 2020, a shock twist happened when it was revealed that Damian was gay and kissed Eddie Lacey (Harry Reid). In February 2022, it was announced that Damian would be leaving in 2022. He left in June 2022. In July 2023, it was announced that Damian would be returning in Summer 2023, with the role recast to William Ash. The decision was controversial, however was later well received. He returned in August 2023.