Robert "Rob" Edwards, played by David Atkins, debuted on-screen on 26 September 2011. The character was introduced as one of five new students who arrive to study at Hollyoaks Community College. Entertainment website Digital Spy first announced the character of Rob on 5 September 2011. A Hollyoaks spokesperson said that the students are "possibly the coolest set" to ever feature in the serial because they "shake things up" and face "life's hardest lessons". Their fresher's week branded the "most fun and cringe-worthy" one ever Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly later announced Rob would depart the serial on 18 February 2013.