Candice McDowell

Candice McDowell is a fictional character in the soap opera Beverley Terrace, who was the first ever character to appear on the show when it began on 10 November 2014. She is played by Shahnequa Duprey and was introduced by Charlotte Smith. One of her first and most memorable storylines was the return and later feud with teen enemy, Jacqueline Smith (Jennifer Metcalfe).

Creation and development
Candice was one of many female characters that Charlotte Smith wanted to introduce, and was a late addition to the cast after Ashley Rivera revealed that she and many others were "not part of the original cast list". Although provided to be a light relief character, Smith said of her casting that "we need someone to be there when the show gets depressing. She'll face a hard time during the first few weeks, but we'll soon find out that she has a tough exterior as some of her dark past is momentarily revealed."

She was originally described as a "complete and utter party animal, who loves Christmas and all things pink." It was later revealed that she'd have a part to play in the 2014 Christmas double-episode when she hosts a party in The Golden which later turns into a hostage.

Throughout the show, Candice had a "close" relationship with the eldest of the town, Gemma Ranstone (Lin Blakley) and Peter Ranstone (William Roache). Commenting on the relationship, Hesmondhalgh said: "It's a great relationship that Candice has with the elders. On one hand, Gemma and Peter find her absolutely attrocious and annoying, but on the other hand they truly care for her and would take time out of their day to make sure she's alright. Their relationship is special like that."

2014–
When Candice was introduced, it was revealed that she had received ownership of a bar in the terrace that she named "Candice's". However, she was shocked by the return of her old enemy Jacqueline Smith, who had claimed the business after faking several documents. Candice was sent to prison for the alleged business theft after Jacqueilne framed her, though was let out the week after when Gemma got hold of Jacqueline's faked documents of the business. Jacqueline was in turn sent to prison.

Criticial reception
Viewers heavily praised the opening scene of the show, which saw an excited Candice receiving her dress for her opening party. Her storyline was fairly received, though some commented that it was "too soon" for such a light relief character to receive a storyline, prompting the characters' introducer, Charlotte Smith, to say there would be "a lot more to come" from Candice's lighter side.