dr. shirley paul browning (commonly known as doctor browning) is a fictional character from the british channel 4 soap opera "hollyoaks", played by joseph thompson. he made his debut screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 23 january 2012 and was introduced by emma smithwick. doctor browning was introduced as part of a storyline featuring mercedes mcqueen (jennifer metcalfe) in which he "shows her the benefits of 'selling her services'". doctor browning and mercedes later begin a relationship, which smithwick called a "union of the dark soul mates". thompson said that doctor browning and mercedes "are excited by how dangerous the other is" and are "kindred spirits" who have an "undeniable connection between them". when lynsey nolan (karen hassan) is murdered in a whodunnit plot doctor browning becomes a suspect before it is later revealed he had killed lynsey. doctor browning is described as having an "incredible capacity for sleaze" and as someone who "needs to be in control and is not afraid to use underhand tactics".