SOAP SHAKE-UP
Hollyoaks cast: New, leaving and returning characters
Change has been rife in Chester.
HOLLYOAKS is no stranger to change, as some of the show's biggest names are set to exit in the near future.
Here's everything you need to know about the comings and goings in Hollyoaks.
Martha Blake and Jez Blake (Sherrie Hewson and Jeremy Sheffield) - joining
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Newcomers Martha and Jez Blake will be joining Hollyoaks as the estranged mother and twin brother of deceased Patrick Blake.
Jeremy Sheffield, who previously played Patrick from 2012 to 2016, makes a return to the Channel 4 soap in the new role of Jez.
Actress and television personality Sherrie Hewson has signed up to play Martha, mother of the Blake twins.
Jeremy Sheffield said of his return: “I’m so excited to be back in the village and have the opportunity to play a great new character.
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“Jez might be Patrick’s twin but he couldn’t be more different; he’s charming, enigmatic, complex and full of mystery.
“Working with the wonderful Sherrie Hewson means we get to explore even more of the famously twisted Blake family secrets."
Sherrie Hewson said: "It’s been a roller coaster joining Hollyoaks!
"The character is just wonderful to play. Everyone is so lovely, such a great atmosphere to work in and so welcoming. We laugh a lot. What more could you ask for?”
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Zain Rizwaan (Jonas Khan) - leaving
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Jonas Khan joined the cast of Hollyoaks back in 2022, playing Zain Rizwaan, a love interest for Misbaah Maalik (Harvey Virdi).
Actor Jonas will be bowing out from the show after two years in the role.
His character’s storylines have seen Zain and Misbaah get married, as well as Zain suffering a stroke.
Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) - leaving
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Stephanie Waring will leave her role as Cindy Cunningham later this year, having first joined Hollyoaks in 1996.
She became the second actress to play Cindy, taking over from original portrayer Laura Crossley.
In April, Stephanie announced her character had been axed from the Channel 4 soap in an emotional Instagram post.
She shared: “I can’t believe I am writing this and I have taken the last two weeks to process and come to terms with the shock of what I am about to say.
"I am heartbroken to announce that my character of Cindy has been included in the actors reduction of Hollyoaks."
Stephanie described her inclusion in the cast cull as "gutting."
She added: "I was given the chance to say I had chosen to quit the show to spare me any embarrassment of revealing that I’ve been axed, which was very kind.
"But I don’t want to lie to the fans who have followed Cindy’s journey for nearly 3 decades as I believe they know she nor I would ever have left the show by choice. Hollyoaks is in my blood, and I have loved every minute of walking in Cindy’s heels."
Scott Drinkwell (Ross Adams) - leaving
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Ross Adams announced earlier this year that he would be stepping away from his role as Scott Drinkwell in Hollyoaks.
The actor debuted back in 2015 and is exiting after a nine-year stint in the show.
Ross took to his Instagram account to update his followers and show viewers about his big news.
The star posted a series of snaps and wrote: "I love the show; the wonderful cast and one of the most dedicated crews in the business - all of whom are having a pretty rough time at the moment.
"So, deciding not to sign another contract was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make."
A source exclusively told The Sun: "Ross has decided it's time to move on and explore pastures new.
"He has loved his time on the show but after almost a decade, he wants to take on some new challenges and different roles.";
Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox) - leaving
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The Sun exclusively revealed gangster Warren Fox would be departing the show later this year.
Actor Jamie Lomas, 49, has played Warren on and off since 2006, with his initial run ending in 2011.
He returned in 2016, 2018 and 2019 before beginning his latest full-time stint from 2020.
However, Jamie decided earlier this year to leave the Channel 4 show once again.
His exit follows bosses announcing that from September episodes would be cut from five to three, with the loss of 135 jobs.
A source said: “Jamie has been at the centre of some of the soap’s biggest storylines and has been back in Hollyoaks now for nearly eight years which is a long time.
“It’s been a long stint which he has loved but with all the changes going on he felt the time was right to move on.
“He told bosses last week and they are already working on his exit storyline.
“The door will be left open and it is hoped he’ll be back again as Warren Fox one day.”
Carter Shepherd (David Ames) - left
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Former Holby City star David Ames made his Hollyoaks debut in Agust, 2023, two months after his casting was initially announced.
David joined the line-up as Carter Shepherd, the new headteacher at Hollyoaks High.
However, he is also the father of recurring character Freya Calder, played by Ellie Henry, and is trying to rebuild their relationship.
He is also due to be involved in a huge storyline with Hollyoaks icon John-Paul McQueen.
"I am incredibly excited to join the Hollyoaks cast as such an intricately layered character, with a very poignant and vital storyline to come", David said about his arrival in the show.
David left Hollyoaks with the conclusion of Carter's storyline in May 2024.
Romeo Nightingale (Owen Warner) - left
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The Sun exclusively revealed that the hunk of Hollyoaks Romeo would be leaving his role later this year.
24 year old Owen has decided to call time on appearing in the Channel 4 show after six years in the role.
The actor has already filmed his final scenes amid a major storyline that has seen Romeo confess to the murder of his abusive girlfriend Rayne Royce.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun Owen revealed: “Walking away from Hollyoaks is a really sad thing to do.
“I’d always say to the producer that if possible I would love for the door to be left open but you never know what could happen. Could always do a Lazarus if he does get killed off.”
He added: “That’s the thing that’s really sad about leaving Hollyoaks, the fans are so lovely. It’s going to be sad to walk away from because they are really lovely, loyal fans.”
Fans know Romeo is facing life behind bars for killing Rayne, but the soap is known for its big twists - and Owen’s exit won’t be any different.
He added: “It’s Hollyoaks, there’s always a twist. When I was told what it was going to be I was like, ‘Are you joking?’
“I had to look the producer in the eye and say, ‘Are you serious? I feel like I’m being had on here, I don’t know how this is real. Surely not.’
“There’s loads of twists and safe to say, it’s a memorable one.”
Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) - returned
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After a much-anticipated wait, former EastEnders icon Rita Simons made a fleeting first appearance as Marie on the show.
Thankfully, she will be back on screens in the coming weeks.
Rita, 46, plays tracksuit clad Marie, who is the mother of Joel Dexter and is yet to firmly make her mark on the show.
The star's storyline will see her work with Joel actor Rory Douglas-Speed as well as Jamie Lomas who plays Warren Fox.
Speaking about joining Hollyoaks, Rita said: “Marie’s got a lot of ties
here, so I think there’s going to be quite a lot of trouble between quite a few characters, and you will just have to keep watching to see…”
Last year The Sun exclusively revealed snaps of Rita on the show's set as she received her first scripts.
She could be seen chatting with award-winning Hollyoaks casting boss Peter Hunt.
Freddie Roscoe (Charlie Clapham) - returned
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long-term fans of Hollyoaks can get excited at the prospect of Freddie Roscoe's return after seven years away from the fictional village.
Actor Charlie Clapham is reprising his role as Darren Osborne's half-brother.
Freddie was last seen on screen in 2017 after attacking the rapist of his on/off partner Ellie Nightingale, before going on the run.
Soap bosses are keeping the reason for his return under wraps, along with the date he will be back on screen, but have confirmed Charlie has rejoined the cast in a full time role.
Speaking about his return, Charlie said: "I’m extremely grateful and excited to be reprising a role that means so much.
"Get READY for FREDDIE."
Freddie first arrived on the show in 2013 and during his time on the show, he faked his own death, went into witness protection and discovered his ex was the Gloved Hand Killer.
Freddie was in a relationship with killer Lindsey Butterfield and the couple had a daughter, Lexi.
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Goldie McQueen (Chelsee Healey) - left
Nicole Barber-Lane recently made a highly-anticipated comeback to the Channel 4 village, reprising her role as the fiercely protective matriarch Myra McQueen.
The beloved no-nonsense character was followed closely by Theresa and Cleo McQueen back in Hollyoaks but, unfortunately, her stint was short-lived.
Both Myra and Goldie McQueen were forced to flee the eponymous village during an instalment of the long-running drama aired on January 24, 2024.
It all started when Myra discovered that money she had been hiding had vanished and she was forced to tell Goldie she was keeping the cash for Jacqui, who had been in a spot of trouble abroad.
After going above and beyond to find the stash of cash, in a desperate attempt to avoid the wrath of the men chasing Jacqui, the pair decided to flee Hollyoaks to keep themselves, and the rest of their family safe.
Luckily for them, Goldie had world cruise tickets which they eventually decided to use to go on the run long enough for things to return to normal.
Sadly, this pushed Goldie into a huge dilemma as her son Prince was expecting to take her up on her offer of a second ticket as he has been desperate to leave Hollyoaks.
As mentioned above, Goldie decided to take Myra on her trip with her and she promised Prince she'd be back in the village shortly.
Goldie's departure from Hollyoaks gives actress Chelsee Healey time off to enjoy her maternity leave as her exit has been said to be temporary.
But how will her return play out?
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Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter) - returned
Jorgie Porter has had multiple stints in the Chester-based program and reprised her role in 2020.
After she was reported to remain in the show indefinitely, despite previous statements claiming she would leave, fans were delighted to see her find her mark again in Hollyoaks.
However, in December 2022, the actress bowed out of the village once again as her on-screen alter ego Theresa McQueen faced turmoil in her relationship with Romeo Nightingale.
Theresa left Hollyoaks in early December, thus accommodating Jorgie Porter’s maternity leave.
In November, 2023, the soap star revealed she was back on the set of Hollyoaks, ready for more mayhem.
She finally reappeared in the drama on January 16, 2024, in the midst of a horrific car pile-up, alongside Myra McQueen, as mentioned above, and Cleo McQueen.
Speaking of which.
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Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin) - returned
Much like Jorgie Porter, Nadine Mulkerrin replaced her days in the spotlight for time with her second child.
At the time of her departure, in mid-2022, Nadine said her exit was permanent rather than a maternity leave.
However, after talks with soap bosses late last year, Nadine agreed to reprise her role in mid-January, 2024.
Cleo was thrown into chaos once again as she bumped into her ex Joel Dexter and admitted she was back in Hollyoaks for him.
Unfortunately, her comeback was marked by a shocking car accident involving four different vehicles and plenty of fellow villagers.
Speaking about her return, Nadine said: "I am so happy to be back in the world of Hollyoaks being Cleo. I feel re-energised and super excited for all the amazing storylines coming my way.”
"The fans can expect some unfinished business between Cleo and Joel, and a new mysterious man for Cleo who has a few red flags!"
Cleo is lined up for an explosive love triangle with Joel and Leela Lomax.
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Hannah Ashworth (Emma Rigby) - left
Much like Cleo, Theresa and Myra, Hannah Ashworth surprised Hollyoaks residents and viewers by making her own return to Hollyoaks in January, 2024.
The character, who hadn’t been seen since 2010, surprised Darren Osborne by rocking up the village with her half-siblings and his children, Frankie and JJ Osborne.
Upon her arrival, she revealed that Suzanne had money problems and is unfit to look after the pair of them, much to Darren’s shock who let them stay.
It was then revealed that Hannah herself was in a whopping amount of debt.
To make things even more complicated, Hannah bumped into John-Paul McQueen, catching him kissing Hollyoaks High headteacher Carter Shepherd.
After initially agreeing to keep the kiss a secret, Hannah was shocked beyond belief to find out that Carter was actually running a gay conversion cult.
An altercation ensued and Hannah was left unconscious in the booth of the school van by a panicked Carter who believed he had killed her.
Hannah managed to escape and Carter agreed to pay for her silence.
To top it all off, Suzanne arrived in Hollyoaks, fuming with Hannah for taking her children without her consent.
After a heated argument, Hanna took Carter’s money and fled Hollyoaks.
Could she come back once again?
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Nadira Valli (Ashling O’Shea) - left
The death of Juliet Nightingale, her former lover, didn’t stop Nadira Valli from finding love again in Hollyoaks.
Sadly, her new love interest Lacey Lloyd fled the village in the wake of Rayne’s death without even mentioning anything to her, leaving her to heal from yet another heartbreak.
But Lacey surprisingly returned in 2024, hellbent on making things right with Nadira.
After explaining to her that she had fallen in love with her, Lacey invited Nadira to Norwich - and the pair of loved-up women waved an emotional goodbye to Hollyoaks together.
Will we hear from them again?
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Ella Richardson (Erin Palmer) - left
Four cars were involved in January’s devastating car crash in Hollyoaks and it resulted in many casualties.
But perhaps the biggest of all was the death of village teen Ella Richardson.
The 16-year-old daughter of Warren Fox was killed off in tragic scenes when she was accidentally run over by Ste Hay during the car pile-up at a roundabout.
At the time, Ste was already thrown into a panic as he was trying to get his unconscious daughter Leah Barnes to hospital.
Ella Richardson has had a total of 199 appearances in Hollyoaks since her debut in 2008.
She was involved in plenty of dramatic storylines, making her one of many fan favourite characters.
What’s next for actress Erin Palmer?
Will Ste ever be able to cope with his guilty conscience following Ella’s death?
Will he come clean?
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Rafe Harcourt (Chris Gordon) - left
Another death has been haunting Hollyoaks, and more particularly Dilly Harcourt, Rafe’s secret wife.
Lord Rafferty Harcourt was a businessman, founder of investment company Roarke White Ltd - and Sienna Blake’s latest love interest.
The pair were ready to tie the knot as Sienna finally chose Rafe over boyfriend Ethan Richardson.
Sadly, the big day was ruined by Rafe’s death as Dilly Harcourt found him unresponsive after brutally attacking him and hitting him over his head.
Viewers will recall that Dilly knocked Rafe out with a bell, once he realised he no longer loved her and didn’t want to betray Sienna.
Dilly then tied him to a radiator in the cellar before heading to the venue of the wedding and acting like she had no clue where Rafe was or why Sienna had been jilted at the altar.
When she returned to the cellar in later scenes, Dilly was shocked to find Rafe dead, but it remains unclear if he died from his head injury after being struck by his wife - who acted as his sister in public for mysterious reasons - or from a stroke caused by a tumour.
The devious pair’s motives for going after Sienna are still a mystery but it supposedly had a link with her father, Patrick Blake.
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Rayne Royce (Jemma Donovan) - left
Former Neighbours star Jemma Donovan rocked up Hollyoaks in January, 2023, alongside her best friend Lacey Lloyd.
Branded "an outgoing party girl", Rayne caused some trouble for a handful of villagers as she moved into a shared house with Lacey, Romeo Nightingale, Nadira Valli and Prince McQueen.
Rayne turned a few heads upon her arrival as she caught the eyes of Romeo, Hunter and Prince.
Determined to remain the centre of attention in Hollyoaks, Rayne made up a string of lies, gaslighting the whole community.
However, after nine months, her exit was confirmed on September 13, 2023, as the social media star was killed off in a whodunnit storyline.
"I am so excited to announce that Rayne's reign is finally coming to an end with an incredible stunt week that I am over the moon to share with you guys", Jemma said about her exit.
"I think it's going to be full of drama, full of love, full of chaos but the big question is... who did it? And I'm so excited for the speculation. I can't tell you, but it's a good one so hope you all enjoy!"
Romeo Nightingale was revealed to have accidentally killed Raye during a confrontation near her pool and he was arrested.
What's in store for him?
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Grace Black (Tamara Wall) - left
The iconic character went through some intensely troubling times as she was involved in some of the long-running soap's biggest storylines.
Last year, she even had to face the death of her partner Saul Reeves.
But after ten years in Hollyoaks, actress Tamara Wall bid farewell to Hollyoaks fans in July, 2023.
Grace suffered from the fallout from a recent heist and was sent to prison when she took the fall, allowing Cindy Cunningham and Zara Morgan to get off scot free.
She then managed to rope in James Nightingale to represent her in the hopes of either getting a shorter sentence or get moved to a prison nearer her son Curtis in Scotland.
Grace was able to make her second option a reality with a little help from the solicitor - and an infatuated prison guard.
The soap legend was last seen in a post-credit segment during which she asked for the prison she was going to settle into to be warned of her arrival.
However, during her last exchanged with Cindy, who had spiralled following the heist, Grace hinted this wouldn't be the last time they'd see one another.
Could she come back?
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Damon Kinsella (Jacob Roberts) - left
Six years have gone by since Jacob Roberts first showed up in Hollyoaks and, in June, 2023, he also decided it was time for a fresh start.
His on-screen alter ego Damon was also involved in the botched heist attempt and he finally decided to follow his dreams by booking tickets to move to New York.
"Get together and say goodbye to the man, the legend, Damon!", a Twitter post from Hollyoaks read.
"He has given us endless entertainment, laughter and tears on our screens, and we will never forget him! Thank you Jacob, for bringing us this amazing character who we've all loved for so long!"
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Dilly Harcourt (Emma Johnsey-Smith) - joined
Emma Johnsey-Smith is another fresh face who joined the Hollyoaks line-up this year.
The actress was cast in July, 2023, as Rafe Harcourt's no-nonsense sister Dilly.
Protective and fiery, Dilly has been causing trouble for Sienna Blaker and her plans to fleece the Earl of Dee.
Speaking about her role, Emma said: "I'm very excited to have joined the cast of Hollyoaks. My time on the show so far has been great and all the cast and crew have been super welcoming."
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Since then, and as mentioned above, Dilly has landed herself into plenty of trouble.
What will she do?
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