Hollyoaks legend quits soap after a whopping 20 years on screens - and they've already filmed their final scenes
- Not sure what to watch tonight? Discover our brand new TV GUIDE now!
- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk
A Hollyoaks legend has quit the soap after a whopping 20 years on screen - having already filmed their final scenes on the Channel 4 soap.
The actor, who waved goodbye to his time on the show last year, is best known for playing John Paul McQueen and has been involved in some of the soap's biggest storylines.
James Sutton was revealed to have quit the soap back in September, according to The Sun, and has now completed his scenes to bow out in spring.
A source told the publication: 'James is a much-loved member of the cast so it was an incredibly emotional day. He’s been a huge part of the show for the last 20 years and everyone is sad to see him go.
'But these things happen and it’s going to be an explosive exit.'
It comes after the actor, 42, launched a new business venture, a self-improvement guide for men, which prompted plans to scale back on his acting work.
A Hollyoaks legend has quit the soap after a whopping 20 years on screen - having already filmed their final scenes on the Channel 4 soap
James Sutton was revealed to have quit the soap back in September - and has filmed his final scenes due to air in spring
He shocked fans by revealing his impressive body transformation on social media, following the split with his ex-girlfriend Tamara Jane.
The couple went their separate ways last year, with James confirming the break up while speaking on the All Out with Jon Dean podcast.
James, who shares advice for men on his social media sites, said: 'I did have [a girlfriend], but I’m newly single, and definitely not ready to mingle.'
A soap insider previously teased that James had long 'had an eye on a new career' away from his time on screen after starting the self-improvement campaign.
Noting he had 'revamped his own life' over recent years, the source said James 'thinks he can help others' with a similar overhaul in fitness and mental health.
They concluded: 'It’s not a goodbye to acting but it’s not going to be the only thing he does now.'
James is reported to have said about his big career moves: 'I have made some huge career decisions over the past few months...
'The sort of decisions that ordinarily would have terrified me the kind of decisions that when you tell your friends and family what your planning they look at you like your completely f*****g insane.'
The actor, who waved goodbye to his time on the show last year, is best known for playing John Paul McQueen and involved in some of the soap's biggest storylines
Last year, James' character John Paul McQueen was seen getting engaged to the deadly Jez Blake - played by Jeremy Sheffield - a secret serial killer
James first joined Hollyoaks in 2006, and was soon at the heart of the soap's most memorable storylines - before leaving the Channel 4 series to join Emmerdale.
He played mechanic Ryan Lamb until 2011, when he made his return to Hollyoaks.
Last year, James' character John Paul McQueen was seen getting engaged to the deadly Jez Blake - played by Jeremy Sheffield - a secret serial killer.
It comes after Hollyoaks stars Greg Finnegan and Kieron Richardson discussed James Nightingale's dramatic return from dead as their characters come face-to-face.
James, who is played by Greg, was blown up by a car bomb in scenes which aired last year, however viewers discovered that he was actually alive during the soap's 30th anniversary episodes in October.
Now, he is set to reunite with his husband Ste Hay (Kieron) who, up until now, still believed him to be dead.
An earlier episode saw James help Ste as he struggled to stay conscious after being drugged by his son Lucas, although Ste believed it to be an hallucination.
But he explained why he had instead fled the village, believing that Ste was in love with Rex.
James, who is played by Greg, was blown up by a car bomb in scenes which aired last year, however viewers discovered that he was actually alive during the soap's 30th anniversary episodes
Greg hailed the scenes as 'the moment we’ve been waiting for' as fans of the soap finally see the pair reunite
Greg hailed the scenes as 'the moment we’ve been waiting for' as fans of the soap finally see the pair reunite.
Speaking about the return Keiron said: 'Talk about timing for James’ return. It’s New Year, which normally means fresh starts but for these two we have to go back…
'Ste has to get over the shock of James returning initially but then there is also everything that has happened during him not being there to unpack.
'He has been raising his grandchild, dealing with abuse from Lucas and complex relationships, while grieving.
'It’s been great to work with Greg who is so great and giving as an actor that it’s felt special again.'
Greg added: 'The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally upon us. James and Ste, two characters who have been circling each other for a decade are about to come face once more.
'They’ve loved, they’ve hated, they’ve had joy and they’ve had plenty of sadness… so what does the future hold for them now that James is back on the scene?
'I loved working on these scenes, back working with Kieron and my Hollyoaks family. I can’t wait for the fans to see what happens.'
Hollyoaks is available to stream from 7am Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4 or watch live on E4 at 7pm.
