Hollyoaks boss Bryan Kirkwood has shared some new teasers on John Paul McQueen's return, confirming that his connection to James Nightingale will be revisited.

Show chiefs have decided to bring back John Paul (James Sutton) after his two-year absence, as first announced by the Channel 4 soap in July.

John Paul was last seen in the village in early 2017, when he headed off to Singapore after splitting from James (Gregory Finnegan). Various hints on screen at the time – and since – have pointed to an off-screen reunion for John Paul and his soulmate Craig Dean.

Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy about what's ahead, Kirkwood explained: "John Paul has a really exciting cameo appearance for one episode, which ties in with the Finn story. That's coming up in December and we'll find out where John Paul has been.

"Unfortunately for our brilliantly loyal McDean fans, John Paul and Craig have decided to take a break for now. Who knows where they'll end up as time progresses.

"But for now, John Paul is back in the aftermath of Mercedes' shooting. The McQueens are in disarray and he realises that home is where the heart is.

"John Paul then comes back full-time to the village in January. He's launched straight into some really exciting plots."

Kirkwood added: "There's a lot of loose ends in the village. There's James, who's nursing his own heartache from losing Harry. There is a chapter to tell between James and John Paul.

"We're then going to enjoy seeing John Paul going off into a brand new direction next year – and hopefully with another era-defining story."

Hollyoaks announced Mercedes' shooting storyline last week, confirming that various villagers will be in the frame for the crime.

John Paul may also have his hands full when he starts working at the school again, as the show has revealed that Hollyoaks High comes under threat from County Lines drug dealers in 2020.


Digital Spy