Meanwhile, Hollyoaks may have finally revealed what brings Ryan Knight back to the village.

Ryan has been absent for several weeks after locking Kim Butterfield up at Hollyoaks High when she discovered his killer secret.

Later this month, Ryan's stepdaughter Leah Barnes (ElÃ*-May Demircan) starts to play up in his absence – much to the concern of her dad Ste.

When Leah refuses to go to school and Ste (Kieron Richardson) tries to discipline her, she retaliates by threatening to tell everyone about his affair with Ryan unless he gets off her back.


Leah Barnes and Ste Hay in Hollyoaks
© LIME PICTURES

Unhappy with Leah's rebellion, Ste calls DS Thorpe and asks for his help getting her back in line.

When Thorpe calls Leah down to the police station to scare her off from ever playing truant again, his stern words inadvertently give her an idea about how to get Ryan back.

Prepared to stoop low for what she thinks is the greater good, Leah pretends to be very sick and that she needs to go to hospital – hoping that word of her "illness" will bring Ryan back.

Last month, Duncan James – who plays Ryan – confirmed that his dangerous character would be back before too long.

Leah Barnes on Ste Hay's phone in Hollyoaks
© LIME PICTURES

Speaking at the time, Duncan explained: "When Ryan left, he was panicked, scared, frightened and sad. He thought Tegan was going to wake up and he would be exposed, but he was also dealing with his own horror at what he had done to Tegan and Kim.

"The walls are closing in and he left Hollyoaks lonely and a shadow of his former self. But something happens when he is away that means he has no choice but to find a way to return to the village."

Was Duncan talking about Leah's scheming?

Hollyoaks airs these scenes on Thursday, March 22 and Friday, March 23 at 6.30pm on Channel 4.


Digital Spy