Edward Hutchinson (Joe McGann)
Hollyoaks bosses have cast actor Joe McGann as Tony Hutchinson's estranged father, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.
The Liverpool-born performer has landed the role of surgeon Edward Hutchinson and will make his first appearance on the Channel 4 soap later this year.
Announcing the big news, Joe told Digital Spy: "I'm so looking forward to joining the cast of Hollyoaks.
"It's such a great team on both sides of the camera, and I hope to fit in. My mum is really proud to have a surgeon in the family."
Hollyoaks' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood added: "Tony Hutchinson, played by the hugely talented Nick Pickard, has been at the heart of Hollyoaks since it began. He is estranged from his father and we felt that as we approach Hollyoaks' 25th anniversary next year, it is time to learn more about our biggest character.
"Kind-hearted, sensitive, loveable Tony has in recent years overcome every parent's worst nightmare, a critically unwell child. He is now happily settled into married life with Diane – in fact, he's never needed a father figure less.
"But in autumn, events will bring Edward Hutchinson to Hollyoaks village and we can't wait to see the phenomenal Joe McGann bring this huge character to life. I'm thrilled to welcome him to the cast."
Joe's previous TV credits include roles in Casualty, Night and Day, The Upper Hand and Rockliffe's Babies. He has also appeared in a number of films, including Puckoon, Food of Love and The Brylcreem Boys.
Hollyoaks' new addition comes from a family of actors, as his brothers Paul, Mark and Stephen are also in the industry. Paul famously played the eighth Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who television film and recently had his own stint in Soapland on Holby City.
More details about Edward's arrival will be revealed later this year.
In the meantime, the character of Tony currently features prominently in a special new Hollyoaks promo which is due to start airing on Channel 4.
The celebratory trailer gives a nod to Hollyoaks' most iconic themes, including weddings, births, deaths, birthdays, fights and romance.
Many of Hollyoaks' most popular characters feature in the footage, with Tony rightly at the centre of it all as he blows out candles on his birthday.
Digital Spy
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