Hollyoaks is set to introduce a dark new villain as part of its upcoming conversion therapy storyline, which will see Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis) targeted by headteacher Carter Shepherd (David Ames).

Actor Alan Turkington, best known for his roles in Heartstopper, Mr Selfridge, Doctors and Holby City, is set to take on the role of toxic and intense Declan Hawthorne, and will appear on screen later this month.

Declan will team up with friend Carter and manipulate Lucas into revealing his true feelings for Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass), before ultimately urging him to repress them in sinister scenes.