James Sutton lost sleep while filming "uncomfortable" rape scenes in ‘Hollyoaks’.
The 31-year-old actor – who plays teacher John Paul McQueen – admits he was left an emotional wreck after his character was brutally raped by a pupil and the story line even began to affect his off-screen relationship with his girlfriend.
James – who is dating model Kate Williams – told The Sun newspaper: "It’s been as uncomfortable to play as it has been to watch.
"It’s one of those storylines you can’t really switch off, but I’m proud of how it’s been received and the impact it has had.
"My poor girlfriend has had to put up with me not sleeping and looking like s*** all the time."
James makes his last appearance for several months in tonight’s (04.04.14) episode of the Channel 4 soap, which sees him locked up in prison for assaulting his student attacker, Finn O’Connor, in a bid for revenge.
However the former ‘Emmerdale’ star also revealed that when John Paul returns to screens later this spring, his nightmare will continue.
James teased: "Something happens in prison and he has to deal with it outside. He comes back with a lot on his mind."
James Sutton lost sleep over ‘Hollyoaks’ rape scene
