James Sutton is returning to ‘Hollyoaks’.
The 36-year-old actor’s much-loved alter-ego John Paul McQueen will be back on the Channel 4 soap five years after his harrowing rape storyline.
James said: "I’m delighted to be returning and reprising the role of John Paul, a character that I care deeply about.
"The cast and crew of Hollyoaks are among the loveliest and hardest working I know and I’m really looking forward to being back with them."
On the show’s official Twitter, they teased: "You heard it here first! @thejamessutton is making a return to #Hollyoaks! Could your Wednesday get any better? What do you think is in store for John Paul? Here’s a few words from the man himself… (sic)"
James said he will begin filming in two months’ time.
In the accompanying video, he said: "Alright! I am very excited and very pleased to announce that I am returning to ‘Hollyoaks’, John Paul is returning to ‘Hollyoaks’.
"I start filming again in about eight weeks’ times and yeah, I can’t wait.
"I can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store for John Paul and I am super excited to see you all soon."
John Paul is set to come face-to-face with his rapist Finn O’Connor (Keith Rice) when he makes his comeback later this year.
John Paul was last on screen in 2017, when he left the village for a new life in Singapore, after his relationship with James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) came to an end.
It was teased that the teacher was to be reunited with his first lover, Craig.
He previously played the role between 2006 and 2009, before returning in 2012 after a stint on ‘Emmerdale’ as Ryan Lamb.
Although he moved into working in the theatre, James has remained proud of his soap roots, and he has dismissed any acting industry "snobbery" about starring in the serial shows.
He previously said: "Some soap actors have been doing their roles for years. There is a reason for that – they are the best in the business, they are professionals. They turn up day after day, week after week."
James Sutton is returning to Hollyoaks as John Paul McQueen
