Kieron Richardson is "really scared" ‘Hollyoaks’ bosses might kill his character off.
The 32-year-old actor has portrayed Ste Hay in the Channel 4 soap for 13 years, but he fears his alter-ego’s time in the village might be up soon when he joins a right-wing extremist group.
He said: "It is really scary for me as it’s the biggest storyline I’ve ever had. But now I don’t know if there will be redemption or if this will be the last thing Ste ever does.
"Ste has done so much now but it would be really sad if it came to an end. It was my 13-year anniversary last month. But I’m not stupid. I know that all good things have to come to an end."
Kieron admits the plot, which will see newcomer Jonny – played by Ray Quinn – attempt to convince Ste to join the group, is his "darkest" storyline yet.
And he has been horrified by some of the real-life examples he has read about while researching the hard-hitting plot.
He added to The Sun Online: "I always presumed it was going to be getting dark because of all the research we’ve been doing and what we’ve been looking at.
"It’s the most researched storyline I’ve ever worked on. The stories we’ve listened to from people in these groups, the stuff they do is absolutely horrible.
"I know Ste is going to have to do stuff and say stuff that is completely horrific.
"Right now we’re at the beginning and we’re still in the grooming process. Sinead has no idea what is going on. But she is one of his best mates and at some point she will have a say about his behaviour."
With their characters set to get friendly on-screen, Ray recently admitted he has become good pals with Kieron off-screen, too.
He said: "Having worked closely with Kieron Richardson for the last few months, he’s become a good friend.
"We have a great relationship, considering the time we’ve known one another. He’s a talented guy and a true gent who has supported me and helped me feel settled into the village with ease."
Kieron Richardson fears Hollyoaks axe
