Yahoo News Exclusive: Hollyoaks boss speaks out on Finn's return
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct that some readers may find upsetting.
Hollyoaks' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood has spoken to Digital Spy about Finn O'Connor's surprise return to the show.
As we exclusively confirmed last weekend, Finn will be reappearing on screen for prison scenes soon – before being released and heading back to the village.
Finn has been in jail since 2014, when he was found guilty of raping John Paul McQueen and attempting to rape Nancy Osborne.
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy about the upcoming storyline, Bryan explained: "We have been talking about Finn's return almost since he went to prison. He was due to be released at this point, so we haven't cheated with that.
"We've been really respectful towards his punishment and we've taken advice from Duncan Craig at Survivors Manchester about the time Finn would have served for his crimes.
"This last year has been such a great one for the Hutchinsons, with Stephanie Davis coming back as Sinead and adding to what Alex Fletcher and Nick Pickard have achieved as Diane and Tony."
Finn's initial scenes see Diane visit him in prison to better understand the mindset of a rapist, hoping it could help to bring Sinead's evil husband Laurie Shelby to justice.
Bryan added: "We thought that Sinead's brother coming out of prison after Laurie's storyline comes to an end would be really complex and interesting.
"We're going to have to tread a fine line. There's an argument that a young man should be able to be redeemed after five years in prison. There's also an argument that people won't want to see that, after what Finn did to two of the audience's favourite characters – Nancy and John Paul.
"John Paul is not in the show anymore but his family are, so the McQueens will definitely have something to say about it. Right at the heart of the story, you've got Diane. She wants to be kind to her son but not alienate her daughter, who is just getting herself back together.
"It's going to be interesting to watch. We love Keith Rice, as he's one of the best actors we've ever had. John Paul's rape was also one of the biggest and most successful storylines we've ever had."
The show will air Finn's return in June.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.
Survivors Manchester is available to support adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape. Its website can be found at www.survivorsmanchester.org.ukand its helpline is 0161 236 2182. Local support agencies for all male and female survivors can be found at www.thesurvivorstrust.org. In an emergency, please dial 999.
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