Yahoo News Exclusive: Hollyoaks star speaks out on Finn return
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct that some readers may find upsetting.
Hollyoaks star Keith Rice has spoken exclusively to Digital Spy about his shock return to the soap.
The actor has signed up to reprise his role as rapist Finn O'Connor and has already filmed his comeback scenes.
Fans were given their first hint of Finn's return earlier this week, when he was spotted by eagle-eyed viewers in the background of a behind-the-scenes video released by Hollyoaks.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Keith has now revealed: "I'm so excited to be back, and to be working with the talented Hollyoaks cast and crew again.
"I'm really intrigued to see how Finn, following his time in prison, will integrate back into his family and also back into society.
"I'm looking forward to exploring it, and also still giving the storyline the respect and sensitivity it deserves."
For all you eagle-eyed viewers out there... Did you spot a certain someone in the BTS of our titles shoot? 👀😳😨 #Hollyoaks pic.twitter.com/VLHQ3w6xGr
- Hollyoaks (@Hollyoaks) May 18, 2019
Digital Spy can reveal that Finn's return scenes see his step-mum Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher) reach out to him in prison.
Diane gets in touch as she wants to better understand the mindset of a rapist, after Sinead bravely speaks out about the ordeal that her husband Laurie Shelby has put her through. An emotional Diane hopes that Finn's insight can help to bring Laurie to justice.
Further on down the line, Finn will be released from prison as his sentence comes to an end. The big questions afterwards will be whether the villagers allow him to settle back into the community – and whether he is truly sorry for his crimes.
Finn was jailed in 2014 for raping his schoolteacher John Paul McQueen and attempting to rape Nancy Osborne. He reappeared as a guest in 2015 and 2017.
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.uk and 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.
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our Hollyoaks homepage
Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest Hollyoaks spoilers, as Sienna takes revenge against Laurie and Darren is caught making a sneaky move.
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