Yahoo News Hollyoaks announces return for James Sutton as John Paul McQueen
Hollyoaks has announced that James Sutton will make an emotional return to the soap as his iconic character John Paul McQueen.
The Channel 4 series has followed up the surprise departure of fan-favourite cast member Harry Thompson earlier this week with the doubly exciting news of comebacks for Warren Fox and now John Paul.
John Paul will be involved in a poignant story as he becomes a new figurehead at Hollyoaks High, following Laurie Shelby's recent arrest.
His return to the village will also coincide with the prison release of his rapist Finn O'Connor (Keith Rice), who was last seen breaking down in a heart-to-heart with stepmum Diane (Alex Fletcher) earlier this year.
"I'm delighted to be returning and reprising the role of John Paul, a character that I care deeply about," James Sutton said of his return.
"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."
Producer Bryan Kirkwood added: "James Sutton's creation, John Paul McQueen, is one of the most beloved characters in Hollyoaks’ history. We are delighted to have him back, to bring some stability to the chaotic McQueen household and to be a figurehead at Hollyoaks High.
"John Paul has featured in two of Hollyoaks' biggest ever stories. With so many loose ends in the village and a few ex-lovers, we are looking forward to another ground-breaking chapter."
As mentioned, John Paul was involved in the soap's critically-acclaimed male rape storyline, which was credited with bringing awareness to an issue that has often not got enough attention in the media.
Duncan Craig of advocacy group Survivors Manchester celebrated James Sutton's return to Hollyoaks as another opportunity to shine a light on the issue.
"We are over the moon to hear that our Ambassador, James Sutton, is returning to Hollyoaks as the formidable John Paul McQueen," he said. "The groundbreaking storyline that James was at the centre of as John Paul in 2014 had such a profound impact on us at Survivors Manchester and for male survivors in general that it helped us lobby for fund specifically to support organisations working with males.
"The first ever Male Rape Support Fund was announced and I was proud to make a short film with James and the Ministry of Justice to celebrate this.
"James made a commitment back then to always advocate where he can to raise the awareness of the issue of male sexual violence and five years later he remains a committed ambassador for us here, something that has helped so many men step forward as they hear him speak and know there is help.
"We cannot wait to see how this amazing male survivor, John Paul McQueen continues his healing journey."
Hollyoaks airs Mondays through Fridays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first-look episodes airing on E4 at 7pm.
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 plans to kidnap the twins on Maxine's wedding day, and Scott decides to tell Levi the truth.
Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.
('You Might Also Like',)
