Iconic Hollyoaks star set to return for clash with returning nemesis after 21 years on the soap

Scottish Sun

15-05-2025

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ONE of Hollyoaks' most beloved characters are making a shock comeback to face off against their nemesis more than a year after leaving the soap.
The Sun exclusively revealed how actress Gemma Bissix is making a shock return as the legendary soap villain Clare Devine later this year.
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Clare Devine is making a shock return later this year
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Now bosses are bringing back her victim Tom Cunningham for a major rematch
Credit: Channel 4
And now it can be revealed that bosses at the Channel 4 soap have tempted Tom Cunningham actor Ellis Hollins to take on Clare.
The pair have a brutal history with Clare terrorising then child Tom when she was busy fleecing his guardian, brother Max Cunningham.
In dark scenes Claire had Tom locked up while she drugged Max.
She even faked Tom's death to get a drugged Max to jump into an icy lake in an effort to kill him and take his fortune for herself.
A source said: 'Tom is a huge fan favourite and was a major part of Clare's first years in Hollyoaks - but now he's not a little boy anymore.
'Clare might have had the upper hand before but not anymore.
'It was a no brainer to revisit the battle and have a rematch. Bosses are really excited to have Gemma and Ellis back.
'Ellis' stint will be part of the run up to the big 30th anniversary in October and there are huge plans underway for it.'
It's been a huge year for Hollyoaks having last year been forced to cut its episodes down to three per week.
However it has proved a major success for the show under the direction of executive producer Hannah Cheers.
Clare Devine returns to the village
The move to streaming first has seen a 23 per cent increase in total viewership and a whopping 71 per cent up per episode.
Louise Donald, Commissioning Executive for Channel 4 Drama, Hollyoaks says: 'We are delighted with how well the audience has embraced the new format.
'It's testament to Hannah's vision for the show, the amazing storylines and performances.
From Hollyoaks to Hollywood
James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap.
The former American TV host doesn't have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was "hell on earth."
Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey.
Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010.
Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs.
Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child.
Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small
Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady.
Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent.
Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy
Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth.
Hannah's eating disorder storyline was the first of it's kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.
Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat
Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry 'Newt' Newton.
Nico's main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact.
He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village.
Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America.
He played one of the soap's resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 - when he was killed off at his wedding.
After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods.
He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.
Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt.
His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off.
After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop.
Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving.
In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC's series, taking over from Ruby Rose.
'As Hollyoaks celebrates its 30th anniversary it's fantastic to see the show continue to tackle important social issues whilst keeping viewers entertained.'
Hollyoaks have been contacted for comment.