Latest news with #Chester-based
Metro
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Major Emmerdale legend cast in Hollyoaks as dark new villain
Emmerdale legend John Middleton is making a triumphant return to the world of soap, playing a notorious new gangster by the name of Fraser 'Froggy' Black in Hollyoaks. The actor, who is best known for his portrayal of Ashley Thomas in the ITV soap, will be a series regular on the Chester-based serial. If that wasn't enough of a reason to get excited, fans will also be pleased to know that he'll be filming alongside Gemma Bissix and Tamara Wall, who play Clare Devine and Grace Black. As you may have guessed by the surname, Fraser – or Froggy, as he will be known in the show – is Grace, Clare and Rex Gallagher's (Jonny Labey) granddad. Froggy is currently residing in Longmere prison and he has become friends with Tom 'Tax Man' Cunningham (Ellis Hollins), who is currently behind bars as part of an unexpected twist. Tom is now operating as his off-the-books financial advisor and, as viewers know, he is conspiring to make down Clare, who recently returned from the dead. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Clare, as long-time fans will recall, tormented Tom when he was just a child. Froggy, meanwhile, appears to be working with Tom in order to accomplish his mission. The revered gangster will soon be released from prison, and he is intent on leaving the world of criminality behind and embarking on a new chapter, spending time with his family – particularly his precious granddaughter Gracie. The character will make his debut in upcoming scenes when he receives information from Tom about his granddaughter's whereabouts – and he's forced to intervene. More Trending The question is: will his grandchildren be welcoming? Discussing his Hollyoaks part, actor John said: 'From Vicar to Villain is quite a leap but that's why I love this part. ' Froggy has a very dark history and he could reveal everyone's murky past. He knows where all the bodies are buried; perhaps quite literally.' View More » Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4's streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4 . If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: All 25 soap spoilers for this week including unexpected Emmerdale killer John twist MORE: All Hollyoaks spoilers for next week as two exits are 'sealed' in dark story MORE: Hollyoaks confirms Clare Devine's bone-chilling plan for Bobby and Jacob – and it's her worst yet
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Shock moment Hollyoaks icon RETURNS to soap after a year off screen – and there's a twist
A POPULAR Hollyoaks chatacter has returned to screens after a year away. Tom Cunningham, played by Ellis Hollins, is back on the Channel 4 soap opera and his return has arrived with a bang. 3 Tom Cunningham is back in Hollyoaks Credit: Channel 4 3 His return sees him in prison Fans haven't seen Tom since September of last year with 25-year-old actor Ellis having portrayed the role for most of his life, since 2003. He ended up fleeing the village alongside his mum Cindy when they discovered that her partner was the notorious serial killer, Blue. But in shock scenes this week, Tom makes his return to the Chester-based soap. In an unexpected twist, fans will learn that he has been banged up and is behind bars. Read More on Hollyoaks His return scenes see him sat inside prison alongside Rex who is receving a visit from Ste Hay. Whilst Ste and Rex are unaware that Tom is in ear-shot, he is left stunned to hear them discussing his former nemesis, Clare, played by Gemma Bissex. It causes Tom to get in touch with Donny Clarke in order to offer up information on Clare. But evil Clare is already one step ahead and issues a stark murder warning to Rex. Most read in Soaps She tells him to get Tom killed inside the jail and have him dealt with once and for all. Noticing Tom in a vulnerable state inside the jail, Rex realises that it could be his time to strike. Hollyoaks shock as two soap legends have drunken sex But will he be successful in murdering Tom or are there yet more twists to come. The Sun 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 this year: '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.' 3 He is a show icon Credit: ©LIMEPICTURES
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Shock moment Hollyoaks icon RETURNS to soap after a year off screen – and there's a twist
He first appeared in the show in 2003 back again Shock moment Hollyoaks icon RETURNS to soap after a year off screen – and there's a twist A POPULAR Hollyoaks chatacter has returned to screens after a year away. Tom Cunningham, played by Ellis Hollins, is back on the Channel 4 soap opera and his return has arrived with a bang. Advertisement 3 Tom Cunningham is back in Hollyoaks Credit: Channel 4 3 His return sees him in prison Fans haven't seen Tom since September of last year with 25-year-old actor Ellis having portrayed the role for most of his life, since 2003. He ended up fleeing the village alongside his mum Cindy when they discovered that her partner was the notorious serial killer, Blue. But in shock scenes this week, Tom makes his return to the Chester-based soap. In an unexpected twist, fans will learn that he has been banged up and is behind bars. Advertisement His return scenes see him sat inside prison alongside Rex who is receving a visit from Ste Hay. Whilst Ste and Rex are unaware that Tom is in ear-shot, he is left stunned to hear them discussing his former nemesis, Clare, played by Gemma Bissex. It causes Tom to get in touch with Donny Clarke in order to offer up information on Clare. But evil Clare is already one step ahead and issues a stark murder warning to Rex. Advertisement She tells him to get Tom killed inside the jail and have him dealt with once and for all. Noticing Tom in a vulnerable state inside the jail, Rex realises that it could be his time to strike. Hollyoaks shock as two soap legends have drunken sex But will he be successful in murdering Tom or are there yet more twists to come. The Sun were the first to reveal earlier this year that Tom would be coming back in line with Gemma's shock soap return. Advertisement 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 this year: '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. Advertisement '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.' 3 He is a show icon Credit: ©LIMEPICTURES
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Inside Swindon's newest restaurant 'going down a storm' with locals
Staff at a new restaurant in Swindon have been 'blown away' by the positive response from locals after a successful opening weekend. Hickory's Smokehouse in Middleleaze was scheduled to open on Monday, May 26 but work to transform the former Brookhouse Farm Hungry Horse pub ran ahead of schedule and the team opened up the restaurant three days early. A spokesperson for the restaurant said they have been 'blown away' by the reaction from guests coming in to be the first to test out the new eatery over a busy bank holiday weekend. "Once we announced that we were able to open a little earlier than planned, guests heard the news and came to check out their new smokehouse", a spokesperson said. "So far, the team are settling in well, guests seem to love what we have done with the place and our smokehouse classics seem to be going down a storm." The Texan restaurant features a relaxed neighbourhood bar area, large sporting screens and cosy booths. For younger visitors, the site boasts a 'movie room' with specially designed menus, an interactive fro-co (frozen custard) creation station and an outdoor play area. The menu includes dishes such as Memphis ribs, Texas-style brisket and BBQ pulled pork, which are all smoked using hickory wood. (Image: Hickory's Smokehouse) (Image: Hickory's Smokehouse) (Image: Hickory's Smokehouse) Milkshakes, burgers, steaks and fajitas are expected to be popular choices, and the restaurant assures that vegetarians are also covered on the menu. The Chester-based company opened their first Hickory's in the city over 15 years ago and now has restaurants across the Midlands, Yorkshire, North Wales, and one in Gloucester. The Swindon branch is the first of its kind in Wiltshire. Staff at Hickory's say they're "thrilled to be opening in Swindon", and can't believe the warm welcome they've had. Recommended reading Swindon's top-rated Indian restaurant still on the market as price reduced "We are beyond happy to be in Swindon," said general manager Ajay Palmer, a Swindon local. "I have been part of the Hickory's family for over seven years now, and to be finally opening here in my hometown is an absolute privilege. "We have all been overwhelmed by the welcome we have had, and we cannot wait to introduce them to our new home and hopefully convert a whole host of new fans to all things BBQ." To kick off the opening, Hickory's invited over 300 guests to come and try their menu, including representatives from Swindon Town FC, locally based charities, schools and businesses.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Hollyoaks share major announcement with fans ahead of 30th anniversary
Hollyoaks marks its 30th anniversary this year and to celebrate the special occasion some of the Channel 4 soap's favourite stars from over the years are going on tour Hollyoaks: The 30th Anniversary Tour has been confirmed as the Channel 4 soap marks its milestone birthday this Autumn. The live in-conversation event will take place in October with several iconic cast members taking fans back through the past three decades. Gary Lucy, best known for playing Luke Morgan, is the first guest announced for the tour which will play four special dates in Manchester, Glasgow, Nottingham and London. Gary, who has also starred and produced the award-winning The Full Monty stage show, first appeared in Hollyoaks in 1999 to 2002, before reprising his role from 2017 until 2022. Hollyoaks first launched on October 23 1995 and is the most youth-skewed UK continuing drama with a loyal audience that follow the lives of the residents of the Chester village where it all happens. Streaming on Channel 4 with a live TX on E4, Hollyoaks has for three decades consistently delivered "firsts" in important issue-based storylines, unmissable drama and larger than life characters that are now part of the fabric of soap. This live event will allow audiences to go behind the scenes for the first time, delivering an exclusive access-all-areas live tour, as cast members relive the show's most iconic moments and share unseen footage from the set of the multi-award-winning soap. VP Global Licensing at All3 Jason Easy. said: "We're delighted to partner with Maple Tree Entertainment and Lime Pictures to bring to life the iconic, vibrant world of Hollyoaks off-screen. "As the series celebrates three decades on air, Lime Pictures continually delivers a soap opera that remains a firm fan favourite, packed with charismatic characters, whilst also retaining a modern edge and ability to tackle timely contemporary issues head on. "With an incredible fan base all over the UK we're delighted that audiences will be able to go behind the scenes of the Chester-based soap like never before." The tour kicks off at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall on October 13 before moving onto Glasgow's SEC Armadillo on October 16, Nottingham's Concert Hall on October 18 before concluding at London's Adelphi Theatre on October 21.
