Latest news with #Hollyoaks'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Hollyoaks Clare's downfall 'confirmed' as axed character returns for revenge
Hollyoaks' Tom Cunningham actor Ellis Hollins told The Mirror all about his return to the Channel 4 soap, and a possible showdown with enemy Clare Devine after years apart There could be the showdown of all showdowns on Hollyoaks very soon, with a huge return possibly leading to revenge. Actor Ellis Hollins spoke to The Mirror about his big comeback just months after his axe from the role of Tom Cunningham. Fans were gutted when Tom left the show after more than two decades. Just recently we saw the return of villain and show favourite Clare Devine, played by actress Gemma Bissix. Clare and Tom had quite the history, and now that might be revisited in dramatic upcoming episodes. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror at the British Soap Awards, Tom actor Ellis confirmed his return and confirmed there'd be scenes ahead of Tom's nemesis Clare. Clare terrorised Tom as a child, but now Tom may get his vengeance. Ellis told us: "It's very strange to come back at the same time as Clare. It's almost like they're gonna cross paths... but we'll see what happens." The actor vowed that if a showdown was to happen, Tom would be prepared this time now that he's grown up. But he also teased a twist fans might not expect. Ellis explained to us: "He was vulnerable and defenceless, and there was only so much he could do as a child. So it's gonna be very interesting now that Tom is grown up, and he can fend for himself if needs be. "She was the muscle back then so it's gonna be very interesting to see what storylines will come up with that and what the writers can invent for the two characters." On the past coming back to haunt them both, he went on: "I think there's a lot there they can work with. There's a lot of history." But Ellis wondered whether in a major twist, Tom and Clare could be on the same side. He shared: "I had wondered if we'd form a partnership, but I'm not too optimistic about something like that happening. We'll see what goes on down the line and whether our characters diverge, or if they'll hate each other even more." Asked if a final showdown could be on the way, he revealed: "To really have that second chance for Tom to have redemption against Clare is important for a lot of people, as well as for Tom himself. It's gonna be so interesting to see whether Tom can get his revenge on Clare and whether he bides his time, and how orchestrated it will be." It doesn't seem as though we will find out what Tom has been up to since he left the village months ago as part of the show changes. He told us: "It's interesting, I'd love to answer that but as far as I'm aware I don't know. It's not something that has been communicated about a flashback, as much as it would be very interesting to see what Tom has been up to." On what fans can expect from the soap's 30th anniversary later this year, he spilled: "When I got the call I was assuming it was something to do with the 30th, but it's still quite premature. So I'm hoping there's gonna be something related to it but maybe on the sidelines, like reacting to certain people and not being in a crash!" Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4's streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Wednesdays on E4 at 7PM. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Hollyoaks boss reveals dramatic 30th anniversary stunt and major storyline for huge month of celebration
TWO titans will go head to head, a stunt will kick off and there's going to be a big shock for fans SOAP SHOCK Hollyoaks boss reveals dramatic 30th anniversary stunt and major storyline for huge month of celebration HOLLYOAKS boss Hannah Cheers has revealed all about the soap's upcoming 30th anniversary, confirming a stunt and huge storyline details. The Channel 4 soap has undergone a huge revival in the last year with boss Hannah at the helm with ratings surging by more than a third. 3 Hollyoaks boss Hannah Cheers has spilled all about the soap's upcoming 30th anniversary Credit: PA 3 Serial killer Jez is set for a face-off against one of Hollyoaks biggest villains Credit: Lime Picturess 3 Clare Devine will be central to the soap's 30th anniversary in October Credit: Lime Pictures The executive producer was forced to make tough decisions to cut the show from five episodes per week to just three - with the episode length slashed further. But after a year of painful decisions and hard work - it has paid off. Hollyoaks was second only to EastEnders at this weekend's British Soap Awards - taking home three gongs. And now the show is heading full speed ahead towards its 30th anniversary in October - and it will be a month-long celebration. Hannah said: 'In that week, we want to make it a celebration across the whole month really because we can't physically fit all of the characters into that. 'So that's why it's kind of becomes a bit more of a challenge in terms of which stories that you really want to hear about and focus on. 'But obviously there just needs to be enough of a sense of nostalgia in terms of Hollyoaks' origin story and everything that we love and know about the show. 'But then also the kind of characters that are going to be able to shake things up and create jeopardy and danger and spit things out in a different way at the end of that. 'And I want it to be where you can't take your eyes off the screen levels of energy, but also with absolutely kind of surprising but searing moments of heartache and good tears, happy tears, sad tears, tears and shock and try and celebrate all things Hollyoaks in a very efficient three by 18 and a half minute format.' And while there won't be a feature-length episode, there will be another shock coming - one fans will love. Clare Devine returns to the village 'There is something else that will be a huge delight and a real nod to Hollyoaks' origin story,' she revealed. 'That will happen in the third episode of the week, which I absolutely cannot talk about, but is going to be incredibly exciting.' Hannah added: 'You can't do a Hollyoaks commemoration without some kind of spectacle. So there will be a stunt.' And more than that Hannah also revealed a huge battle between two Hollyoaks titans will take centre stage for October. Having recently returned from the dead to the village after 12 years, Clare Devine is back to find her missing 'daughter' Tori. However it will soon become clear that Tori - the biological daughter of serial killer Nico Blake - is wanted by her birth family, the Blakes too. And that's set to pit Clare against serial killer Jez Blake in the run up to the big anniversary. 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. 'Well, yes, obviously we've got two kind of Hollyoaks titans here,' Hannah said. 'We've got kind of very iconic Hollyoaks faces. And it' not an accident that they are both in the show in the run up to the 30th anniversary.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Hollyoaks boss reveals dramatic 30th anniversary stunt and major storyline for huge month of celebration
HOLLYOAKS boss Hannah Cheers has revealed all about the soap's upcoming 30th anniversary, confirming a stunt and huge storyline details. The Channel 4 soap has undergone a huge revival in the last year with boss Hannah at the helm with ratings surging by more than a third. Advertisement 3 Hollyoaks boss Hannah Cheers has spilled all about the soap's upcoming 30th anniversary Credit: PA 3 Serial killer Jez is set for a face-off against one of Hollyoaks biggest villains Credit: Lime Picturess 3 Clare Devine will be central to the soap's 30th anniversary in October Credit: Lime Pictures The executive producer was forced to make tough decisions to cut the show from five episodes per week to just three - with the episode length slashed further. But after a year of painful decisions and hard work - it has paid off. Hollyoaks was second only to EastEnders at this weekend's British Soap Awards - taking home three gongs. And now the show is heading full speed ahead towards its 30th anniversary in October - and it will be a month-long celebration. Advertisement Read more on Hollyoaks Hannah said: 'In that week, we want to make it a celebration across the whole month really because we can't physically fit all of the characters into that. 'So that's why it's kind of becomes a bit more of a challenge in terms of which stories that you really want to hear about and focus on. 'But obviously there just needs to be enough of a sense of nostalgia in terms of Hollyoaks' origin story and everything that we love and know about the show. 'But then also the kind of characters that are going to be able to shake things up and create jeopardy and danger and spit things out in a different way at the end of that. Advertisement Most read in Soaps Exclusive Exclusive 'And I want it to be where you can't take your eyes off the screen levels of energy , but also with absolutely kind of surprising but searing moments of heartache and good tears, happy tears, sad tears, tears and shock and try and celebrate all things Hollyoaks in a very efficient three by 18 and a half minute format.' And while there won't be a feature-length episode, there will be another shock coming - one fans will love. Clare Devine returns to the village 'There is something else that will be a huge delight and a real nod to Hollyoaks' origin story,' she revealed. 'That will happen in the third episode of the week, which I absolutely cannot talk about, but is going to be incredibly exciting.' Advertisement Hannah added: 'You can't do a Hollyoaks commemoration without some kind of spectacle. So there will be a stunt.' And more than that Hannah also revealed a huge battle between two Hollyoaks titans will take centre stage for October. Having recently returned from the dead to the village after 12 years, Clare Devine is back to find her missing 'daughter' Tori. However it will soon become clear that Tori - the biological daughter of serial killer Nico Blake - is wanted by her birth family, the Blakes too. Advertisement And that's set to pit Clare against serial killer Jez Blake in the run up to the big anniversary. From Hollyoaks to Hollywood James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap. The former Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy 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 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 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 Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry 'Newt' Newton. 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. 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, Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving. In 2021 'Well, yes, obviously we've got two kind of Hollyoaks titans here,' Hannah said. 'We've got kind of very iconic Hollyoaks faces. And it' not an accident that they are both in the show in the run up to the 30th anniversary.'
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Hollyoaks star Gemma Bissix reveals if she'd return to EastEnders as she makes shock comeback as Clare Devine
GEMMA Bissix has revealed she won't return to EastEnders - because Hollyoaks is just more fun. The actress is finally making her long-time, if unexpected return to the Channel 4 soap this week 12 years after her deliciously evil character Clare Devine was seemingly killed off. 8 Gemma Bissix has opened up about her shock return to Hollyoaks Credit: Lime Pictures 8 The actress is back playing Clare Devine 12 years after the character was seemingly killed off Credit: Lime Pictures It was an unexpected development for the star who has spent most of the intervening years taking a step back from acting to raise her two young daughters. But the pull of playing one of soapland's most iconic villains proved too much - and she jumped at the chance of returning. Sitting on set for her first interview about 'I got the call,' she said talking a million miles a minute. "I think it was towards the end of January. Read more on Hollyoaks 'And it was really funny because obviously Nigel came back to EastEnders in sort of November time. So there was a lot of talk on social media and a lot of things about me returning to EastEnders. 'And then I got the call for Hollyoaks and I just thought, how brilliant is this? And to be fair, I love both and EastEnders was where I started when I was nine years old. That was my training and it would always be in my heart, but the character of Clare Devine is just something. 'She's more fun. It is just incredible. Where can you go to a job and kill people, have fights on set and get to be really, really nasty?' Viewers will find it surprising that Gemma wasn't even approached about a return to EastEnders - despite her on-screen father Paul Bradley's return as Most read in Soaps 'No, they didn't ask me,' she says. 'I think they did fantastic with their 40th birthday celebrations. 'They brought so many characters back from the '90s. I think that Paul Bradley is doing fantastically well with his dementia storyline. Watch as Hollyoaks' Mercedes McQueen takes revenge on Grace Black in explosive new soap trailer_1 'And you know, realistically, had that sort of that had come on the cards, that storyline would have probably been, you know, Claire Bates going and taking his money from a dementia sufferer character, which actually probably isn't something I would want to do either. 'Even though it's not real, but people so believe that this stuff is real. I mean, when I was back in the show before, I used to get fan mail from someone from prison that used to say he'd be my accomplice. 'And then there was a vicar that used to write to me monthly telling me I could repent my sins if I was to go and see him, he would exercise the demons and all of this stuff.' But EastEnders' loss is Hollyoaks' gain as autumn with explosive consequences. Fans will see And while Clare is going to be every bit as cold and calculating as she was before - with some truly brilliant dark and twisted shocks coming up - she's also a more humanised Clare as a mum. 8 Her on-screen dad Paul Bradley has returned in a major dementia storyline Credit: BBC 8 Gemma played Claire Bates in EastEnders - but hasn't been asked back Credit: BBC 8 The chance to return to Hollyoaks proved too much of a temptation for Gemma Credit: Lime Pictures 8 She is back on screen this week - and this time with her on-screen sister Tamara Wall Credit: Lime Pictures Having raised Tori - the biological daughter of Hollyoaks serial killer Nico Blake, naturally - for two years, the prospect of losing her to the Blake family is too much to bear. 'I do think that you'll see a lot more depth to Clare,' said Gemma. 'Well, she's a mother, though. So she normally, everything that she does and all the criminal activity is all to become the top dog or to make money, you know, and to be a millionaire, whereas now everything she's doing is because she wants to get her daughter back. 'So that is why, and she's doing everything through love, which is a new avenue for Clare. 'And so I've really enjoyed, obviously being the evil side of it, but then there's some real emotion in the eyes, like a lot of my scenes when I'm being evil, there's switches where you can see that that Clare is welling up because it comes from real emotion.' She added: 'I think she wants to be loved. And I think so for the 12 years that she's been away, she was in a coma, she had to learn to walk again, to eat, the rehabilitation was a good few years. 'And she genuinely did fall in love with her husband. And I know that she is the top dog for everything that's going on, and she pulls the strings, but I don't think she's actually killed anyone in 12 years. 'I don't think she's actually got her hands dirty - she's paying everybody else to do it. For the last two years that she's had Tori, she has been doing the arts and crafts and doing this and taking her to gymnastics and doing that sort of stuff and actually being a normal person so yes, I think she's capable of love.' Playing Clare as a mother isn't a stretch for Gemma - who has two daughters of her own. But being a mum in real life has brought added depth - and pressure - to her work. 'Life changes a lot, and becoming a mum,' she said. 'My girls are now nine and eight, and they've got no idea what mummy does. Most of the stuff I do with kind of plays that are adult based, so apart from pantomimes and things that they come to see, they just see me as being, you know, fairy, sugar plum or whatever. 'It's amazing because actually I want to show them about an independent woman, I want to show them about that mummy does work, you know, that it's important for women to have this and empower yourself. 'And so for me, for them to see me on screen soon, I just it's a dream com true.' She added: 'A few years ago I showed them some old Clare episodes, and it was the stuff with Tom, and they were literally, I'm the horror in their faces. They were, "Mummy, why are you like that, Mummy? Why are you doing that?'' Gemma added: 'I was nervous when I started. I was nervous about learning the lines and doing it as quickly as they turn over. When you do theatre , you learn it and you get sort of four weeks rehearsals and then once it's in there, you're just doing that same show, aren't you? 'And you just have self-doubt, don't you? I mean, everything, like going on a roller coaster now, I think it's going to fall apart, whereas I was I used to just go on them and not care. I was a thrill seeker. 'But when you become a mother, I've got more to lose in that I want my children to be proud of me.' And Gemma revealed how Clare's return is set to be darker than ever - but also fans will see a funnier side as Clare and her sister Grace - played by Tamara Wall - finally appear on screen together. 'I mean, it's pretty dark. There is a lot more. But's almost like a comedy double act where you've got a straight one and the comedy one and it really does work well.' Gemma and Tamara grew up in the same village but didn't meet until after Gemma had left Hollyoaks and Tamara joined. 8 Gemma and Tamara are keen for a spinoff show Credit: Lime Pictures 8 The pair met after being cast as sisters and haven't shared a scene - until now Credit: Lime Pictures They have become the best of friends and now can't wait to share scenes together - and they have their eye on a late-night spin-off. 'I think we should have a spin-off show personally,' she laughed. 'Hollyoaks Later, some proper violence. It' be great. As long as they can take us abroad, that would be great as well. Mexico on a drug cartel thing? Perfect.' Gemma also has her eye on ITV's soaps, with the news of a crossover between Coronation Street and Emmerdale - she wants to get involved, but only as Clare Devine. 'I'd love to do some stuff with the Dingles, she said. 'And Kim Tate. I think I'd batter her. And I would love to have some scenes with Tracy Barlow in Corrie. 'Obviously Clare would win.' Vote for all things Hollyoaks at the British Soap Awards From Hollyoaks to Hollywood James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap. The former Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy 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 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 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 Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry 'Newt' Newton. 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. 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, Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving. In 2021
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Hollyoaks star unrecognisable 16 years after leaving E4 soap with bushy grey beard
A FORMER Hollyoaks hunk looks unrecognisable with a bushy grey beard - 16 years after leaving the famous E4 soap. This actor was on the show from 2004 to 2009, and 6 Can you guess who this former Hollyoaks star is? Credit: instagram/@officialstuartmanning 6 This actor was a HUGE Hollyoaks heartthrob in the noughties Credit: instagram/@officialstuartmanning 6 The actor in question is Stuart Manning, who played Russ Owen on Hollyoaks Credit: Lime Pictures 6 During his heyday Stuart was a pinup due to his Hollyoaks heartthrob status Credit: Getty Did you guess the actor was Now 45, the actor joined the soap when he was in his mid-twenties and was the soap's pinup. But now the actor - who during the noughties dated new look . Taking to his Instagram Stories, Read more on hollyoaks His hair is also a lot longer, which he wore in curtains that fell down his face. The soap star shared that he was on his "morning walk" and he was off to take a look at a "historic church". HOLLYOAKS HEARTTHROB Stuart launched to fame as a Hollyoaks heartthrob when he was 26. He was an instant hit with fans, and was rewarded with some big storylines. Most read in Soaps This included his character Russ marrying Mercedes McQueen (albeit briefly), battling testicular cancer and dating twin Sophie Burton . He also saved Sophie from the Dog In The Pond when it caught fire – only for her to die in his arms shortly afterwards. Hollyoaks' Stuart Manning lands huge Hollywood role with Denise Richards after having to take work as a delivery driver During his time on Hollyoaks , Stuart cemented himself as the soap's leading hunk. Speaking in 2009 about often being "shirtless" on the show, he told "If you're a girl coming into the show, you're going to be wearing short skirts and small tops, and for a guy you're going to be in your underwear or shorts or a tight top. "When I joined the show, I prepared for that and I worked out – especially when I was in the calendar a few years ago. "I'm starting to get back into my old shape again!" Asked at the time about how he felt about all the female attention he received, Stuart told the publication: "It's always quite nice ! "Especially when you have to go and do signings in record shops and places like that – there are loads of women and a fair load of blokes too. "I think the gay following for Hollyoaks is really big now, and that's cool too." 6 Stuart was on Hollyoaks between 2004 and 2009 and briefly reprised his role in 2018 Credit: Lime Pictures LEAVING HOLLYOAKS After five years in the Hollyoaks spotlight, Stuart quit the soap in 2009 to peruse other projects. He then shocked fans when Stuart's character Russ was brutally killed in a hammer attack, after he was exposed for cheating on Mercedes by sleeping with Goldie McQueen. LIFE AWAY FROM HOLLYOAKS After leaving Hollyoaks for good, Stuart has continued to act. He has starred in Doctors, The Dumping Ground, and Casualty. The actor also appeared on I'm A Celebrity in 2009. Stuart even starred in US TV show Glow and Darkness, alongside Away from the showbusiness, 6 The actor is married to wife Georgina and they have two children Credit: Instagram
