'Hollyoaks' confirms James Sutton will return as fan favourite John Paul McQueen
Hollyoaks has announced that fan favourite John Paul McQueen is making a return to the soap.
James Sutton will be reprising the role later this year, having left the show half a decade ago.
The character first appeared on the soap in 2006 and has been involved in a number of major storylines.
Most notably, the teacher was subjected to homophobic abuse from his school children and was raped by student Finn O’Connor during detention in 2016.
Read more: 'Emmerdale' named the worst soap for divorces
John Paul was also at the centre of a major storyline in 2017, when his transgender boss Sally St Claire was revealed to be his long-lost father.
On his return to the soap, Sutton said: “I’m delighted to be returning and reprising the role of John Paul, a character that I care deeply about.
"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.”
Read more: Stephanie Davis opens up on abuse and PTSD before taking to the red carpet at Soap Awards
Executive 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.”
Read more: Emmerdale leaves viewers squealing with laughter
His character is set for a tense reunion with Finn O’Connor, who will also be making a return to the village later this year, following his release from prison for raping John Paul.
