HOLLYOAKS fan-favorite James Sutton has confirmed that he's signed a new contract to continue his role on the Channel 4 soap for another year. Despite a wave of exits by 25 cast members, the actor, known for playing Jean Paul McQueen, will be gracing our screens for at least another 12 months.
James Sutton secures another year on Hollyoaks
James Sutton, aged 41, has been a staple on Hollyoaks since 2006. In a recent appearance on The Tom's Talks podcast, he shared the exciting news with fans, stating, "I’m still on Hollyoaks, which is great. I’ve just signed another year. I’m going to be there until January 2026."
Hard-hitting storylines for Jean Paul McQueen
Throughout his time on the show, James' character, Jean Paul McQueen, has been at the center of several impactful storylines, including a harrowing rape plot involving student Finn O’Connor. Most recently, he has been supporting his on-screen sister, Mercedes McQueen, as she battles a severe form of bowel cancer.
Martha Blake set to become a serial killer on Hollyoaks
Meanwhile, Hollyoaks fans are in for a shock as Martha Blake is poised to take on the role of a serial killer on the show. Some viewers have expressed frustration, labeling the new storyline as repetitive and criticizing it as a lazy narrative choice. The decision to introduce a killing spree has also sparked concerns that it may serve as a means to write off characters, as the soap undergoes a cast shakeup with the departure of twenty actors.
Time jump and character exits
To facilitate the exit of multiple characters, Hollyoaks producers introduced a unique "time jump" concept, fast-forwarding the storyline by a year and coinciding with the departure of certain families from the village. This move was aimed at streamlining the show's cast in a budget-conscious manner, with actors like Jamie Lomas and Owen Warner opting to exit voluntarily.
