In a stunning twist that has left fans reeling, Hollyoaks' James Nightingale has returned from the 'dead' for a long-awaited and emotional reunion with his husband, Ste Hay. Actors Gregory Finnegan and Kieron Richardson have now spoken out about the dramatic scenes airing this week.
The Shocking Comeback
Viewers will remember that James was controversially killed off in a fiery explosion in 2024, just after discovering he did not have a brain tumour. The dramatic exit occurred ahead of the Channel 4 soap's major time-jump. However, in a classic soap twist, James resurfaced alive one year later, shortly before the show's 30th anniversary.
The character's survival was first revealed when Darren Osborne, played by Ashley Taylor Dawson, stumbled upon the supposedly deceased lawyer at a poker game. James immediately swore Darren to secrecy, insisting that Ste must never find out he was alive.
A Long-Awaited Village Return
This week, the secret finally unravels as James stages his return to Hollyoaks village, coming face-to-face with a bewildered Ste. The reunion is fraught with confusion, as Ste was unknowingly poisoned by his son, Lucas, at the time and initially believed he was hallucinating.
James is forced to explain his lengthy absence, revealing that after surviving the explosion, he fled believing Ste had moved on and was in love with Rex Gallagher, the man Ste had previously cheated with.
The Stars Speak Out
Gregory Finnegan, who portrays James, expressed his excitement about filming the pivotal scenes. "The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally upon us," he said. "James and Ste, two characters who have been circling each other for a decade are about to come face once more. They’ve loved, they’ve hated, they’ve had joy and they’ve had plenty of sadness… so what does the future hold for them now that James is back on the scene?"
He added that he loved working with Kieron Richardson again and being back with his "Hollyoaks family."
Kieron Richardson, who plays Ste Hay, highlighted the complex timing of James's return. "Talk about timing for James’ return. It’s New Year, which normally means fresh starts but for these two we have to go back…" he explained.
He detailed the heavy burden Ste has carried in James's absence: "Ste has to get over the shock of James returning initially but then there is also everything that has happened during him not being there to unpack. He has been raising his grandchild, dealing with abuse from Lucas and complex relationships, while grieving."
Richardson praised his co-star, saying: "It’s been great to work with Greg who is so great and giving as an actor that it’s felt special again."
Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform. Episodes also air on E4 at 7pm.
