Major Hollyoaks star quits after six years – and they have already filmed their final scenes

HOLLYOAKS is losing one of its biggest stars in a shock shake-up, The Sun can exclusively reveal.

Village hunk Owen Warner, 24, has quit the soap six years after joining as Romeo Nightingale in 2018 amid the show’s move to become streaming first.

The actor has already filmed his final scenes amid a major storyline that has seen Romeo confess to the murder of his abusive girlfriend Rayne Royce.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun Owen revealed: “Walking away from Hollyoaks is a really sad thing to do. 

“I’d always say to the producer that if possible I would love for the door to be left open but you never know what could happen. Could always do a Lazarus if he does get killed off.”

He added: “That’s the thing that’s really sad about leaving Hollyoaks, the fans are so lovely. It’s going to be sad to walk away from because they are really lovely, loyal fans.”

Fans know Romeo is facing life behind bars for killing Rayne, but the soap is known for its big twists - and Owen’s exit won’t be any different.

He added: “It’s Hollyoaks, there’s always a twist. When I was told what it was going to be I was like, ‘Are you joking?’ 

“I had to look the producer in the eye and say, ‘Are you serious? I feel like I’m being had on here, I don’t know how this is real. Surely not.’ 

“There’s loads of twists and safe to say, it’s a memorable one.”

He added: “Romeo’s been through so much, with the loss of his sister, all the stuff before that, a girlfriend who’s abusive and then her death, and it all just got so much so he just needed to get out to be honest."

Owen, who starred in 2022 series of I’m A Celebrity, has also shunned offers for reality TV, insisting that acting is his future.

He said: “I’ve done Hollyoaks years now and when I first started acting I’d do plays and short films and I’d pick the craziest characters to play and I love playing a wide assortment of characters.

“And while I’ve loved playing Romeo, I’ve played the same character for a long time now so it’d be nice to play some different people. Just put myself in some different shoes and do all sorts like that.”

He added: “There’s nothing like I’m A Celeb out there and with reality shows that was the one where I said if I was going to do one it would be that. 

“And I’ve done that now, I’ve enjoyed it but I want to focus on my acting now. It’s time to properly throw myself into the acting industry and see if I can make something of myself here.”

Owen’s hasn’t ruled out joining a rival soap like countless other soap stars before him.

“Honestly just never say never,” he said. 

“I’m open to everything. As long as the character’s different to Romeo, I’d be up for anything to be honest.”

And while he’s looking for his first post-Hollyoaks role, the actor has one eye on Hollywood.

“I think every actor is considering Hollywood but I’m not under any illusion,” he said. 

“It’s a hard industry and it’s all about the opportunities you get and the rooms you get yourself in so I’m just looking forward to networking, meeting people and hopefully working on some good projects.”

But one thing he is definitely going to find strange is being clothed.

Hollyoaks has come under fire for the amount of skin its stars are required to show with Owen appearing in a state of undress almost constantly.

“Yeah, to be honest it feels weird not taking my top off every few seconds now,” he laughed. 

“I might have to start walking in public and just whip it off to get some normality.”

However he won’t be tempted into taking more off like former Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn who has gone on to make millions stripping off on OnlyFans.

He joked: “But for the record I don’t think there will be an Owen OnlyFans started any time soon.”

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