‘It’s been a very tough few months’ admits Hollyoaks legend amid massive cast cull

HOLLYOAKS star James Sutton has shared an insight into the past ‘tough few months’ after many of his soap co-stars leave the Channel 4 soap.

James Sutton, who has played the role of John Paul McQueen in the Channel 4 soap since 2006, has hinted at unrest in the Hollyoaks cast after plans were revealed earlier this year that 20 stars would be axed.

Sharing a snap alongside partner Tamara, James wrote on Instagram: “Brilliant night celebrating the incredible work and talent of everyone connected to Hollyoaks, past and present.

“It’s been a very tough few months but in the words of @ashleytd ‘It’s all about the people’.”

The quote, from fellow Hollyoaks star Ashley Taylor Dawson, comes as Hollyoaks reveale dit was axeing 20 of its cast members in March.

Many of the stars are believed to be written out of the show as the soap condenses from five episodes per week down to three, with an exit storyline featuring a bizarre “time jump” concept putting scenes a year ahead.

In March a source told The Sun: “Losing 20 cast members in one fell swoop is eye-watering and devastating news for soapland.

“In the past, Hollyoaks has seen shock stunts claim up to five lives in a single episode.

“But the days of soaps having a big cast clear-out with a devastating stunt are long gone, especially on Hollyoaks where the budget has been dramatically cut.

“The necessary death toll would make almost any stunt idea totally unbelievable.”

Outside of difficult times on the soap, James and new girlfriend Tamara went Instagram official in March.

The new relationship comes after James secretly split from his wife Rachel Collin after more than five years of marriage.

The pair, who are now divorced, first met at Glastonbury and returned there in 2018 to tie the knot. 

But a source said the pair quietly divorced as James confirmed: “Rachael and I had a wonderful relationship and marriage. It was very sad but amicable, and we remain friends.”

A source added: “James and Rachael have enjoyed a really happy marriage but, as many couples can relate to, their relationship became strained during lockdown.

“James is in the public eye, whereas Rachael prefers to be out of the spotlight and, after eight fantastic years together, they decided they were better off as friends.

“For now, James is focused on work. They still have a lot of love for each other.”