Hollyoaks’ John Paul and Craig split up after actor Guy Burnet refused to return to the soap, says show boss
HOLLYOAKS lovebirds John Paul McQueen and Craig Dean have again been torn apart - with the sensational split all due to events off-screen.
The boss of the Chanel 4 soap, which first brought the characters together in a same-sex romance plot in 2007, has let slip how actor Guy Burnet chose not to return.
The TV star, who took on the role of Jean Paul's best mate, has told head honcho Bryan Kirkwood he does not want to continue on the series.
Yet with Jean Paul star James Sutton set for a major comeback following his dramatic car accident exit, he will now be stepping foot into the village single.
Boss Bryan is set to devastate loyal fans with the plot spoiler, and confessed to Inside Soap magazine: “If an actor doesn't want to come back, there's not much you can do about it.
“Guy Burnet is so loved by many of us at Hollyoaks, he's still in touch with many of the cast — but he doesn't want to return, and James does. We'd be fools not to take James up on that offer.
“In terms of John Paul and Craig, I see them as having a lifetime of tortured romance — that will inevitably mean the occasional break-up.”
James played the role of John Paul from 2006, and left Hollyoaks in 2017 after what he called a "crazy ride."
The couple's same-sex relationship storyline was nominated for, and won, many awards and it also received acclaim from LGBT rights charity Stonewall.
The telly favourite has been involved in some big dramas in the programme – including one male rape plot which James admitted had taken its toll on him both physically and emotionally.
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It remains to be seen exactly how John will return to the leafy Cheshire village after he left with son Matthew in 2017, to make a new life in Singapore.
Yet actor James gave a few hints, and said: “Craig's run off with a personal trainer – I know, I can't believe it either!”
“It's all dealt with on screen though, it's not just glossed over.”
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