SHOCK RETURN
John Paul McQueen’s explosive Hollyoaks return explained – five years on from traumatic rape storyline
HOLLYOAKS favourite John Paul McQueen is returning to the soap five years after his horrifying rape storyline to care for his sister Mercedes in the wake of her shooting.
Actor James Sutton will be back on the soap later this year but what fans really want to know is when is his character returning and where has he been? Here’s everything we know so far about John’s comeback storyline...
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When is John Paul returning to Hollyoaks?
John Paul is set to return to our screens this Christmas.
Hollyoaks fans won’t have long to wait as the young man will be back with a bang in the coming episodes.
James said: "I’m delighted to be returning and reprising the role of John Paul, a character that I care deeply about.
"The cast and crew of Hollyoaks are among the loveliest and hardest working I know and I'm really looking forward to being back with them.”
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What is John Paul's comeback storyline?
John is set to return to the village to be at his big sister Mercedes’ side as she recovers from her shooting.
But the beloved teacher will be fraught with horror when he comes face to face with his rapist Finn O’Connor.
Finn - John’s pupil back in 2014 - viciously raped the teacher in the school.
The critically-acclaimed storyline raised huge awareness of male survivors of sexual assault.
Hollyoaks has teased a “tense and emotional” reunion between the predator and the survivor.
Will John Paul help Edward rid the village of rapist Finn?
Fans will have to tune in to find out exact details about John Paul's comeback storyline.
Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said: “James Sutton’s creation, John Paul McQueen, is one of the most beloved characters in Hollyoaks’ history.
"We are delighted to have him back, to bring some stability to the chaotic McQueen household and to be a figurehead at Hollyoaks High.
“John Paul has featured in two of Hollyoaks’ biggest ever stories.
"With so many loose ends in the village and a few ex-lovers, we are looking forward to another ground-breaking chapter.”
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Why did John Paul leave Hollyoaks?
John Paul left the soap in 2017 after his relationship with James Nightingale broke down.
He received a double blow when ex-husband Ste rejected him.
Evil lawyer James had discovered that Ste had kissed John Paul and tried to murder them both.
Driving John Paul to a cliff top, he parked up and told him everything he knew before pushing the car down the hill, lying to John Paul that Ste was in the boot.
Meanwhile, Ste realised that he loved Harry and proposed to him in the middle of the village.
John Paul couldn’t take any more after this, and decided to exit the village for a new life with his son.
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Where has John Paul been?
He left to start a new job in Singapore and it was hinted that he was to be reunited with his first love, Craig.
But John Paul will be returning single due to events off-screen.
It remains to be seen exactly what went on between the pair, but actor James has given 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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