Jump directly to the content
Spoiler
OB BACK!

OB returns to Hollyoaks as actor Darren Jeffries reprises role eight years after quitting show

After eight long years, OB will return to the village in an effort to find the missing Osborne family

One of Hollyoaks' best-loved characters is returning to the village.

Actor Darren Jeffries is set to return to screens as the much-loved Sam 'OB' O’Brien in the Channel 4 teen soap, eight years after quitting to try new things.

 After eight years, OB is returning to Hollyoaks village
4
After eight years, OB is returning to Hollyoaks village

He will first be seen on screen in the week beginning on November 14 and will see him becoming involved in the missing Osborne family mystery.

He will team up with Cindy Cunningham and Grace Black to track them down and solve the mystery.

Actor Darren Jeffries has spoken of his excitement of returning to Hollyoaks, saying: "It’s an absolute pleasure to bring O.B back to Hollyoaks village.

 OB in 2002 when he barred from the Dog and was forced to drink in another pub away from the village
4
OB in 2002 when he barred from the Dog and was forced to drink in another pub away from the villageCredit: Mersey Television

"If anyone can get to the bottom of where the Osbornes are it’s him.

"I still can’t believe it’s been over eight years since I left the show, it feels like I’ve never been away.”

OB first arrived in Hollyoaks village in 1997 and is best known for his bromance-before-it-was-a-word with best mate Max Cunningham who was played by actor Matt Littler.

OB and best mate Max were one of Hollyoaks' iconic partnerships with them eventually winning the Best Onscreen Partnership award at the 2008 British Soap Awards.

OB's Best Hollyoaks Moments

1. Taking on Clare Devine: OB was the only person in Hollyoaks village who could see through the scheming murderess and soap bitch supreme. In the end he saved his best mate from her clutches and sent her packing for a life on the lam.

2. Holding Jambo Bolton's car Beryl for ransom: Not every teenager would take someone's beloved car as a prank, but OB pulled it off just after he arrived in the village.

3. Exposing Tony Hutchinson's affair: OB was left with no choice but to tell the world about Tony's affair with Max's step-mum Helen. It all blew up in their faces as soap storylines are wont to do.

 OB's return to the village is long overdue with him making his comeback to save the Osborne family after they disappeared
4
OB's return to the village is long overdue with him making his comeback to save the Osborne family after they disappeared

OB left the village after Max was killed, going to join ex-girlfriend Summer Shaw in London.

During more than a decade in Hollyoaks, OB’s most memorable storylines include his intense rivalry with Max’s murderous wife, Claire Devine (Gemma Bissix) and when he saved Max from being killed by her in a lakeside showdown.

 Max and OB were a favourite Hollyoaks partnership, winning awards for their chemistry
4
Max and OB were a favourite Hollyoaks partnership, winning awards for their chemistryCredit: Channel 4

OB also had a relationship with Summer Shaw – played by West End star, Summer Strallen – which prompted a cameo from Andrew Lloyd Webber when Summer was cast in The Sound of Music in a special cross-over episode.

It isn't yet known if OB returns to Hollyoaks with Summer, or what Tom's response will be.

  • Hollyoaks airs weeknights on Channel 4 with a first look episode following on E4

Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 0207 782 4220

Topics