James Sutton confirms he has left Hollyoaks and has filmed his final scenes as John Paul McQueen
The actor has played the role on and off since 2006
HOLLYOAKS actor James Sutton has filmed his final scenes as John Paul McQueen.
The 34-year-old has played the character in the Channel 4 soap on and off since 2006, but is bidding farewell for the final time in the coming weeks.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, James shared a snap from the set and shared his thoughts on his time on the show.
He wrote: "It's been one hell of a crazy ride but I can finally confirm that I have left the world of Hollyoaks.
"I shot my last scene Thursday and it'll be on screen in a few weeks time.
"The final week of episodes has everything; tears, laughter, romance, a good old fashioned car stunt, and I got to share my final scenes with some of the most talented cast and crew I've ever worked with.
"The lady in the picture is our director, the incredible Nicky Higgins, one of the most patient, supportive, wonderful directors I know. (she also hardy slept for the past 3 weeks of this shoot so she'll hate me for throwing this picture of us up here).
"But that's it. That's a wrap.
"Thankyou so much Hollyoaks fans for your support over the years, I really mean it, you're mad and you're passionate but you're brilliant. See ya x".
The gold old fashion car stunt James refers to is rumoured to be his alter ego driving off a cliff, which The Sun exclusively revealed last month.
However, bosses are remaining tight-lipped as to whether the much-loved character will definitely die in his dramatic exit storyline.
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A show insider revealed: "James is a soap legend and will be sorely missed by Hollyoaks cast, crew and viewers.
“Producers have given him a huge, dramatic exit – so it’s going to be the perfect way to see off almost a decade of John Paul on our screens.
James joined the soap in 2006, before his character came out as being gay and started having an affair with his best friend, Craig Dean.
The storyline was nominated for, and won, many awards and it also received acclaim from LGBT rights charity Stonewall.
James originally quit the soap in 2008 before returning in December 2012.
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.
The scenes involved John Paul and character Finn O'Connor, and its his possible release from prison which sets the wheels in motion for his exit storyline.