4 min read
Hollyoaks confirms 5 returns as McQueen legend exits after 20 years
metro.co.uk
Monday, February 9, 2026
The legendary McQueens are back as part of John Paul’s exit (Picture: Lime Pictures) Hollyoaks is bringing back five McQueen icons for a very special episode as part of John Paul’s exit, with star James Sutton set to depart two decades on from his debut. It was confirmed last yea...
Hollyoaks is bringing back five McQueen icons for a very special episode as part of John Paul’s exit, with star James Sutton set to depart two decades on from his debut.
It was confirmed last year that James, who has played John Paul on and off since 2006, would be leaving the show.
John Paul has been at the centre of many a powerful storyline over the years, including alcoholism and domestic abuse and is fondly remembered for his highly lauded romance with Craig Dean (Guy Burnett) and thus his exit will truly mark the end of an era for the show.
In upcoming scenes, Nancy (Jessica Fox) locates a vial of steroids in Oscar’s (Noah Holdsworth) bag and, horrified, she plans to notify the police.
John Paul alerts Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer) but they’re soon interrupted by Dodger Savage (Danny Mac), who confesses his suspicions that Smithy is corrupt.
Smithy later calls a meeting with the two McQueen men, leaving Dodger very concerned for their safety. His suspicions prove correct and, as things turn violent, Dodger arrives and arrests Smithy.
Later, Nancy arrives at the McQueens, demanding answers while Dodger, meanwhile, receives a threat from Smithy, who claims Sully (Harry French) will come for him.
Such a thing comes to pass as the detective later receives a parcel from the prison – with headphones included. Sully is on the other side and demands that Dodger follows his orders as the McQueens are in danger.
Theresa (Jorgie Porter) subsequently receives a call from Dodger, who urges her – and everyone else present on the property – to remain in the house.
Elsewhere in the village...
Vicky is convinced Gemma is jealous to her lack of enthusiasm about her modelling future. A client shows interest in hiring Vicky, who admits she cannot turn down the opportunity. However, a comment from miles leaves her heartbroken.
Gemma resolves to look out for Vicky after some advice from Donny but things take a turn when the doctor calls her sister, only to hear her screaming for help.
Ste and Rex send invites to their engagement party before Pearl and Jack, which leads to tension. Jack urges Ste to change his party – but will Ste agree?
Dillon musters up the courage to tell Misbah that he’s invested in Donny’s new business but offers to pull out if she’s not comfortable. What will Misbah’s answer be?
The McQueen residence is sent into lockdown. John Paul reflects on his life thus far, where he’s at and imagines what his life might’ve looked like had he made different choices – like never coming out to his family.
The special episode proves a ‘What If?’ scenario, which allows for a number of original McQueen characters to stage their return.
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Carmel (Gemma Merna), Michaela (Hollie-Jay Bowes) and Tina (Leah Hackett) feature, as do Sally St Claire (Annie Wallace) and Sylver (David Tag).
Later, John Paul makes a life-changing decision. The question is: just how will he leave the village? And will the McQueens make it out of the perilous situation with their lives intact?
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