Hollyoaks stars Greg Finnegan and Kieron Richardson have discussed James Nightingale’s dramatic return from dead as their characters come face-to-face.
James, who is played by Greg, was blown up by a car bomb in scenes which aired last year, however viewers discovered that he was actually alive during the soap’s 30 anniversary episodes in October.
Now, he is set to reunite with his husband Ste Hay (Kieron) who, up until now, still believed him to be dead.
Wednesday’s episode saw James help Ste as he struggled to stay conscious after being drugged by his son Lucas, although Ste believed it to be an hallucination.
But he explained why he had instead fled the village, believing that Ste was in love with Rex.
Greg hailed the scenes as ‘the moment we’ve been waiting for’ as fans of the soap finally see the pair reunite.
Hollyoaks stars Greg Finnegan and Kieron Richardson have discussed James Nightingale’s dramatic return from dead as their characters come face-to-face
James, who is played by Greg, was blown up by a car bomb in scenes which aired last year, however viewers discovered that he was actually alive during the soap’s 30 anniversary
Speaking about the return Keiron said: ‘Talk about timing for James’ return. It’s New Year, which normally means fresh starts but for these two we have to go back…
‘Ste has to get over the shock of James returning initially but then there is also everything that has happened during him not being there to unpack.
‘He has been raising his grandchild, dealing with abuse from Lucas and complex relationships, while grieving.
‘It’s been great to work with Greg who is so great and giving as an actor that it’s felt special again.’
Greg added: ‘The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally upon us. James and Ste, two characters who have been circling each other for a decade are about to come face once more.
‘They’ve loved, they’ve hated, they’ve had joy and they’ve had plenty of sadness… so what does the future hold for them now that James is back on the scene?
‘I loved working on these scenes, back working with Kieron and my Hollyoaks family. I can’t wait for the fans to see what happens.’
In Wednesday’s episode, James finally comes face-to-face with Ste in The Dog car park, but Ste believes he is experiencing another hallucination.
Greg hailed the scenes as ‘the moment we’ve been waiting for’ as fans of the soap finally see the pair reunite
Greg added: ‘The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally upon us. James and Ste, two characters who have been circling each other for a decade are about to come face once more’
Disorientated and unwell after being unknowingly poisoned by his son Lucas, Ste struggles to process what is happening.
Realising Ste needs urgent help, James calls an ambulance and stays with him, slipping away unnoticed when Rex arrives — but not before quietly telling Ste that he loves him.
James walks into Ste’s flat, causing panic and confusion, Ste is convinced he’s hallucinating again, until it dawns on him, James is alive.
He admits he stayed away after seeing Rex at Ste’s bedside every day during his coma, fearing Ste’s feelings for Rex ran deeper than he let on, and with fugitive son Romeo in need of his help.
Overwhelmed, Ste struggles to take it all in. The man he mourned, the man he loved, has returned. But James also faked his own death.
Now Ste faces an impossible choice. With everything he ever wanted suddenly within reach, can he forgive the husband who let him grieve?
Hollyoaks is available to stream from 7am Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4 or watch live on E4 at 7pm.
