Controversial return to Hollyoaks for John Paul

The character of John Paul is set to return to Hollyoaks with a storyline which has been described as a ‘soap first’.
John Paul McQueen – played by actor James Sutton –  is returning to the Channel 4 soap after nearly five years away. The character was last seen leaving for Ireland with lover Craig Dean (actor Guy Burnet) in what was a fan-loved ‘happy ending’.
Speaking to the Daily Star 29-year-old Sutton said he had been lured back to the teen-aimed saga by returning producer Bryan Kirkwood.

“I met up with Bryan and he asked me how I felt about coming back… He then told me what he was proposing to do and there was no way I could turn it down.”
 
“The great thing about Bryan is that he loves soaps and always manages to think outside the box.” Sutton adds.

Kirkwood left Hollyoaks in 2009 after four years to join BBC One’s EastEnders, which he departed earlier this year, returning to Channel 4 shortly after.
No one is saying exactly what the ‘first’ for Hollyoaks, and indeed soap, will be but Sutton told the tabloid,

“When he told me what he had planned for John Paul, I was so excited. And it’s certainly going to get a reaction. We want people to talk about our show and this is going to be something everyone will be talking about.
 
“It’s quite a dark direction for John Paul, which for me as an actor is great. There’s some juicy stuff coming up and people will be excited as well as shocked.” Adding, “But that’s all I’m allowed to say…except that John Paul has terrible taste in men.”

The storyline is tipped to involve Brendan Brady, played by Emmett J. Scanlan. The character has been part of a high-profile homosexual domestic abuse storyline with Ste Hay played by Kieron Richardson.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights on Channel 4 and E4