Ashley Slanina-Davies returns to Hollyoaks as Amy Barnes

Ashley Slanina-Davies is returning to Channel 4’s Hollyoaks as the partner of newcomer Ryan, played by singer and actor Duncan James.

“These much loved characters will be caught in a universal tug of love which will chime with many of the audience. Ste has made a lot of mistakes, not least his crystal meth addiction and the ghosts of his past will catch up with his current woes. Viewers will be torn between luckless Ste and a man who on paper is a better example for his children – but not their dad.” – Hollyoaks spokesperson

Ashley played Amy from 2005 to 2014. Her past storylines have included underage pregnancy, the birth of daughter Leah Barnes as a teen mother and the subject of domestic abuse in her relationship with Ste Hay. Arguably, her most unforgettable moment was when Ste cut off Amy’s long hair.

Amy has been a recurring character in the Channel 4 show for the past four years but will make a full-time return when she moves back to Hollyoaks with Ste’s children Leah and Lucas and her boyfriend Ryan. Amy and Ryan – played by Duncan James – will move to the village where Amy grew up and she will be caught between her old and new life.

Ryan is the opposite of Ste; professional, stable and aspirational in his values and he will go up against Ste in a gripping story about blended family life.

“I couldn’t be more excited to bring Amy back to Hollyoaks, moving back to Liverpool for such an exciting storyline and working with old friends like Kieron and new ones like Duncan. I think Amy might find herself stuck between a rock and a hard place with those two!!” – Ashley Slanina-Davies