Sarah Jayne Dunn reprises Hollyoaks role
Hollyoaks is bringing back Mandy Richardson, played by Sarah Jayne Dunn, while the show has also revealed more details on Gary Lucy’s return as Luke Morgan.
One of Hollyoaks’ longest-running characters, Mandy appeared for the first time in 1996. Her biggest storylines include dealing with the childhood sexual abuse by her father; her brother, Lewis (Ben Hull) taking his own life; and losing the daughter she shared with Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Mandy’s love interests include of course Tony whom she was on and off with for years, Ollie Benson, Daren Osborne, Ben Davies, Warren Fox and fellow soon-to-appear Hollyoaks returnee Luke Morgan, played by Gary Lucy.
Sarah Jayne quit the Chester-based soap in 2006 but made a number of returns after that, with Mandy last being seen in the main programme in 2011. However, viewers caught up with the character once more via late night spin-off series Hollyoaks Later in 2013.
“It’s so nice being back. Who knows if Mandy is after Tony, there will be some interaction with him. I’m so thrilled with what’s going to be going on with the character and I can’t wait for people to see it. The best thing about being back is seeing loads of familiar faces, cast and crew and it’s just a really nice place to work. I started filming a couple of weeks ago so I’ve bedded back in.” – Sarah Jayne Dunn
Sarah has also had roles in The Dark Knight with Christian Bale and Heath Ledger, Casualty, Doctors and the number 1 tour of The Vagina Monologues alongside Sally Lindsay (Coronation St) and Lisa Riley (Emmerdale).
Gary will join Sarah Jayne in reprising his role on Hollyoaks, after being away from the show since 2002 when Luke left for Canada to be a football coach.
Luke is well remembered for a controversial storyline that saw him raped by bully and football rival, Mark Gibbs after standing up to him. Luke’s relationship with Mandy was affected by the attack which he eventually reported, resulting in an eight year prison sentence for Mark.
“I love being back, there are a lot of cast and crew that are still here that I remember and I’ve got a lot of fun memories from my time at Hollyoaks – It feels like being home. I’ve filmed my first few scenes and I’m really excited about the storylines. It’s been fun being back on set with Ashley Taylor Dawson and bringing Luke and Darren back together. It’s also great to hear that Sarah Jayne is coming back, I’m sure Luke and Mandy’s paths will cross.” – Gary Lucy
Lucy has been a regular on Television screens since his original stint in the Oaks having had regular roles in Footballers’ Wives, The Bill and EastEnders. He re-joins Hollyoaks fresh from getting his kit off in a touring stage production of The Full Monty.
Luke and Mandy will be back on screen from July 2017, Lime Pictures who produce Hollyoaks for Channel 4 note. Fans have been left pondering whether their returns could be connected.
