Matthew James-Bailey and Ky Discala have joined the cast of Hollyoaks playing criminal couple Ethan and Maya.
Earlier this month Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) mysteriously disappeared after being told by Nancy (Jessica Fox) that she was pregnant - and viewers later learned that he had been kidnapped by Ethan.
The reason for him being taken remains unclear, although in the coming weeks the motives of Ethan - and his dangerous girlfriend Maya - will be revealed.
"My time on the soap thus far has been incredible. I'm so grateful for the opportunity and to be welcomed in to the Hollyoaks family the way I have been," said James-Bailey.
"Working with a fan favourite, Ashley Taylor Dawson, has been incredibly fun. I think we've been able to make some amazing content for the fans.
"I won't give too much away, but Ethan is here to shake things up and bring a new, albeit 'manic', energy to the village - unfortunately so for Darren, and he won't be the last to have the displeasure of meeting Ethan... I can't wait for everyone to see what we've been working on. Ethan's definitely coming in with a bang."
Discala added: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Hollyoaks as Maya! She is your classic 'Femme Fatale'.
"It's been great to play the new female villain, but, boy, she's ruthless... Unfortunately for Darren he was her next victim which not only sees him but the whole village on their toes..."
Ethan has been briefly seen already but will be back on E4's first-look episode this Friday, while Maya's debut will come next Tuesday, November 30.
Neil Wilkes
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