Gregory Finnegan as James Nightingale in Hollyoaks / Lime Pictures
Hollyoaks favourite James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) made a surprise return from the dead in Wednesday’s episode of the soap.
The shock revival – one of many treats for fans to mark Hollyoaks‘ 30th anniversary – comes more than a year after James was thought to have died in a car explosion that left his husband Ste (Kieron Richardson) in a coma for 12 months.
In the timeline of the show, owing to the time jump, two years have passed since James was last seen in the village but in Wednesday’s episode he appeared in a casino where Warren (Jamie Lomas) and Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson) were gambling.
Speaking about his return, Finnegan said: “Turns out rumours of James’ demise were… greatly exaggerated.
“He’s always been one for a dramatic exit — and an even better entrance!
“Coming back for Hollyoaks’ 30th has been an absolute joy, and I’m blown away (pun intended) by the fans’ amazing reaction.
“Here’s to unfinished business, old habits, and a few more surprises yet to come… #FlightOfTheNightingale”
Hollyoaks‘ 30th anniversary episodes are available next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7am on Channel 4 streaming or at 7pm on E4. Wednesday’s episode is a crossover with Brookside while Hollyoaks Later returns later that night at 10.05pm on E4.
