John Paul on Hollyoaks on July 28, 2025 / Lime Pictures
James Sutton will reportedly bow out of Hollyoaks almost 20 years after his debut as John Paul McQueen.
The 37-year-old is supposedly leaving the soap in 2026 in what is being described as “a shock plot”.
Sutton has taken several breaks from the role in the past but it is unknown whether his latest exit will be another sabbatical or a final departure.
A source told The Sun: “James has loved his time at Hollyoaks but he’s got other things that he wants to do.
“John Paul is a big favourite with fans and bosses alike but it’s felt the time is right for him to say goodbye to the village.
“James has his eye on a new career away from acting with a self-improvement campaign for men like him.
“He’s really revamped his own life over the last few years with fitness and mental health transformations and he thinks he could help others do the same.
“It’s not a goodbye to acting but it’s not going to be the only thing he does now.”
The news comes ahead of the soap celebrating its 30th anniversary next month.
