Hollyoaks star James Sutton, who portrayed John Paul McQueen on and off for two decades, has joined the subscription platform OnlyFans, making him one of the highest-profile British users alongside Kerry Katona, Kate Nash, and Lily Allen. In an exclusive interview, Sutton opened up about his decision, his nerves, and his newfound confidence.
A New Chapter
Speaking exclusively, Sutton said, “I’ll be posting whatever I feel comfortable with really. I’m exploring what the boundaries are. It definitely won’t be full-frontal, but no one will leave my page disappointed.” He added, “I’m in objectionably great shape and I’m feeling very comfortable and very sexy. I’m excited to share lots of things, not least of which is how excellent my bottom looks!”
Fitness and Diet
The actor credits his intense training and strict diet for his physique. “I brought this on myself by deciding to get into shape and then share it with people, so I have to eat healthy all the time,” he revealed, having just finished a “boring” high-protein meal. “I train five days a week. If you’re consistent in the gym, you’re less likely to eat a pizza in the evening, because why would you undo your hard work?” However, he admits to cheat days: “Oh God yeah, come on, I’m not mental. It’s burgers man!”
Nervousness and Vulnerability
When asked about sharing his move to OnlyFans, Sutton confessed, “I was nervous to be honest. Not because it’s OnlyFans but because my whole career and adult life I haven’t really had any autonomy over what I’m doing. You work on these dramas and soaps and you are in some way kind of protected. But now I’m very much putting myself out in the public domain of my own volition and that’s a nerve-wracking thing. You can feel quite vulnerable when you put yourself out there. But I’m super pleased with how the launch has gone. The response has been amazing.”
Exploring OnlyFans
Sutton had never used OnlyFans before becoming a creator. “I’ve never been on OnlyFans before, so it’s interesting for me to join and look around. Some of the content people are doing is actually really high-quality interesting stuff, a lot of suitable-for-work content on there. It’s great for people who have a voice and an opinion and an interesting life and want to share more,” he said. “But no, I don’t look at other people’s OnlyFans accounts. I try to stay off my phone.”
Feeling Sexy for the First Time
This journey has helped Sutton feel desirable, something he says he never experienced in two decades of fame. “Hollyoaks used to do sexy calendars, but I’m not topless in them for the simple reason that I wasn’t aware of what I was eating, so this is all new to me,” he explained. “I’m figuring it out as I go and I’m enjoying the experience of feeling desirable. It’s a new thing for me. You hit your 40s and things start to fall apart and you start to age and not look your best, but I would argue that I look better now than I ever have. And the way I am internally as well – I’m very motivated, I’m very ambitious, very centred, calm... I’m a good friend, I’m a good son, I like being of service to people. I think I’m in a really nice place and I’m proud of who I am.”
He added, “People have told me I’m attractive, but I never really focused on it and I guess now I feel sexier. I’d say in decades of working in television, the majority of compliments came from men. It’s rare women dish compliments out.”
Weird Requests and Future Plans
Asked about any unusual requests, Sutton said, “No, not really, it’s all been very supportive. But I haven’t been through the list yet. I’m not really sure. It’s been a lot the last few days, I haven’t had a chance. There’s a lot of things going on the site to get my head around.” Despite joining OnlyFans, he doesn’t consider himself an exhibitionist – yet. “Maybe I will grow into a bit of an exhibitionist. Maybe you’ll see me on the nudist beach in the next couple of years.”
Single and Focused
Sutton has been single for over a year after splitting from his ex-wife Rachael Collin, but he isn’t looking for love. “I don’t have time. I’m too busy at the moment – pivoting to what I’m doing now,” he explained. “It wouldn’t be fair to give someone 10 per cent of me. It’s better if I’m at home with the cats.” Acting is also on hold. “I’m kind of leaving acting behind for now, it’s not on my radar,” he admitted.
