In a stunning twist that has rocked the fictional village of Chester, Hollyoaks fans have finally witnessed the long-awaited return of James Nightingale, a character believed to have been killed in a car bomb explosion last year. The dramatic revelation, which aired during the soap's 30th-anniversary episodes in October, set the stage for an emotional and complex reunion with his grieving husband, Ste Hay.
The Long-Awaited Reunion
The pivotal moment unfolded in Wednesday's episode, where a disorientated Ste, having been drugged by his son Lucas, encountered James in The Dog car park. Convinced he was hallucinating, Ste struggled to comprehend the sight of the man he had mourned. James, played by Greg Finnegan, sprang into action, calling an ambulance and staying with his unwell husband before slipping away as Ste's friend Rex arrived—but not before whispering a heartfelt 'I love you'.
The truth finally dawned on Ste when James later walked into his flat. Overwhelmed and confronted by the reality that his husband was alive, Ste faced a torrent of conflicting emotions. James explained his prolonged absence, revealing he fled believing Ste had fallen for Rex, after seeing him at Ste's bedside daily during a coma. He also cited the need to help his fugitive son, Romeo.
Stars Hail 'The Moment We've Been Waiting For'
Speaking about the highly anticipated storyline, actor Greg Finnegan expressed his excitement. "The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally upon us," he said. "James and Ste, two characters who have been circling each other for a decade, are about to come face to face once more. They’ve loved, they’ve hated, they’ve had joy and they’ve had plenty of sadness… so what does the future hold for them now that James is back on the scene?"
Kieron Richardson, who portrays Ste Hay, highlighted the challenging timing of the return. "Talk about timing for James’ return," he remarked. "It’s New Year, which normally means fresh starts but for these two we have to go back… Ste has to get over the shock initially but then there is also everything that has happened during him not being there to unpack." He detailed Ste's arduous journey of raising a grandchild, dealing with abuse, and navigating complex relationships while grieving.
An Impossible Choice for Ste Hay
The return throws Ste's life into chaos, presenting him with an agonising dilemma. The man he loved and lost is back, but that same man chose to fake his own death, leaving Ste to endure profound grief. With everything he ever wanted suddenly within reach, Ste must now decide if he can forgive the monumental deception.
Both actors praised their collaborative dynamic, with Richardson noting it felt "special again" working with Finnegan. The storyline promises to explore deep-seated issues of trust, loss, and love as one of Hollyoaks' most enduring couples navigates this unbelievable second chance.
Hollyoaks is available to stream from 7am Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4, or watch live on E4 at 7pm.
