Kieron Richardson and Gregory Finnegan have spoken about Ste Hay and James Nightingale's reunion in Hollyoaks, following James's dramatic return from the dead. James was killed off in September 2024, but viewers learned he was alive during the soap's 30th anniversary episodes in October. Ste, however, has been unaware until now.
During Wednesday's episode (January 6), Ste thought he was hallucinating when he saw his husband, who he believed died in a car explosion. James explained he fled the village because he thought Ste was in love with Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey).
Richardson said: "Talk about timing for James’ return. 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 of James returning initially but then there is also everything that has happened during him not being there to unpack." He added that Ste has been raising his grandchild, dealing with abuse from Lucas, and grieving.
Finnegan commented: "The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally upon us. 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?"
In upcoming scenes, an overwhelmed Ste struggles to process that the man he mourned has returned after faking his own death. The question remains whether he can forgive the husband who let him grieve.
