Hollyoaks fans are finally witnessing the long-awaited and dramatic reunion of James Nightingale and Ste Hay, after James was revealed to have faked his own death. Actors Greg Finnegan and Kieron Richardson have opened up about the emotional storyline that has left viewers on the edge of their seats.
A Return from the Dead
Viewers believed James Nightingale, played by Greg Finnegan, was killed in a car bomb explosion last year. The shocking truth, however, was unveiled during the soap's 30th-anniversary episodes in October: James had survived. His return to the village has now set the stage for an explosive confrontation with his grieving husband, Ste Hay, portrayed by Kieron Richardson.
In Wednesday's episode, a disorientated Ste, who had been drugged by his son Lucas, encountered James in The Dog car park but dismissed him as a hallucination. James stepped in to help, calling an ambulance and staying with Ste until Rex arrived, quietly confessing his love before slipping away unseen.
Unpacking a Decade of Drama
The actors have hailed the intense scenes as a pivotal moment for the beloved characters. Kieron Richardson described the timing of James's return as crucial, noting it coincides with a New Year, a time for fresh starts, yet forces the pair to confront their painful past.
"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," Richardson explained. He detailed Ste's struggles, which included raising his grandchild, enduring abuse from Lucas, navigating complex relationships, and all while grieving for his supposedly dead husband.
Greg Finnegan echoed the sentiment, calling it "the moment we’ve been waiting for". He reflected on the decade-long history between James and Ste, stating, "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?"
Confrontation and an Impossible Choice
The storyline reached a new peak when James walked into Ste's flat, causing panic and confusion. Ste was convinced he was hallucinating again until the staggering reality dawned on him: James is alive.
James then revealed his reasons for staying away. He admitted to fleeing the village after seeing Rex constantly at Ste's bedside during his coma, believing Ste's feelings for Rex were deeper than admitted. He also cited a need to help his fugitive son, Romeo.
Now, Ste is left utterly overwhelmed. The man he loved and mourned has returned, but that same man orchestrated an elaborate deception that caused immense pain. Ste faces an impossible choice: can he forgive the husband who let him grieve, now that everything he ever wanted is suddenly within reach again?
Both actors expressed their delight at working together again, with Richardson praising Finnegan as "so great and giving as an actor," and Finnegan sharing his excitement for fans to see the unfolding drama.
Hollyoaks is available to stream from 7am Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4, or watch live on E4 at 7pm.
