Gregory Finnegan has signed a permanent contract to reprise his role as James Nightingale on Hollyoaks, less than two years after the character was controversially killed off in a fiery explosion. The actor is already back filming as a regular cast member, a Hollyoaks source confirmed to Digital Spy.
Shock Return After Time Jump
James Nightingale was believed dead following a bomb planted by Dave Chen-Williams in his car. After Hollyoaks' one-year time jump, Ste Hay struggled to accept his partner's death and spiraled into a mental health crisis. However, Darren Osborne discovered James alive at a poker game one year later, ahead of the soap's 30th anniversary.
James eventually returned to the village and faced Ste, who was unknowingly poisoned by his son Lucas and thought he was hallucinating. James explained he survived the bomb and faked his death because he believed Ste loved Rex Gallagher after cheating on him.
From Drama Teacher to Soap Star
In March, Gregory Finnegan was working as a school drama teacher when he got the call to return. He could only film during school holidays, which explained his sporadic appearances. 'It has been a bit manic – teaching by day, resurrecting myself by night – but genuinely joyful to see so many old pals again, and the school couldn't have been more supportive,' Finnegan told the i Paper.
Now that his contract with the school has ended, he is free to return to Hollyoaks full-time. Producers saw how much viewers missed James, so the opportunity to bring him back with a shock reveal last year was impossible to resist, the source added.
What's Next for James?
James's recent appearances have explored his unresolved feelings for ex-husband Ste, who is now married to Rex Gallagher. Rex's recent cross-dressing has caused tension in their relationship. With James back for good, fans wonder if he and Ste will rekindle their romance or if the wily lawyer will move on to someone else.
