It’s all change for the Hutchinson family in Hollyoaks, as the third and final member of Tony (Nick Picard) and Diane’s (Alex Fletcher) ‘triplets’ has confirmed his departure from the show.
William Thompson, who played Ant Hutchinson since 2023, took to Instagram to share an emotional farewell with fans as he departs the show, alongside on-screen siblings, Lacey Findwell who played Dee-Dee and Ava Webster who portrayed Ro.
‘And that’s a wrap. After over two years of bringing the role of Ant Hutchinson to life, my [Hollyoaks] journey comes to an end.
What an incredible experience it has been — from my first day to the last. I feel I have grown as an actor, but more importantly, I’ve learned so much about myself that I never would have without this life-changing role,’ William captioned the carousel of images.
‘Over this past couple of years i have met some amazing people and life long friends i never would have come across without this job.
‘Firstly, [Nick Picard] you never fail to make all of us onset laugh even in the most difficult of scenes. [Alex Fletcher] you are like a second mum to me on set thank you for being soo warm and welcoming for the past 2 years.
‘[Lacey Findlow], [Dan Hough], [Ava Webster] the people on set i spent the most time with and had the biggest laughs with. Also i am incredibly grateful for @chrissyd2304 in helping me pursue in my education whilst being on set,’ he continued.
Thank you to everyone at Hollyoaks especially, [Peter Hunt] & Gill for believing in me and starting this unforgettable journey’
The young actor was met with lovely comments, most notably from Lacey.
‘Oh gosh, this is such a hard post to write, because I can genuinely say I’ve gained some very best friends through this incredible journey.
‘William, you became a big brother to me — someone I could talk to, laugh with, and moan to every step of the way. We’ve shared so much, and I think we’d all agree that we’ve walked away from this chapter not just with memories, but with a second family,’ she wrote.
‘You’re going to go on to do amazing things — your passion, focus, and attitude are exactly what this industry needs. And with the support of your brilliant parents behind you, I know you’ll go far.
‘It’s incredible that you’re already so clear on your path as you move on from high school. I truly hope your college journey opens doors to phenomenal opportunities — both in front of and behind the camera.
‘Good luck with everything… now go smash it!
‘Lacey & Mamma Findlow’
Several friends and fans also left sweet, supportive comments for William.
‘You should be very proud of what you’ve achieved, Will!’ said one, while another added: ‘I’ve loved getting to see more of ant, dee dee and ro recently!! congratulations!’
The Hutchinson kids have been involved in a number of meaty storylines, including Dee Dee’s autoimmune encephalitis (coupled with the whole ‘swapped at birth’ thing) and Ro’s journey as a young trans man (and, again, the ‘swap’ drama).
While we’ve previously revealed that Leo Cole will be taking over the role of Ro, the actors taking up the mantles of Ant and Dee Dee have yet to be revealed.
William, Lacey and Ava aren’t the only ‘Oaks actors to announce their departures, as a wave of cast members are leaving in the coming months.
Rory Douglas-Speed, who played Joel Dexter, recently announced his departure, as his character transferred to a prison in Scotland to finish his prison sentence.
‘Well GOODBYE @hollyoaksofficial it’s been the best years of my life! To everybody in that studio that welcomed in me in, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! -and especially the fans! Thank you thank you thank you!’ he captioned an Instagram carousel of images from his time on the show.
His on-screen mum and undisputed soap icon Rita Simons also recently revealed that she’d filmed her final scenes as Marie Fielding.
‘Wanted to share a little bit of news with you. Since Marie Fielding stepped into Hollyoaks village, she’s sufficiently messed up all her boys lives, Caused ALL the carnage and fallen off the wagon a few times…so her job here is done!
I’m going to be saying bye bye in the autumn’ she said, announcing her exit.
Hollyoaks legends, James Sutton and Gemma Bissix, beloved nation wide by soap fans as John Paul McQueen and Clare Devine will also be waving goodbye to the village.
After an (on and off) 20 year run as the always unlucky-in-love John Paul, a source told The Sun: ‘James has loved his time at Hollyoaks but he’s got other things that he wants to do,’ a source told the Sun.
‘John Paul is a big favourite with fans and bosses alike but it’s felt the time is right for him to say goodbye to the village.’
As for the devilish Clare? She’ll be bowing out around October, meaning fans won’t have to wait long to see if the child sex trafficking supervillain will face justice for all the evil she’s done.