Hollyoaks’ James Sutton has spoken about the changes that took place at the soap in 2024, which included multiple cast members leaving.
The Channel 4 soap reduced their cast approximately two years ago to accommodate a new episode format that now sees three instalments air per week.
Characters including Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring), Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) and Sally St Claire (Annie Wallace) were among the group of Hollyoaks residents who exited the village in one way or another. Several other characters were written out due to the time-jump and a stunt.
Around 20 cast members were axed from the show, with about a third of the crew losing their jobs as well.
It was an incredibly emotional time for the team at Hollyoaks, as some had to say goodbye to a place they had worked at for years.
James, who has played the role of John Paul McQueen in Hollyoaks on and off since 2006, has now spoken about the impact the cuts had on many of his friends at the show.
‘So many of the crew had been there for years, so it really was an awful time. And I do feel like a lot of the heart of the show had kind of been ripped out’, he said.
Adding to his chat with the Daily Mail, James admitted: ‘It was more about the crew that left, who were all local. Actors come and go, it’s part of the job. But the crew, some of them had been there since the Brookside days, so it was heartbreaking.
‘Scousers are hilarious, warm, generous and incredibly talented. To lose all those people, I do think the energy of the place has never recovered. It used to be something quite special going to work, but sadly that all changed.’
James will soon say goodbye to the show himself, as John leaves the village again after seven years.
‘I accepted the situation for what it was, and thought I’m going to use it in the most positive way I can’, the star said.
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‘I started writing again, launched my own platform and realised just how much I missed being creative and of service to other people. I’m now genuinely in the best place I’ve ever been in my entire adult life.’
John Paul’s final scenes are expected to air next week as he spends time with Mercedes at the rehab facility.