Hollyoaks is a British soap opera that first aired on 23 October 1995. The following characters made or will make their debut in 2025. Zachary and Leighton, the oldest sons ofStacey Solomon,appeared in cameos in January.Tommy Odenkirk, played by Brandon Fellows, made his first appearance on 11 March.Fraser "Froggy" Black Sr, played byJohn Middleton, debuted in August.Gemma Johnson, played by Tisha Merry, made her first appearance in October. Additionally, severalother characters appear throughout the year.
TheParcel Patrons worker andLeighton briefly appeared on 23 January.[1] They were played by Zachary and Leighton, the oldest children ofStacey Solomon.[1] The pair were not credited in the episode, but they appeared in some photos with some regularHollyoaks cast members on the officialHollyoaks Instagram account.[1] Solomon later revealed that when she and Zach – who she described as being "obsessed" with the soap – met the executive producer ofHollyoaks at theNational Television Awards, who invited Zach to see the set at a later date.[2] Zach and his brother later visited the set and were offered to be extras in the scene, which they accepted despite not having an interest in becoming actors.[2] Solomon added that whilst they were "nervous" to be extras, her sons "loved every second of it and the people atHollyoaks were just so lovely and so kind and so nice to us and they just had the best day ever".[3][2] In the episode, the Parcel Patrons worker gets a telling her off fromPearl Anderson (Dawn Hope) after he delivers a fruit package late to her convenience store, Price Slice; she then also tells off Leighton for delivering her paper late, calling him "Late Leighton" and threatening that she will be speaking to his mother.[4] Following the guest appearance, viewers questioned on social media whether the cameos were portrayed by Solomon's sons and whether they would appear again.[4]
| Tommy Odenkirk | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollyoaks character | |||||
| Portrayed by | Brandon Fellows | ||||
| First appearance | Episode 6537 11 March 2025 | ||||
| Last appearance | Episode 6568 21 May 2025 | ||||
| Classification | Former; recurring | ||||
| Introduced by | Hannah Cheers | ||||
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Tommy Odenkirk, played by Brandon Fellows, will make his first appearance on 11 March 2025.[5] He is introduced as the therapist ofLeela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), who was raped the previous year.[5] It was hinted that Tommy would have other patients in the village and that he "might not be who he says he is" and may be hiding a secret.[5] Fellows was excited to join the soap, calling Tommy a "friendly and unique therapist with a dark side and a complicated family history. I'm looking forward to the fans seeing this character's secrets unravel..."[5] Following the character's announcement, Stephen Patterson fromMetro wrote "Consider usvery intrigued!" regarding Tommy's secret.[6]
On 17 March 2025, it was revealed that Tommy has been lying about his identity to get closer to Leela's husband,Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed).[7] Fellows, who plays Tommy, spoke about his character's double life: "Tommy's pretending to be somebody else. He does his therapy – and he shouldn't be doing that – but also he has another job and he works in a chicken shop on the side. He doesn't have many friends, he's very lonely and he has this completely different alter ego. It's been so much fun to play these two personas at the same time, it's been amazing."[7] As part of a flashback episode that is due to explore the events that occurred before theHollyoaks time jump, scenes will explain Tommy's obsession with Joel. Fellows explained: "This will be explored in the flashback episode about the missing year, we venture back in time because of Tommy and this storyline. All will be revealed about why this obsession started, and it's really interesting. I will say, Tommy's obsession with Joel is completely platonic. He doesn't lust for him; he sees him as a brother, and this will all make sense after the missing year episode."[7]
Nina Bentley, portrayed by formerCasualty star Mattie Packer, made her first voice appearance on 5 May 2025.[8] She is a friend ofRo Hutchinson (Ava Webster), who he met on anLGBTQ+ forum where he sought solace after being subjected to transphobic abuse fromArlo Fielding (Dan Hough).[8] Packer's casting was announced on the same day she made her first voice appearance and made her first on-screen appearance on 12 May 2025 in a special episode focusing on Ro's mental health, where Ro, along with his mother,Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher) attends a support group.[8] Her role was revaled to be a guest role.[8] During the episode that Nina appeared,Hollyoaks changed the background to include the transgender flag colours in the ad break.[8]
Matt Domino, portrayed by Oliver Wickham, first appeared on 12 May 2025.[8] His casting was announced on 5 May 2025 and his character would be a guest.[8] Matt attends the support group thatRo Hutchinson (Ava Webster) is also attending with his mother,Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher).[8] He first appears in an episode focusing on Ro's mental health after being subjected to transphobic abuse fromArlo Fielding (Dan Hough).[8] During this episode,Hollyoaks changed the background to include the transgender flag colours in the ad break.[8]
Eve, portrayed by Trans actor Emma Frankland, is a volunteer at theLGBTQ+ helpline thatRo Hutchinson (Ava Webster) calls after his friendKathleen-Angel McQueen (Kiara Mellor) encourages him to seek help after contemplating suicide.[8] Her casting was announced on 5 May 2025 and she made her first appearance on 12 May 2025.[8] Frankland appeared in episodes airing between 12 and 18 May 2025, which isMental Health Awareness Week as well as being the episodes' scriptwriter.[8] Frankland also appeared in a video interview set to be shared across theHollyoaks social media accounts, where she will discuss the inspirations and collaborations of the storyline.[8] Frankland toldDigital Spy: "Having spoken to Samaritans, Papyrus and LGBT Switchboard, the crossover of what everybody said was so similar. They are volunteers mostly; they're giving up their time to be there because we know the power that a conversation has to change someone's path and to alter the route that they're on."[8] She continued: "I'm really happy we're showing Ro in this truthful recognisable place and we're showing that there is an alternative and there is hope. Having met with real volunteers, I felt strongly that I wanted to play that part, and I think it was exciting having three guest roles in this episode, all of whom were trans."[8]
| Fraser "Froggy" Black Sr | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollyoaks character | |||||||||||
| Portrayed by | John Middleton | ||||||||||
| First appearance | 4 August 2025 | ||||||||||
| Classification | Present; regular | ||||||||||
| Introduced by | Hannah Cheers | ||||||||||
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Fraser "Froggy"Black Sr, portrayed byJohn Middleton, is the father of notorious deceased gangster,Fraser Black (Jesse Birdsall), and the grandfather ofClare Devine (Gemma Bissix),Grace Black (Tamara Wall), andRex Gallagher (Jonny Labey).[9] He is due to appear after being released from Longmere Prison, where he is seen as "Top Dog", where he has befriendedTom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins) and keeping tabs on Rex.[9] Middleton's casting was announced on 13 July 2025.[10] Elizabeth Cotton fromManchester Evening News described Froggy's character as having a "dark past."[11] Amelia Ward from theDaily Mirror described Froggy's character to be a "far cry" from Middleton's previous role as vicarAshley Thomas inITV soap operaEmmerdale.[10] His first meeting with Clare is described as "explosive" with a "real battle" set to "ensue".[10]
Middleton spoke about his new casting: "From Vicar to villain is quite a leap but that's why I love this part. Froggy has a very dark history and he could reveal everyone's murky past. He knows where all the bodies are buried; perhaps quite literally..."[9] A source reported toThe Mirror: "People usually think of Ashley when they see John but that won't be happening any more, Fraser is about as far away to the kindly vicar you can get."[10] AHollyoaks insider told them: "He's possibly the most evil characterHollyoaks has ever had - and for a village plagued by serial killers, that's saying something. Fraser will make his entrance very soon, and he's got more than one connection to the village with his twisted family already there."[10]
Gemma Johnson, played by Tisha Merry, made her debut appearance on 13 October 2025 before starring in a one-off episode ofHollyoaks Later to coincide with the shows 30th Anniversary Celebrations, airing on 22 October 2025.[12] Her casting was announced on 28 July 2025 and her character would have links toWarren Fox (Jamie Lomas), who has been confirmed to be returning toHollyoaks permanently.[12] Gemma was previously portrayed by Naomi Kamanga from 1990 until 1998 and Carla Jarrett from 1998 until 2000, inBrookside.
Merry expressed her excitement about joining the cast: "I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast ofHollyoaks. It's a fabulous opportunity and an incredible time to join as they celebrate their 30th birthday week."[12] She also discussed her character's personality, explaining, "Gemma is flirty, feisty, and the kind of woman you'd want as your best friend… but never your enemy. She's bold, unpredictable, and trust me when I say, she'll be entering with a bang. I can't wait for you all to meet her.".[12]
On 22 October Gemma was revealed to be the girlfriend ofWarren Fox and was also the daughter ofDonny Clark who is actuallyMick Johnson
Sheila Corkhill (alsoGrant) is a character inChannel 4 soap operaBrookside who appeared between 1982 and 1990.[13] She is played bySue Johnston and is set to appear in a crossover episode ofHollyoaks withBrookside in celebrations of the former's 30th anniversary.[13] Her appearance was announced on 23 August 2025.[13] After receiving the news, Johnston said: "It'll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such a big, enjoyable part of my life."[13] Johnston was the first of a fewBrookside stars to appear in the episode for "iconic, heritageBrookside characters as a treat for the audience and to mark the milestone of Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary."[13] In this episode, special permission has been granted for Hollyoaks to film on Brookside Close, theLiverpool cul-de-sac which was the focal point of all the drama for 21 years.[13] Previously used exclusively for soap filming untilBrookside ended in 2003, it's now home to real-life residents who live in the famous houses.[13]
Billy Corkhill, portrayed byJohn McArdle, is a character inChannel 4 soap operaBrookside who appeared between 1985 and 1990.[14] He is set to appear in theHollyoaks crossover episode withBrookside, which is to celebrate the former's 30th anniversary.[14] McArdle was announced to be reprising his role as Billy Corkhill on 28 August 2025, the same day as former co-star,Paul Usher who would reprise his role ofBarry Grant for the crossover.[14] McArdle spoke about his return: "It's going to be a nostalgic visit back to the famous close. Also I've got to try and find the character of Billy Corkhill again as I haven't played him for 35 years!"[14] Their announcements followedSue Johnston's return as his on-screen wife,Sheila Grant.[14]
Barry Grant, portrayed byPaul Usher, is a character inChannel 4 soap operaBrookside who appeared between 1982 and 1995 and again from 1997 and 1998 and 2003.[14] He is set to appear in theHollyoaks crossover episode withBrookside, which is to celebrate the former's 30th anniversary.[14] Usher's return as Barry Grant was announced on 28 August 2025, the same day as former co-star,John McArdle who would also be reprising his role asBilly Corkhill.[14] Usher said he would be "looking forward to seeing all of the old faces".[14] Their announcements followedSue Johnston's return as his on-screen mother,Sheila Grant.[14] Executive producer Hannah Cheers described the crossover episode to be a "love letter" to both soaps and said: "Brookside gave birth toHollyoaks — it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets. This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside characters in honour of that legacy. These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV."[14]
Tim "Tinhead" O'Leary, portrayed byPhilip Olivier, is a character inChannel 4 soap operaBrookside who appeared between 1996 and 2003.[15] He is set to appear in theHollyoaks crossover episode withBrookside, which is to celebrate the former's 30th anniversary.[15] His appearance was announced on 2 September 2025, the same day as former co-star,Suzanne Collins, who would reprise her role asNikki Shadwick.[15] O'Leary spoke about his return: "When I was first cast in Brookside aged 15, I would never have thought that 30 years on, people would still be calling me 'Tinhead'! I remember my time on Brookside with great affection and will relish returning to 'the Close'."[15]
Nikki Shadwick, portrayed bySuzanne Collins, is a character inChannel 4 soap operaBrookside who appeared between 1998 and 2003.[15] She is set to appear in theHollyoaks crossover episode withBrookside, which is to celebrate the former's 30th anniversary.[15] Her appearance was announced on 2 September 2025, the same day as her former co-star,Philip Olivier who would reprise his role asTim O'Leary.[15] Shadwick spoke about her return: "I'm honoured and privileged to be part of this special episode and to play Nikki again. I feel like I'm going home. It will be emotional without our darlingDean Sullivan [who played Brookie's longest-serving character,Jimmy Corkhill, and passed away in 2023], but I think he will be looking down on us and beaming with pride."[15]
Bobby Grant, portrayed byRicky Tomlinson, is a character inChannel 4 soap operaBrookside who appeared between 1982 and 1988.[16] He is set to appear in theHollyoaks crossover episode withBrookside, which is to celebrate the former's 30th anniversary.[16] His appearance was announced on 4 September 2025, the same day as former co-star,Michael Starke, who playedSinbad.[16] Tomlinson spoke about his upcoming appearance: "It will be lovely to take part in Brookside again, especially to work alongside Sue Johnston. I'm looking forward to being on the close again after all these years."[16] The announcement regarding Tomlinson's appearance followed his former on-screen wife,Sheila Grant, played bySue Johnston who also played his on-screen wife inBBC comedyThe Royle Family, and his former on-screen stepsonBarry Grant, played byPaul Usher.[16]
| Esme Dixon | |||||||||||||||||
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| Hollyoaks character | |||||||||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Yasmin Davies | ||||||||||||||||
| Appears on | 22 October 2025 (Brookside crossover episode) 22 October 2025 (Hollyoaks Later) | ||||||||||||||||
| Classification | Former; guest | ||||||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Hannah Cheers | ||||||||||||||||
| Spin-off appearances | Hollyoaks Later (2025) Brookside (2025) | ||||||||||||||||
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Esme Dixon, portrayed by Yasmin Davies, is a character who will appear in theBrookside crossover characters in celebration of the 30th anniversary ofHollyoaks as well as the specialHollyoaks Later episode.[17] Davies' casting was announced on 14 October 2025 and Laura Denby fromRadio Times described her to be a "party girl".[17] Esme is the daughter of formerBrookside character, Jacqui Dixon, who was portrayed by her real-life mother,Alex Fletcher who has playedHollyoaks regular characterDiane Hutchinson since 2010.[17]
Davies' character is set to have some fun with some of the other teenagers, includingFrankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith).[17] It has also been confirmed that Davies has been filming with returningBrookside actorsSue Johnston andJohn McArdle, who playSheila andBilly Corkhill respectively.[17] Davies spoke about her role: "I've absolutely loved being a part of the Brookside and Laters episodes. There has been such a nostalgic energy on set, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it all come together to celebrate 30 years of Hollyoaks."[17]
| Connor "Sully" Sullivan | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollyoaks character | |||||||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Harry French | ||||||||||||||
| First appearance | 22 October 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| Classification | Present; regular | ||||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Hannah Cheers | ||||||||||||||
| Spin-off appearances | Hollyoaks Later (2025) | ||||||||||||||
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Connor "Sully" Sullivan, portrayed by Harry French was one of two gangsters who appear in theBrookside crossover episode and theHollyoaks Later 30th anniversary special episode, which both aired on 22 October 2025.[18] Their arrivals were announced on 13 October 2025 and aHollyoaks insider toldDigital Spy that "there are some other newcomers that should be feared…"[18] Johnathon Hughes from Digital Spy described: "Gangsters Sully and Griff are about to wheedle their way into the community, posing a terrifying threat as they drag some ofHollyoaks' most beloved characters into a dangerous world".[18] On 28 October, Sully made an unannounced return at the end of the episode, where it was revealed that he was the son ofFroggy Black (John Middleton) and was working for him.
In the 30th anniversary edition ofHollyoaks Later, Griff physically attackedDodger Savage (Danny Mac) andraped him as part of a criminal intimidation tactic.[19]Hollyoaks is working alongside We Are Survivors to portray the storyline senstively and accurately.[19] The pair initially targetWarren Fox (Jamie Lomas), but come afterMick Johnson (Louis Emerick) - also known as Donny Clark - and Dodger when they intervene.[19] Sully attacks Donny whilst Griff rapes Dodger.[19]
| Griff Farnedge | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollyoaks character | |||||
| Portrayed by | Nathan Hubble | ||||
| Appears on | 22 October 2025 | ||||
| Classification | Former; guest | ||||
| Introduced by | Hannah Cheers | ||||
| Spin-off appearances | Hollyoaks Later (2025) | ||||
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Griff Farnedge, portrayed by Nathan Hubble was one of two gangsters who appear in theBrookside crossover episode and theHollyoaks Later 30th anniversary special episode, which both aired on 22 October 2025.[18] Their arrivals were announced on 13 October 2025 and aHollyoaks insider toldDigital Spy that "there are some other newcomers that should be feared…"[18] Johnathon Hughes from Digital Spy described: "Gangsters Sully and Griff are about to wheedle their way into the community, posing a terrifying threat as they drag some ofHollyoaks' most beloved characters into a dangerous world".[18]
In the 30th anniversary edition ofHollyoaks Later, Griff physically attackedDodger Savage (Danny Mac) andraped him as part of a criminal intimidation tactic.[19]Hollyoaks is working alongside We Are Survivors to portray the storyline senstively and accurately.[19] The pair initially targetWarren Fox (Jamie Lomas), but come afterMick Johnson (Louis Emerick) - also known as Donny Clark - and Dodger when they intervene.[19] Sully attacks Donny whilst Griff rapes Dodger.[19] CEO of We Are Survivors, Duncan Craig OBE spoke about the storyline: "I am so incredibly proud of what we have achieved with this new storyline, as proud as I am of all the stories we have told withHollyoaks. It really is a long-term relationship which began with breaking new ground and continues today."[19] He continued: "The team atHollyoaks have always been so receptive to our input. From the writers to the directors, cast to producers, everyone has always been committed to not only tell the most realistic story we can, but understand the responsibility we have in how male survivors watching the show will feel. They also understand so well that we want survivors yet to break their silence feel less alone. Danny is an absolute joy to work with. The care and respect he has shown us at We Are Survivors, shown me as a survivor, and given to the story has resulted in an incredible and realistic portrayal of male victimhood and following survivorship. I know that viewers will feel so much for Dodger and survivors will want to stand by him in solidarity. Danny has given us that."[19]
| Character | Portrayer(s) | Episode date(s) | Details | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS Bolton | Sophie Mensah | 7 January | A police officer who interviewsPeri Lomax (Ruby O'Donnell) after she reportsAbe Fielding (Tyler Conti) for raping her. | [20] |
| Prosecutor | Sophie Fletcher | 13–15 January | The legal team atJJ Osborne's (Ryan Mulvey) trial following his sexual abuse againstFrankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith). The legal team cross-examines JJ and Frankie and other people relevant to the trial. After JJ's confession, the judge sentences him for his crimes. | [21] |
| JJ's Defence Barrister | Hopi Grace | [21] | ||
| Judge | Kerry Peers | [21] | ||
| Sonographer | Kate Threlfall | 22 January | A sonographer who performs the scan ofVicky Grant (Anya Lawrence). She tells Vicky and her boyfriendRobbie Roscoe (Charlie Wernham) that the baby is healthy and has a strong heartbeat. | [22] |
| Fernando (cat) | — | 17–18 February | A stray cat thatSte Hay (Kieron Richardson) looks after and becomes close with. After he goes missing, Ste suspects thatJeremy Blake (Jeremy Sheffield) murdered him. | [23] |
| Judge | Christine Mackie | 8 October 2025 | A judge at the plea hearing ofTony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) for the murder ofBobby Costello (Zak Sutcliffe). During the trial, it is revealed thatJeremy Blake (Jeremy Sheffield) killed Bobby and many other victims. | [24] |
| Phil Redmond | Himself | 23 October 2025 | A man who takes a taxi fromBrookside toChester. | [25] |