The Bill's Chris Simmons is returning to soapland
He's returning to our TV screens!
Last updated 23rd Feb 2019
Former EastEnders and The Bill actor Chris Simmons is making a return to the world of soap, as it's been announced that he's joining the cast of Hollyoaks later in the year!
Chris, who is best known for playing the role of DC Mickey Webb in The Bill, will join the cast of the Channel 4 soap, playing the role of Stuart Sumner. So far, Hollyoaks bosses have kept details of Chris' new character to a minimum, but it is being reported that he will be involved with Hollyoaks legend Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson).
After The Bill came to an end for good in 2010, Chris went on to appear in a number of other popular TV shows, including the likes of Casualty and Doctors.
In 2011, Chris joined the cast of EastEnders playing the role of Mark Garland, a love interest for Kat Moon.
Who's arriving in Hollyoaks this year?
Eric Foster (played by Angus Castle-Doughty)
Tony and Verity Hutchinson's estranged brother Eric is set to join the village and it won't be long before viewers will discover their complex sibling dynamic.
Speaking about joining the show, Angus (who plays the character) said, "From the moment I started, I've felt really welcomed into the fold. Eva O'Hara and I clicked straight away - we've had many discussions about our characters' relationship.
"Eric's upcoming storyline is topical, important, and one which hasn't been covered in soap before, and we are working really hard to do it justice."
Scarlett (played by Susie Amy)
Luke Morgan's ex-wife Scarlett is set to return to the village later this year and put herself back into the Morgan family drama.
Speaking about her return to the show actress Susie Amy said, "So happy to be bringing Scarlett back to Hollyoaks, really looking forward to a brilliant new storyline, and seeing everyone."
Norma (played by Glynis Barber)
Trouble is heading to Hollyoaks as the soap introduces new character Norma, out for blood as she arrives to the village driving a hearse and demanding to know who has been stealing her money, and it looks like Ste and Sienna are in the firing line…
Talking about joining the Channel 4 soap, Glynis says:
"I'm really excited to be playing Norma as she's an amazing character. Formidable, complex and taking on the men and leaving them quaking in their boots. The team and cast at Hollyoaks have been incredibly welcoming and I can't wait to get my teeth into the character".
Nadira (played by Ashling O'Shea)
Nadira, who runs a matchmaking site, is set to form a quick connection with village heartbreaker, Shaq, who is now on a quest to find a marital partner.
Talking about joining the Channel 4 soap, Ashling says:
"Joining Hollyoaks has been such a surreal experience. I've grown up watching the show, and their hard-hitting storylines, so it's a privilege as an actor to be able to be a part of that legacy.
"Everyone I've met so far have been so kind and supportive. At the moment, I'm spending the majority of my time annoying Omar! We clicked from the moment we met and I genuinely feel like I've known him for years which is such a bonus as Nadira really has known Shaq for years!
"Their relationship is one of my favourite parts about playing Nadira. She has a huge heart, a sarcastic mouth and a lot going on in her mind right now... I can't wait for people to get to know her."
Zoe (played by Garcia Brown)
Due to rulebreaker Saul being demoted, Zoe arrives to Hollyoaks as their newest detective, but being the granddaughter of Deveraux-family-friend Pearl, she soon settles into the village.
Talking about joining the Channel 4 soap, Garcia says:
"Joining the Hollyoaks family has been super exhilarating! I didn't know what to expect coming into the show but I felt right at home the moment I got here, and I'm super excited for what's in store.
"There's more than meets the eye to my character Zoe – she has a lot of exciting moments on screen! I've had the pleasure of joining the Deveraux family and working with such warm and talented individuals like Kelle Bryan, Richard Blackwood, Jorgie Porter, Jennifer Metcalfe, Eva O'Hara & more! I'm so eager for everyone to see what I've been up to."
Zain (played by Jonas Khan)
Zain will enter the Hollyoaks village after a call for help from the Maalik family following Imran losing his faith.
Caring Zain will quickly become the "agony aunt" of the village, especially to Misbah, as sparks soon fly between the pair...
Talking about joining the Channel 4 soap, Jonas says:
"I'm very excited to be joining a progressive TV show such as Hollyoaks. A programme that always looks to push boundaries. Zain will look to bring some spirituality and guidance to the Maalik family and rest of the village."
Matt Lapinskas
Former EastEnders star Matt Lapinskas, who EastEnders fans might know as Walford bad boy Anthony Moon, will be part of Hollyoaks' Mallorca episodes, playing an elusive 'gangster character'.
Of course, Chris will certainly have his work cut out on the Channel 4 soap. A day doesn't go by without some sort of drama in Hollyoaks!
There's always something happening in the village whether it's backstabbing, blackmailing or betrayal it can be difficult to keep up. So far this year, people have been murdered, villagers have gone to prison, and a few old familiar faces returned to the village.
Following all the residents moving around we've decided to round together everyone who is leaving, arriving and returning to the village this year.
In Hollyoaks next week, Breda McQueen is left stressed out when Sylver McQueen tries to track down his birth mother. However nothing will prepare her for the shocking revelation that someone is aware that she killed Louis Loveday.
Elsewhere, Lily McQueen's family discover she's been self-harming again - will anyone be able to help her?
Also Damon Kinsella helps Maxine Minniver move back into her flat, Cleo McQueen is nervous about her date and Mandy Morgan and Darren Osborne return to the village.
Hollyoaks continues every weekday at 6.30pm on Channel 4.
Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.