HOLLYOAKS star James Sutton has shared an insight into the past 'tough few months' after many of his soap co-stars leave the Channel 4 soap. James Sutton, who has played the role of John Paul McQueen in the Channel 4 soap since 2006, has hinted at unrest in the Hollyoaks cast after plans were revealed earlier this year that 20 stars would be axed. 5 Hollyoaks actor James Sutton admits it's been 'a very tough few months' after Hollyoaks cast cull sees 20 stars axed.
Credit: LIMEPICTURES 5 James Sutton has played John Paul McQueen in Hollyoaks on and off since 2006. Credit: handout Sharing a snap alongside partner Tamara, James wrote on Instagram: "Brilliant night celebrating the incredible work and talent of everyone connected to Hollyoaks, past and present. "It’s been a very tough few months but in the words of @ashleytd 'It’s all about the people'.
" The quote, from fellow Hollyoaks star Ashley Taylor Dawson, comes as Hollyoaks reveale dit was axeing 20 of its cast members in March. Many of the stars are believed to be written out of the show as the soap condenses from five episodes per week down to three, with an exit storyline featuring a bizarre “time jump” concept putting scenes a year ahead. More on Hollyoaks BABY DADDY Hollyoaks' Jamie Lomas welcomes baby girl with fiancee and reveals adorable name MAL-DIVA 'You're so beautiful' say Steph Waring fans as she strips to a bikini In March a source told The Sun: "Losing 20 cast members in one fell swoop is eye-watering and devastating news for soapland.
“In the past, Hollyoaks has seen shock stunts claim up to five lives in a single episode. "But the days of soaps having a big cast clear-out with a devastating stunt are long gone, especially on Hollyoaks where the budget has been dramatically cut. "The necessary death toll would make almost any stunt idea totally unbelievable.
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But a source said the pair quietly divorced as James confirmed: "Rachael and I had a wonderful relationship and marriage. It was very sad but amicable, and we remain friends." A source added: "James and Rachael have enjoyed a really happy marriage but, as many couples can relate to, their relationship became strained during lockdown.
"James is in the public eye, whereas Rachael prefers to be out of the spotlight and, after eight fantastic years together, they decided they were better off as friends. "For now, James is focused on work. They still have a lot of love for each other.
" 5 James Sutton has featured in some of the Channel 4's biggest soap lines in the past. Credit: Lime Pictures 5 James went public with his new girlfriend Tamara in March this year following divorce from his wife of five years. Credit: Instagram 5 James and ex-wife Rachael Collin pictured at Glastonbury, where they tied the knot in 2018.
Credit: Instagram.
