Hollyoaks certainly knows how to make headlines at the moment, whether it's killing off one of its most popular characters (boo) or lining up exciting returns for fan favourites (yay).
Earlier this week, we exclusively revealed that Jamie Lomas is making a return as his legendary character Warren Fox. The actor has already been filming on set and will become a show regular once again later this year.
So, why is Warren's return such a big deal? Here, we give you nine reasons and predictions for why his reappearance in the village is one to watch.
1. He's a three-dimensional villain
Warren didn't earn his 'Hollyoaks legend' status for no reason. While some soap villains can stray into panto territory as they go around upsetting half of the cast for no apparent reason, Warren's appeal has always been that viewers can partly understand and sympathise with his controversial actions.
While Warren has pushed the boundaries with his bad behaviour many times over the years, there have also been plenty of occasions when he has shown a more vulnerable side, ensuring that viewers care about him. If the writers keep this in mind for his fourth stint in the show, they could be onto a winner.
2. Show bosses will have huge stories planned
Warren is one of those classic soap yo-yo characters who keeps popping up and leaving again, but he always returns with a bang.
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In 2010, Warren shocked everyone by returning from the dead just a year after he'd seemingly died in a fire at The Loft. In 2016, he made a memorable comeback in Maxine Minniver's shower, planning revenge due to her connection to Mitzeee. And let's not forget the last time we saw him, kidnapping Sienna's son Sebastian when he reappeared briefly in 2018.
Aware that Warren always needs to return with a gripping storyline, Hollyoaks' story team are sure to have huge plans. The only real question is which old score he'll want to settle first.
3. Sienna's twins story will finally be resolved
Hollyoaks is currently revisiting the story of Sienna's missing twins, as she believes that she has tracked down Sophie and Sebastian, thanks to a chance encounter. This storyline is expected to come to a head next week, when Sienna makes her attempt to snatch the children from Maxine's wedding venue.
If Sienna doesn't manage to get her happy ending with the kids next week, at least there's some hope on the horizon for the future. Warren's permanent return is sure to mean that the saga finally gets resolved one way or another – and we bet Sienna will have some choice words for her ex after the misery he's put her through.
4. He can clash with Brody
Inevitable tensions between Foxy and Brody are also ones to watch out for. Brody is now a rising star of Hollyoaks after his involvement in the footballer abuse story last year, which earned actor Adam Woodward some well-deserved recognition when he took home the Best Male Dramatic Performance prize at the British Soap Awards in June.
Brody's strong loyalty to Sienna will undoubtedly make Warren an enemy in his eyes – and we're expecting some epic clashes between the two men.
When Warren's return first leaked out earlier this week, a show source teased: "There's plenty of unfinished business between Warren and Sienna Blake after their turbulent history – and could he find himself going head-to-head with her new boyfriend Brody Hudson?"
5. He can stand up to Liam
Liam currently fills the coveted "gangster in the club" role for Hollyoaks, so it'll certainly be interesting to see what kingpin Warren thinks about that when he makes his return. Assuming Liam hasn't already been offed by Breda by that point, of course.
Hollyoaks history shows that the village isn't always big enough for two alpha male villains – Trevor Royle effectively filled the Warren role between 2013 and 2016, but the show made sure that the two characters never crossed paths on screen.
Could Hollyoaks play it differently this time by bringing back Warren to cause Liam's downfall, usurping him at the club? The two characters do already have some history together, but since that was back when previous actor Maxim Baldry played Liam, we'll be surprised if Warren even recognises the devilish Donovan brother once he's back.
6. He has unfinished business with Joel
As much as we love Joel, his storylines over the past couple of years have felt a bit repetitive – flip-flopping between priesthood and whichever member of the McQueen family takes his fancy at any particular time.
Warren's return is sure to put Joel right back in the centre of some grittier plots, as the turbulent history between father and son is revisited.
In his 2017 exit week, Warren discovered the truth about the death of his sister Katy, realising that Joel was to blame. In true Foxy style, Warren held his son captive and considered killing him, but showed mercy after a rant from Tony set him straight.
Despite opting not to resort to murder for once, Warren made it clear that Joel wasn't forgiven and told him: "I never want to see your face again." It doesn't seem like he'll be getting his wish on that front…
7. He can have an awkward family meal with Goldie
If Hollyoaks plans to keep going with the Joel/Goldie pairing for a while, we hope the writers utilise the situation to its full comic potential once Warren is back. Can you imagine Joel forcing Goldie and Warren together for an awkward family dinner?
Warren and Goldie shared a few brief scenes and storylines together last time around, with gobby Goldie's fearless nature often proving to be a match for the dangerous gangster. Will Warren approve of her as a potential future daughter-in-law? We doubt it.
8. He has unfinished business with Grace
Grace Black is another character who has a love/hate relationship with Warren – from the highs of their secret affair, to the lows of her stabbing him on the day of his wedding to Sienna.
Grace has only recently returned to the centre of the action in Hollyoaks, as her hit and run accident and subsequent search for answers gave her some fair share of the screen time after a quieter year.
Still rebuilding her life after the accident, could Warren's reappearance be the last thing Grace needs right now? Or could they resolve their differences and team up against Liam once the secret inevitably comes out over his involvement in the crash?
9. He'll need a lawyer
Warren is likely to be facing more than a few criminal charges upon his return, so perhaps it's time to reignite his successful partnership with local lawyer James Nightingale.
James worked his magic and managed to get Warren out of prison earlier than planned in 2016, so we imagine he'll have first refusal on Foxy's case as soon as the villain returns.
After Hollyoaks cruelly crushed our Jarry dreams forever this week, could this be James's next big storyline?
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our Hollyoaks homepage
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