Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
It seems as though things are finally getting back to normal for Tony Hutchinson on Hollyoaks next week – The Dog in the Pond is officially reopening for business, plus he is edging closer towards a long-awaited reunion with his ex-wife Diane.
But Tony has recently been having a sordid affair with Mercedes McQueen, in an unexpected twist that no one saw coming!
30 years of Hollyoaks also means 30 years of actor Nick Pickard playing the show’s most iconic role.
As anticipation grows for the big anniversary, we were lucky enough to catch up with Nick to chat all things Tony…
Related: Hollyoaks confirms reunion for iconic couple
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Hi Nick! Tony wants to rekindle his relationship with Diane this week. Why have they gravitated towards each other again?
"I think Diane is the love of Tony’s life and he knows that, they’ve just had a rough patch recently. They split up during the missing year because of Diane’s drinking, but Tony’s always had her back, and he always will. I’m sure there’s a few more ups and downs to come."
Would you like to see them back together?
"I’d like to see it, and I think that’s what the audience wants as well. I’ve known Al [Fletcher, who plays Diane] since she was in Brookside – we were in the same building and I played football with her husband! We’re so used to working together and we’ve got chemistry, so it’s always nice."
Related: Hollyoaks adds two legends to anniversary tour
But Tony’s fling with Mercedes might complicate things…
"That came totally out of the blue! But it was a point where Mercedes was needing someone, and Tony was a bit lonely. He tells her straight away that this is just fun and it’s Diane who he wants – and he wants to make sure Diane never finds out. It starts off with good intentions, but I’m sure there’s trouble written all over that one."
How does he feel about Mercedes trying to protect her son Bobby?
"Tony doesn’t know the full extent, and Mercedes assures him that he’s going to do the right thing. I think he feels sorry for her, but they’re never going to see eye to eye on Bobby – he killed Tony’s sister, after all. It’s a hard situation, and it’s going to get even harder."
To read our full exclusive chat with Nick, pick up this week's issue of Inside Soap – available to download or buy now.
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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