Mercedes McQueen actor Jennifer Metcalfe has opened up about one of her Hollyoaks co-stars leaving the Channel Four soap.
It has been reported that John Paul McQueen star James Sutton is set to bow out of the show next year after 20 years in the role.
According to The Sun, the soap legend is set to exit as part of an "explosive storyline" that will air next year.
The actor has not yet commented on the rumours, nor have show bosses, but his on-screen sister Mercedes has now had her say.
Asked by The Sun about James leaving his iconic role, Jennifer said: "I know, I know. Really gutted, really gutted.
"He’s been there, he’s been one of our day ones, so that’s very, very sad."
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Elsewhere in the interview, she opened up about the huge stunt that played out in the show as part of its 30th anniversary week.
Today's scenes saw Mercedes get crushed after an explosion, forcing Tony Hutchinson to choose between saving her or Marie Fielding, who he believed was pregnant with his child.
Despite the devastation, Jennifer explained how she "loved" shooting these scenes.
"The sun was shining. I was there, I had my hot water bottles, I had a cup of tea, I had my phone there," she added.
Also in today's episode, we got the first confirmed death of Hollyoaks' big anniversary storyline.
Related: Exclusive: Hollyoaks' Gregory Finnegan confirms James's future after shocking return from the dead
After a huge Jez Blake and Clare Devine's fight led to a plane crash in the village, Clare managed to escape the wreckage, leaving Jez for dead.
The plane hit the love boat, leaving many villagers in peril, including Peri Lomax, who was hit by falling debris after pushing Tom Cunningham out of the way during an explosion.
Unfortunately, she died of her injuries, managing to spend her last moments with Tom and her mother, Leela.
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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