Hollyoaks veteran Nick Pickard has defended his former co-star Stephanie Davis as she prepares to make a controversial return to the soap.
Stephanie, who plays Sinead O'Connor, was let go from the show three years ago after her contract was suddenly terminated amid reports about her off-screen behaviour.
Nick, who plays village stalwart Tony Hutchinson, told Digital Spy at the British Soap Awards that he thinks "Steph coming back is a good thing for the show".
The actor referred to another former Hollyoaks and Coronation Street star, Chris Fountain, saying that everybody does things they regret.
"I've got to be honest," he said, "I've met people that are talented in my life, like Chris Fountain who got a hard deal when he got dumped from Corrie.
"Stephanie and Chris Fountain are up there with two of the most talented people I've ever known. You do things when you're young that you wish you could take back and we've all done them."
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He went on to praise Stephanie for her acting skills, saying that he can't wait to work with her again.
"I will say she's a fantastic actress and I always loved her and I've no problem with her coming back," he said.
"I'm glad she's coming back and it can only be a plus for our show because you want talented people working with you."
Stephanie will be back filming as Sinead in August, with executive producer Bryan Kirkwood calling her "a hugely talented actress who has worked hard to overcome some personal issues".
Hollyoaks celebrated a successful night at the British Soap Awards, picking up four awards for Best Male Dramatic Performance, Best Storyline, Best On-Screen Partnership and Best Single Episode.
Catch up with all the action from the ceremony by following Digital Spy's coverage of the night, as well as the full list of winners.
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