There could be the showdown of all showdowns on very soon, with a huge return possibly leading to revenge.
Actor Ellis Hollins spoke to The about his big comeback just months after his axe from the role of Tom Cunningham. Fans were gutted when Tom left the show after more than two decades.
Just recently we saw the return of villain and show favourite Clare Devine, played by actress Gemma Bissix. Clare and Tom had quite the history, and now that might be revisited in dramatic upcoming episodes.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror at the British Soap Awards, Tom actor Ellis confirmed his return and confirmed there'd be scenes ahead of Tom's nemesis Clare. Clare terrorised Tom as a child, but now Tom may get his vengeance.
Ellis told us: "It's very strange to come back at the same time as Clare. It's almost like they're gonna cross paths... but we'll see what happens."
The actor vowed that if a showdown was to happen, Tom would be prepared this time now that he's grown up. But he also teased a twist fans might not expect.
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Ellis explained to us: "He was vulnerable and defenceless, and there was only so much he could do as a child. So it's gonna be very interesting now that Tom is grown up, and he can fend for himself if needs be.
"She was the muscle back then so it's gonna be very interesting to see what storylines will come up with that and what the writers can invent for the two characters." On the past coming back to haunt them both, he went on: "I think there's a lot there they can work with. There's a lot of history."
But Ellis wondered whether in a major twist, Tom and Clare could be on the same side. He shared: "I had wondered if we'd form a partnership, but I'm not too optimistic about something like that happening. We'll see what goes on down the line and whether our characters diverge, or if they'll hate each other even more."
Asked if a final showdown could be on the way, he revealed: "To really have that second chance for Tom to have redemption against Clare is important for a lot of people, as well as for Tom himself. It's gonna be so interesting to see whether Tom can get his revenge on Clare and whether he bides his time, and how orchestrated it will be."
It doesn't seem as though we will find out what Tom has been up to since he left the village months ago as part of the show changes. He told us: "It's interesting, I'd love to answer that but as far as I'm aware I don't know. It's not something that has been communicated about a flashback, as much as it would be very interesting to see what Tom has been up to."
On what fans can expect from the soap's 30th anniversary later this year, he spilled: "When I got the call I was assuming it was something to do with the 30th, but it's still quite premature. So I'm hoping there's gonna be something related to it but maybe on the sidelines, like reacting to certain people and not being in a crash!"
Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4's streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Wednesdays on E4 at 7PM. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , , and .
