The former Hollyoaks star appeared on a rival soap after bowing out of the Channel 4 show
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
08:00, 11 Oct 2025
Actor Darren Jefferies played O.B in Hollyoaks
Hollyoaks star Darren Jefferies is a world away from his iconic soap character following his last appearance in 2017.
The 43-year-old actor joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap as Sam “O.B.” O’Brien in 1997, and quickly became popular with fans thanks to his on-screen friendship with Max Cunningham, played by Matt Littler.
The Hollyoaks best friends had their fair share of ups and downs on the show, including a huge spat over Clare Devine, played by Gemma Bissix, before rekindling their friendship.
However, when smitten Max found love with Steph Dean (Carley Stenson), their happiness was cut short after a tragic accident happened, leaving O.B heartbroken.
Darren Jeffries is famed for playing O.B in Hollyoaks(Image: Mersey Television)READ MORE: Hollyoaks Max Cunningham star Matt Littler unrecognisable 17 years after emotional exitREAD MORE: Brookside icon Ricky Tomlinson is pictured on set as Bobby Grant after 37 years
In July 2008, Max and Steph’s wedding day arrived, but disaster struck when the groom pushed his younger brother, Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins), out of the way of a speeding car.
Max was hit by the car being driven by drunken nemesis Niall Rafferty (Barry Sloane), and despite Tom, Steph, and OB’s best efforts to save him, he died.
OB was distraught after his best friend passed away in his arms, and he decided to leave the village for good and headed for a new life in London.
In 2016, Darren returned as the loveable O.B. to the soap, but left again in 2017.
O.B and Max were best friends in Hollyoaks (Image: Mersey Television)
Speaking at the time of his character’s brief stint, Darren said: “Being back without Max will be strange for O.B.”
He added: “But his death gave O.B a new perspective on life. I think he’s got more of a seize the day kind of attitude now.”
Since leaving the soap, Darren has continued to act and made an appearance in the BBC series Doctors in 2017, before returning six years later to play a different character.
In 2022, the former soap star returned to screens in the comedy series Brassic. Darren has also starred in the short movies Lone Wolves (2024) and I Know A Place (2023).
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Away from the small screen, Darren is also a star on the stage, having appeared in a number of productions including: The Borrowers in Lancaster, Abigail’s Party at the Royal Exchange Theatre, in Manchester, and For the Grace of You Go I at Theatr Clwyd in Wales.
But Darren’s talents don’t stop there as he also works behind the camera. He recently showcased his talents during a project for Everton Football Club.
Darren is also married to a Fashion House Agency owner Stephanie with the pair marrying in Manchester in 2016. The couple share two children.
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am