Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks has revealed the moment in which Tom Cunningham makes his dramatic return to the show.
It was announced in May that Ellis Hollins would be reprising his role as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations for the Channel 4 soap, with the character having previously left the village in September.
Though we knew that he would be involved with nemesis Clare Devine in some capacity, the nature of Tom’s return was largely kept under wraps. In a shock development, it was revealed that the iconic figure was actually in prison, though we are yet to find out why.
A new teaser from the soap, released on their official social media channels, could potentially shed some light, with the clip beginning as police officer Donny Clark visits an incarcerated Rex Gallagher with an enticing proposition.
Lime Pictures
Related: Hollyoaks to continue Mercedes and Tony romance – but there’s a huge secret
Donny has long doubted that Rex was responsible for the killing of DI Alistair Banks, and has strived to get to the bottom of the matter. Rex, however, has been steadfast in taking the blame, and his head isn’t turned when Donny offers him the chance of immunity.
The deal involves Rex ratting out Clare, though Rex urges Donny to look elsewhere. The desperate police officer enlists the help of Ste Hay, Rex’s estranged boyfriend, in the hope that he can change Rex’s mind.
Rex is still unmoved, however, and says that Clare will have to be brought down by other methods. Just as Ste and Rex part, the camera then pans to Tom, whose ears prick up at the mention of his arch-enemy.
Lime Pictures
Related: Best streaming services UK 2025 — including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV+
While we are still none the wiser as to why Tom is behind bars, Hollyoaks boss Hannah Cheers previously teased elements of the upcoming storyline, saying: “How could we possibly bring in Clare Devine and not have her original nemesis in the show?
“Again, it’s a kind of nod to the past and celebration of all things Hollyoaks. Tom has the upper hand to start with, which I think is what’s so surprising about this story. And there’s a surprise reveal of how we first find Tom.”
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
Digital Spy’s new print issue is here! Buy Oasis – Live in ’25 in newsagents or online, now priced at just £8.99.
Deals that might interest you
Shop Sky TV, broadband and mobile deals
Stranger Things Hellfire Club Dice Dangle CharmCredit: Pandora
Shop Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors looksCredit: BBC / Studio Lambert
Richard Osman: We Solve MurdersCredit: Viking
Shop PS5 consolesCredit: PlayStation
Shop Alison Hammond’s outfitsCredit: Mark Bourdillon
Apple TV+ 7-day free trialCredit: Apple TV+
Sign up for Disney+Credit: Chuck Zlotnick
The Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelCredit: Octopus Books
Death in Paradise: The Puzzle BookCredit: BBC Books