Gregory Finnegan has officially returned to Hollyoaks as the scheming solicitor James Nightingale on a permanent basis, less than two years after the character was controversially killed off in a fiery explosion. The actor is already back filming as a regular cast member, a source confirmed to Digital Spy.
Return after time jump
James was killed off in 2024 shortly after discovering he did not have a brain tumour. However, reports of his death were exaggerated. One year after Hollyoaks’ massive time jump, Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) struggled to accept his partner’s death and spiralled into a mental health crisis, believing James was still alive—which was correct. Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) stumbled upon the supposedly deceased lawyer at a poker game, delighting fans.
Despite James’ insistence that Darren keep quiet, he soon found himself back in the village face to face with Ste, who was unknowingly poisoned by his son Lucas (Oscar Curtis) and believed he was hallucinating. James explained how he survived the bomb planted by Dave Chen-Williams (Dominic Power) and fled the village, faking his death because he believed Ste was in love with Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey).
Guest appearances lead to full-time return
Since that reunion, James’ appearances have been sporadic. However, producers saw how much viewers missed him, and the opportunity to bring him back with a shock on-screen reveal last year was irresistible, the source said. Some fans wondered whether guest appearances would be all they’d see, but it was just a waiting game for a full-time return.
In March, Gregory got the call to return while working as a school drama teacher. He could only film during school holidays, explaining the sporadic appearances. “It has been a bit manic – teaching by day, resurrecting myself by night – but genuinely joyful to see so many old pals again, and the school couldn’t have been more supportive,” Gregory told the i Paper.
What’s next for James?
Gregory has now completed his contract with the school, freeing him up to return to Hollyoaks for the foreseeable future. James’ recent appearances have explored his unresolved feelings for his ex-husband Ste, who is now married to Rex. Rex’s recent cross-dressing has caused tension in their relationship, leaving the door open for James and Ste to rekindle their old flame—or for the wily lawyer to end up in bed with someone else.
