Exclusive: Hollyoaks star James Sutton confirms year-long story for John Paul
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star James Sutton has explained how John Paul's harrowing attack next week will spark a year-long aftermath.
A big, new story for John Paul will begin next week as he's attacked by a group of homophobic men outside The Loft.
Hollyoaks offered a first look at the scenes in their recent summer trailer, suggesting how John Paul's ordeal will ultimately see him seek support from newcomer Carter (David Ames).
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Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, James – who plays John Paul – said: "The attack is the catalyst for the next six to 12 months of John Paul and this next storyline I've got coming up.
"He's vulnerable, he's lost, and he feels like he doesn't really have much identity. He is searching for something and through that vulnerability and through that trauma he's endured, and through that lack of sense of self, he is searching for something.
"Carter is someone who is very confident, very assured, very articulate and he makes John Paul feel a bit more human again – I think that's the best way I can put it. He listens to John Paul and he's good at giving him advice. John Paul takes an instant liking to him.
"He's just very lost and very vulnerable and he's looking for something and for someone and we just have to hope that no one take advantage of that…"
James also opened up about working with David Ames, who some fans will recognise from Holby City, where he played popular doctor Dom Copeland.
"It's been great so far," he said. "I've only done a couple of scenes, but he's a really nice guy, good pedigree, he's experienced. He's a nice energy to have on set.
"I actually did his screen test and I thought he was terrific in that. I am looking forward to doing more with him."
Related: Hollyoaks offer first look at Luke Morgan's return
Discussing whether the attack could see John Paul turn back to alcohol again, James explained: "He's always going to be tempted to turn back to alcohol, because he's an alcoholic and that is his go-to thing whenever he's feeling anything.
"If he's feeling happy, he wants to drink. If he wants to celebrate, he wants to drink. If he wants to forget, he'll drink. If he goes through trauma, he wants to drink.
"It's always on the periphery – this desire to drink, it's a constant, constant battle for him. In the long run, we'll have to find out, but it's just more trauma for him to endure and there's only so much someone can take.
"This time, of course, it's a homophobic attack and so his sexuality has been brought into this as well, which throws many questions and puts him in an even more vulnerable state."
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4, with new episodes dropping each weekday morning. The show airs Mondays to Fridays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, and at 7pm on E4.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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