Hollyoaks star promises long-term future for Ethan role
Hollyoaks star Matthew James-Bailey has promised a long-term future for his character Ethan Williams.
Matthew joined the Channel 4 soap in 2021 playing the gangster boyfriend of Maya Harkwell and has since become a fan favourite over the past couple of years, especially for Ethan's on-off relationship with long-running character Sienna Blake (Anna Passey).
Speaking to Digital Spy about the role, Matthew revealed he is happy to stick around on Hollyoaks for the long haul as he "couldn't ask for a more fun, well-rounded character."
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"I am so grateful – the freedom I have is ridiculous. I love being able to make him as much of a 3D human as possible," he said of his character's development from wannabe criminal to a more comedic role.
Matthew continued: "To be able to explore his personality is the greatest blessing – down the comedy route and the fun I have with Anna or Ash [Taylor Dawson, Darren Osborne], then bringing it down to reality but still playing super dramatic moments.
"It's just the best – I couldn't ask for a more fun, well-rounded character. As long as I keep getting to do this."
"I think I'll stick with Ethan for a very long time because I do love him."
Matthew also touched on the recent exits for several Chen-Williams family members, adding that it was "pretty sad" to see his on-screen relatives leave the show.
"It's weird the attachments you form – it feels like a family member has gone, I really liked them," he said.
"It's hard to watch them leave and the Chen-Williams family has dwindled. The set for our flat has been turned into the new set for Rafe's house!"
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Asked if there was any particular members of the Chen-Williams family he'd like to see return, Matthew said he'd like to bring back Ethan's nephew Sam [Matt McGivern], who left the soap last September.
"There was that interesting dynamic between Ethan and Sam, with Sam being a police officer and Ethan being on the wrong side of the law 90% of the time," he said of the two characters.
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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