here's every character returning for John Paul's emotional exit

 Going out in style...

Hollyoaks' John Paul McQueen will be bidding farewell to the village soon, with James Sutton set to leave his role following his latest seven-year stint. The actor, who has played John Paul on and off since 2006, confirmed his departure last month, explaining that the soap had "done everything" they could with the character.

While details regarding his final storyline are still under wraps, it wouldn't be a proper goodbye without a big send-off from the McQueen clan. So, here's every character making a comeback for John Paul's emotional exit, as the show airs a special 'What If?' episode which reunites the family.

Carmel McQueen

As fans know, John Paul's half-sister Carmel tragically passed away back in 2014, in a dramatic train explosion. After plotting to abduct Kathleen-Angel McQueen during a family wedding, Carmel had a change of heart, leaving her partner-in-crime Sonny Valentine furious.

Carmel joined the wedding party on the train, which later crashed into Sienna Blake's car, injuring many of the guests. As she saved her cousin Theresa McQueen from a vengeful Sonny, a nearby gas tank exploded and Carmel died surrounded by her loved ones.

understands that actor Gemma Merna returned to set for a day's filming for John Paul's exit, which will be aired later this month. The character won't rise from the dead in a permanent return, but will be part of a fantasy sequence involving her brother.

Tina McQueen

Another deceased character making a comeback is John Paul's half-sister Tina, who was killed in a church explosion in 2008. Tina died when her other half-brother Niall Rafferty sought revenge against their mum Myra, as she put him up for adoption as a baby.

After forcing Myra to choose which of her kids should live, Niall set off the explosives, causing the church to collapse and ending Tina's two-year stint on the soap.

In the upcoming storyline, actor Leah Hackett will appear alongside Merna, as special scenes explore how John Paul's life could have played out if his two half-sisters had survived.

Sylver McQueen

Mercedes's fourth husband sadly lost his life in an explosion at Marnie Nightingale's patisserie at the start of 2022, but he'll make a return as part of the upcoming fantasy sequences. David Tag was back on set last December for the special day of filming with the other returning McQueens.

We exclusively revealed this news last month, as a Hollyoaks source shared: "Sylver is returning as part of the special McQueen episode featuring fantasy scenes.

"The episode has a 'What If?' theme, exploring various scenarios which could have changed the course of the McQueens' lives over the years. John Paul is questioning his life choices and is asking what could have been different.

"David filmed some very entertaining scenes with James Sutton, who plays John Paul, and it was great to see him back on set after such a long absence."

Michaela McQueen

Michaela was the fourth return to be announced last month, just weeks after actor Hollie-Jay Bowes had appeared on the Hollyoaks Unwrapped podcast with James Sutton.

Unlike many of the other characters returning, Michaela was alive and well last time we saw her on the Channel 4 soap in 2012.

In her recent podcast interview, Hollie-Jay noted that this is still the case, as Michaela is having "a lovely time in Alicante".

So, what role will Michaela play in the fantasy sequences?

Sally St Claire

Sally completes the line-up, as she was the last returning family member to be announced last month. Annie Wallace bowed out from the role just before the one-year time jump in autumn 2024, but is now back for a guest appearance.