Hollyoaks stars hit the red carpet after major cast change announcement

 It marked a first for a new star in the Channel 4 soap.

The cast of Hollyoaks hit the red carpet at last night's Royal Television Society (RTS) Programme Awards after it was announced two fan favourite characters would be returning to the soap. Ijaz Rana is set to return to the role of Imran Maalik, while Charlotte Riley takes over as Leah Barnes.

The glitzy event was the first for Charlotte with the show's cast. She was snapped alongside co-star Ijaz as well as her new on-screen dad, Kieron Richardson - who plays Ste Hay.

Ijaz, meanwhile, reunited with Harvey Virdi for the occasion, who plays his on-screen mum Misbah Maalik.

Other cast members in attendance at the star-studded bash included Nadine Mulkerrin, Louis Emerick, and Alex Fletcher, who is set to leave Hollyoaks after 16 years amid Diane Hutchinson's devastating cancer storyline.

Hollyoaks was up for Best Soap and Continuing Drama on the night, with EastEnders taking the award.

It was announced earlier this week that Imran and Leah would be returning to the village, and what's more, they have found love off-screen, coming back to our screens as a couple.

Leah, previously played by Ela-May Demircan, was last seen on our screens in 2024 before starting a new life in America, while Imran left in 2023 to pursue a job opportunity in London.

Talking about returning to Hollyoaks, Ijaz said: "Coming back to the village feels like home. It’s an honour to step into Imran again, and he hasn’t been quiet off-screen… I can’t wait for everyone to see what he’s been up to."

Charlotte added: "It feels like a dream to be joining Hollyoaks. I'm looking forward to viewers seeing a new side to Leah Barnes."