Hollyoaks star Ellis Hollins has opened up about his character Tom Cunningham’s shock reunion with former flame Peri Lomax in upcoming episodes.
Fans were stunned when Tom reappeared on screens in July after a year away from the soap. He had last been seen leaving the Chester village with his on-screen sister Cindy Cunningham, played by Stephanie Waring, and daughter Steph (Isabella Hibbert) to start a new life in Spain following the discovery that Cindy’s husband, Dave Westbrook, was a serial killer known as Blue.
Instead, Tom resurfaced behind bars, leaving viewers questioning how he had ended up in prison. Addressing where his daughter is now, Hollins said: “She is in Spain with Cindy doing her own thing, probably taking some art classes and hopefully getting a bit of a tan. Hopefully living it up and having a great time in Spain. I think she is having a better time than me right now.”
Now, the autumn trailer has revealed that after getting out he could be heading back into the arms of his teenage sweetheart Peri, played by Ruby O’Donnell — a twist nobody foresaw.
“Tom has always had feelings for Peri and I think no matter what situation he has been in those feelings have always outlasted anything else that has happened,” Hollins told the Standard on the red carpet at the National Television Awards at the London O2.
“You know Tom’s very fond of Peri, we’ve got a child together for a reason, there’s a lot of history there as well as chemistry, so we can only see where it goes.”
The 25-year-old actor, who first joined Hollyoaks at just three years old in 1999, said he was thrilled to be back as the show builds towards its 30th anniversary this autumn.
“I can’t wait for the 30th anniversary of Hollyoaks. We’ve anticipated it for quite a few years and everyone’s really looking forward to it,” he said. “Every department and the cast have contributed and I so hope it pulls together as well as the vision was for it. I think it’s going to be really good and well worth the wait.”
The celebrations will also include a crossover with Brookside, the cult Liverpool drama created by Phil Redmond.
Reflecting on his favourite memories, Hollins fondly recalled growing up on set alongside Matt Littler (Max) and Darren Jeffries (OB). “The times I had with them when I was younger were golden and I’ll never beat those memories of us just having a laugh together on set.”
Hollyoaks may have lost out to EastEnders in the Serial Drama category at the NTAs, but the night saw Strictly Come Dancing pick up Best Talent Show and Gary Lineker end Ant and Dec’s long winning streak to be named Best Presenter.
