EXCLUSIVE: Hollyoaks star explains key character’s absence from McQueen episode

Hollyoaks’ Theresa McQueen actress Jorgie Porter has explained why a character won’t be shown in the dream-like sequences(Image: Lime Pictures)

One Hollyoaks favourite will be noticeably missing from some scenes in the McQueen special on Wednesday.

The ‘what if?’ episode sees the return of some fan favourites, and tragic characters. It sees John Paul McQueen imagine how life would have been if he had not made certain choices, and if some of his loved ones were still in the village.

Returning characters in the imagined scenes include Carmel McQueen and Tina McQueen, who both died on the Channel 4 soap. John Paul’s other sister Michaela McQueen also heads back to the village for the special scenes, while the episode also pans back to present day.

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Theresa McQueen actress Jorgie Porter has explained her absence in the episode. While she does feature in the present day scenes, she is missing from the moments with her former co-stars, the ‘what if?’ scenes.

Jorgie was meant to film this episode and Theresa was meant to be in the scenes, however she had to leave the set on the day of filming ahead of it being shot. She told us: “I was I was meant to be in it. I was sat in my dressing room, I was wearing a bandana.

“I had a really cool outfit on, but I had a chest infection, so I had to go home. I was meant to join in and see everyone, which would have been phenomenal. I was just too ill, too poorly, but I actually cannot wait to see.

“It’s been like over 10 years for some people, how long they’ve been away, and honestly it will be as if they’ve never left.” The scenes air as part of John Paul’s exit from the village, with actor James Sutton leaving the role.

We asked Jorgie about his departure, and how it felt to film his final scenes. She admitted it was “crazy”, and that it would feel like he was coming back for a long while before it sinks in.

She told us: “I think, as a family, you always rely on each other. You know he’s always there being the sensible head, saying, ‘No, you can’t do that.’ I’ve always loved James Sutton’s acting ever since he was in Emmerdale.

“I remember him being just a brilliant, natural actor, and I’ve actually never told him that. My secret is out. I’ve always thought he’s brilliant so I will miss him.

“I’ll miss his parts in the show and everything like that. I think you just don’t forget, but you just think they’re not there for a bit, and then when you don’t see the phrases, or you see them at an event or something, that’s when you realise they’re missing.”