EXCLUSIVE: Hollyoaks’ James Sutton feeling nervous over new OnlyFans venture

James Sutton, who played John Paul in Hollyoaks on and off for 20 years, is one of the latest stars to join controversial website OnlyFans, making him one of the highest profile users in the UK alongside Kerry Katona, Kate Nash and Lily Allen.

Speaking exclusively to new , James says, “I’ll be posting whatever I feel comfortable with really. I’m exploring what the boundaries are. It definitely won’t be full-frontal, but no one will leave my page disappointed.

“I’m in objectionably great shape and I’m feeling very comfortable and very sexy. I’m excited to share lots of things, not least of which is how excellent my bottom looks!”

James believes intense training and a strict diet are essential now he’s showing off his body to the nation.

“I brought this on myself by deciding to get into shape and then share it with people, so I have to eat healthy all the time,” he revealed, having just squeezed in a “boring” high-protein meal before our chat. “I train five days a week. If you’re consistent in the gym, you’re less likely to eat a pizza in the evening, because why would you undo your hard work?”

He admits to still having cheat days, though. “Oh God yeah, come on, I’m not mental. It’s burgers man!”

When asked if he found sharing his move to OnlyFans scary, James says, “I was nervous to be honest. Not because it’s OnlyFans but because my whole career and adult life I haven’t really had any autonomy over what I’m doing. You work on these dramas and soaps and you are in some way kind of protected.

“But now I’m very much putting myself out in the public domain of my own volition and that’s a nerve-wracking thing. You can feel quite vulnerable when you put yourself out there. But I’m super pleased with how the launch has gone. The response has been amazing.”

James had never actually even been on OnlyFans as a user before becoming a content creator and still doesn’t use it to look at the naughtier offerings available.

“I’ve never been on OnlyFans before, so it’s interesting for me to join and look around. Some of the content people are doing is actually really high-quality interesting stuff, a lot of suitable-for-work content on there. It’s great for people who have a voice and an opinion and an interesting life and want to share more,” he says. “But no, I don’t look at other people’s OnlyFans accounts. I try to stay off my phone.”

James says this new journey has helped him feel sexy, which he says he’s never felt since finding fame two decades ago.

“ Hollyoaks used to do sexy calendars, but I’m not topless in them for the simple reason that I wasn’t aware of what I was eating, so this is all new to me,” he says. “I’m figuring it out as I go and I’m enjoying the experience of feeling desirable. It’s a new thing for me.

“You hit your 40s and things start to fall apart and you start to age and not look your best, but I would argue that I look better now than I ever have. And the way I am internally as well – I’m very motivated, I’m very ambitious, very centred, calm… I’m a good friend, I’m a good son, I like being of service to people. I think I’m in a really nice place and I’m proud of who I am.”

It might seem hard to believe that Hollyoaks fans have never told James they think he’s sexy.

“It’s a personal thing, isn’t it?” he explains. “I think I was admired for my performances. I’m someone who has given a lot performance-wise. But I’ve never felt like a celebrity really. I wanted to be an actor.

“People have told me I’m attractive, but I never really focused on it and I guess now I feel sexier. I’d say in decades of working in television, the majority of compliments came from men. It’s rare women dish compliments out.”

When asked if there have been any weird requests yet, he says, “No, not really, it’s all been very supportive. But I haven’t been through the list yet. I’m not really sure. It’s been a lot the last few days, I haven’t had a chance. There’s a lot of things going on the site to get my head around.”

Despite signing up to OnlyFans, James doesn’t consider himself an exhibitionist – yet. He says, “Maybe I will grow into a bit of an exhibitionist. Maybe you’ll see me on the nudist beach in the next couple of years.

“I remember a few years ago going on holiday with my wife at the time and wearing a T-shirt in the pool because I felt so uncomfortable with my figure, and it just felt awful. To go from that to where I am now is insane really. I’m super proud of myself and the promises I keep to myself every day. I trust myself.”

James confirms he has been single for over a year now, after splitting from his ex-wife Rachael Collin – but he says he isn’t looking for love.

“I don’t have time. I’m too busy at the moment – pivoting to what I’m doing now,” he explains. “It wouldn’t be fair to give someone 10 per cent of me. It’s better if I’m at home with the cats.”

And acting is also on the back-burner. “I’m kind of leaving acting behind for now, it’s not on my radar,” he admits.