Exclusive: Hollyoaks star breaks silence on explosive Blake family exit
"I'm very sad about that."
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star Jeremy Sheffield has spoken about the Blake family’s next big exit storyline for the first time.
The actor, who plays evil serial killer Jez Blake, spoke exclusively to us about the news that his on-screen mum Sherrie Hewson will soon be leaving the soap.
Last month, it was revealed that Sherrie had quit her role as Martha Blake after a year of wreaking havoc on screen.
In a new interview, Jeremy admitted: “I’m very sad about that because I get on really well with Sherrie.
“I can’t even tell you the conversations we have, because it just wouldn’t be allowed online! She has an amazing sense of humour – and she gets me through the day.
“It’s been amazing working with her. It’s going to be tough. But of course it’s going to be explosive – it’s a Hollyoaks exit, come on! It’s going to be big!”
Asked whether fans can expect Jez to claim more victims in the months ahead, Jeremy laughed: “Of course you can, he’s a serial killer!”
Jez will be central to the Hollyoaks‘ 30th anniversary episodes this October. Show bosses have warned fans to expect an epic rivalry between Jez and the scheming Clare Devine, played by Gemma Bissix.
“I’m very excited about the anniversary. We’ll see if we can pull it off but I’m very excited,” Jeremy continued.
“The Jez vs Clare thing, I just heard about it yesterday. Gemma and I just had a moment going: ‘We’re going to have so much fun!'”
Jeremy was speaking to us at a photoshoot to celebrate Hollyoaks‘ nominations for the Inside Soap Awards 2025. He’s up for the Best Villain prize at this year’s ceremony.
Asked about the recognition, Jeremy joked: “I think as a full-on serial killer, I’d be a bit disappointed if I hadn’t been nominated, to be honest!”
On Hollyoaks‘ chances of winning the Best Soap prize, he continued: “As a show, I think there have been a lot of changes. The funding’s changed, the scheduling’s changed. There’s been a difference with producers coming in.
“I think that’s given a whole new energy to Hollyoaks – some new ideas, it feels different, it feels a bit more exciting, there’s a bit more energy.
“To make those changes, the whole cast, crew, everyone, has to work twice as hard. It’s like turning a ship, it takes a lot of time and it’s hard work. And I think we should all be very proud of that – it’d be great if it was rewarded with an award.”
