Hollyoaks boss Hannah Cheers has confirmed some details on Tom Cunningham’s upcoming return.
Ellis Hollins bowed out from the role of Tom back in September after an incredible 21-year run, though it was recently confirmed that he would return for a guest stint amid Gemma Bissex’s comeback as legendary villain Clare Devine.
Clare, who was presumed dead for years, was recently revealed to be the elusive Mrs Banks, the wife of corrupt cop Alistair who has been pulling the strings on the horrifying exploitation operation.
As well as teaming up with her sister Grace Black, Clare will once again come face to face with her “original nemesis” Tom.
Clare terrorised Tom when he was a child, locked him up, faked his death and tried to murder his brother Max in an attempt to steal their fortune.
Speaking to The Sun, Hollyoaks executive producer Hannah Cheers said that couldn’t bring back Clare without having Tom around for another showdown.
“How could we possibly bring in Clare Devine and not have her original nemesis in the show?” she teased.
“Again, it’s a kind of nod to the past and celebration of all things Hollyoaks. Tom has the upper hand to start with, which I think is what’s so surprising about this story. And there’s a surprise reveal of how we first find Tom.”
Meanwhile, Bissex recently spoke to Digital Spy about her return as Clare, including the character’s relationship with sister Grace.
“As she’s secretly been the top dog, Clare has been watching Grace all these years, and her sister wasn’t aware,” she explained.
“At the beginning, Clare is quite cold to Grace, as she just wants to get her money and get back out there.
“But what’s great is there’s going to be a lot of backstory about Clare and Grace, which we’ve never known before. It’s great to delve into the Black family – nobody is born evil, they become evil because of hurt and trauma.”
