Hollyoaks fans fear another character axe after actor drops major clue
Hollyoaks enthusiasts are on edge as they speculate that a fan-favourite might be exiting the Channel 4 drama, after actor Rory Douglas-Speed, famed for his role as Joel Dexter, dropped a significant hint.
The soap's loyal viewers are fretting over Rory's future following his recent social media activity which suggests he could be saying goodbye to the village. The potential departure comes amid news of the soap facing a cull of up to 20 characters and experiencing a shake-up in its broadcasting schedule, moving from five nights a week down to just three.
Rory, who has been a fixture on Hollyoaks since 2016, posted a series of new headshots often used by actors seeking new opportunities accompanied by suggestive emojis including a film camera, a lightning bolt, and a zipped-mouth face.
Fans were quick to express their concerns, as one commented: "I hope this doesn't mean you're leaving 'Oaks!”. While another asked: "Don't say new headshots mean you're leaving the Oaks? ?” A third chimed in: "I hope you don't get axed from Hollyoaks."
Adding fuel to the speculation, Rory also bid farewell to his character's signature curly hairstyle, further stirring rumours of his departure from the show. And while some fans were loving the fresh look, others couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.
Hollyoaks hunk Gregory Finnegan, who's been gracing our screens since 2016, also dropped some new headshots on his socials, causing quite the stir among the fanbase with whispers of an exit. One worried viewer tweeted: "Aw god is this a sign you are leaving hollyoaks new headshots."
Another chimed in with their own theory: "If he has had headshots done it means he will be leaving Hollyoaks in September I'm not happy about this." And yet another fan expressed their concern: "You and a bunch of others from the Hollyoaks cast getting new headshots are getting me worried, I know Hollyoaks will axe a bunch from the cast for next season, I really hope you are not one of them."
Last month, songstress Jamelia waved goodbye to her role as Sharon Bailey, despite being tempted to stay longer on the show. Her character bid farewell to the village for a glamorous new life in Dubai, leaving behind her mum Pear, portrayed by Dawn Hope, and daughter Zoe, brought to life by Garcia Brown, who were both convinced she shouldn't go.
In a twist of fate, that very same month saw Lizzie Chen-Williams, played by the talented Lily Best, meet a heartbreaking end in her father Dave's arms on his wedding day.
