A Hollyoaks actor has confirmed that they have officially quit the Channel 4 show and won’t be returning, despite previous expectations of a comeback.
Over the past year, Hollyoaks has seen a number of high-profile exits from its cast, and Richard Blackwood was among them when he departed the show in January, leaving behind his role as Felix Westwood.
Fans had anticipated Richard’s return to Chester village in the near future, but the actor, aged 52, has now revealed that he will not be returning, deciding to quit the soap after four years.
Appearing on the Rated 18 Show, Richard confirmed: "Okay, so officially I've left Hollyoaks now." He went on to explain the reason behind his departure: "If you want to go further, you do three or four tops, after that you are cemented into the show—your name is fixed, so casting people don't wanna even see you."
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His decision appears to be motivated by a desire to explore new opportunities and avoid being typecast after an extended period on the soap.
Before his exit, Richard's character Felix Westwood had been part of a dramatic storyline involving a car crash with three other vehicles, which ultimately led to the death of Ella Richardson.
Felix, who had been behind the wheel at the time, was facing a personal crisis as he confronted his best mate Warren and fiancée Mercedes McQueen over their affair.
The tension culminated in Felix and Warren agreeing to take a paternity test to determine who was the biological father of Mercedes' twins.
Richard’s departure comes during a time of significant change for Hollyoaks. It was previously reported that show bosses are cutting 20 characters from the Channel 4 soap as part of a major restructuring.
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Additionally, the number of weekly episodes has been slashed from five to three, and the show is being moved to an online-only format, which marks a big shift in how the series is being distributed.
The cast changes haven’t only affected more recent additions. Stephanie Waring, a veteran cast member who had been with the show for 28 years, was unceremoniously axed by show bosses, reflecting the sweeping changes taking place on the show.
Hollyoaks star Ela-May Demircan is also reportedly set to exit ahead of the changes coming into effect next month. Matthew James Bailey – who portrays fan-favourite Ethan Williams – will also be leaving the show.
Warren Fox star Jamie Lomas will also depart, with the character currently embroiled in a storyline that saw him become the target of gangster Blue.
