Former Blue singer Duncan James begins filming his new role as Ryan Knight in Hollyoaks after his start was delayed by shoulder surgery
Duncan James has said he 'can’t wait' to shoot more episodes of Hollyoaks after filming his first scenes for his new role as Ryan Knight.
The Blue singer was recently taken to hospital and after undergoing spinal surgery he is relieved to be recovering and back in Liverpool to start work on the Channel 4 soap.
He said: “After a nightmare few weeks in and out of hospital, it’s great to finally be up at Hollyoaks and getting my first scenes under my belt.”
The star added: “Everyone in the cast and crew were so welcoming and made the experience really enjoyable, I can’t wait to do more.”
Best known as a member of the hit boy band, Duncan has also enjoyed success on the stage in West End productions of Chicago and Legally Blonde. He recently toured the UK starring in Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert as well as appearing in Grease: The School Musical on TV.
Last month, Blue’s rep tweeted a photo of Duncan giving a thumbs-up as he lay in his hospital bed.
Fans are already anticipating Duncan’s appearances with actress Ashley Slanina-Davies who is reviving Amy Barnes, one of the soap’s most memorable characters.
Amy, who has popped up occasionally over the past four years, was played full-time by Ashley from 2005 until 2012. But the character will be back full-time alongside boyfriend Ryan.
They’re set to become one of soaps' hottest couples.
Fans will recall Amy giving birth to daughter Leah Barnes as a teenage mother and few will forget her fraught relationship with Ste Hay (played by Kieron Richardson). Arguably one of the most unforgettable moments came when Ste cut off Amy’s long hair.
Amy will move Ste’s children Leah and Lucas and boyfriend Ryan to the village where she grew up. But she will be caught between her old life and her new one and this will put a strain on her relationship.
Talking about his forthcoming role as Ryan, Duncan said: “I’ve always loved the soaps, I mean who doesn’t? It’s part of the British institution, soap operas, so for me to come from a pop background to going into soaps is something I’m really excited about.
“I know there are a lot of soap stars that have crossed into the pop world, so I’m just doing it the other way around.”
A Hollyoaks spokesman said: “Ryan is a good guy in a committed relationship who will move into the village. He is a grounded family man with principles and integrity but who will fight tooth and nail for what he believes in.”
