Hollyoaks icon Jacqui McQueen returns after TEN years - but fans won't recognise her!

Claire Cooper as Jacqui McQueen in Hollyoaks in 2013
Jacqui McQueen as she looked back in 2013 (Image credit: Line Pictures)

Hollyoaks is set to welcome back Claire Cooper as she reprises her iconic role as Jacqui McQueen for the first time in ten years - but Jacqui looks a little different to the last time we saw her! 

Jacqui, the sassiest of all the McQueen siblings, is set to make a shock return to Hollyoaks as she offers her sibling Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) some sisterly advice as she struggles to decide whether she wants to be with Felix or Warren. 

But as Mercy turns to prayer to get the answers she is so desperately looking for, she is set to be surprised to find her older sister in the church as a newly acquainted nun! 

Claire Cooper as Jacqui McQueen dressed as a nun in Hollyoaks

Jacqui looks a little different to how we remember her!  (Image credit: Lime Pictures)

Despite the fact Jacqui hasn't been seen on screen since 2013, the sisters jump straight back into their bickering ways and Channel 4 has confirmed nothing has changed between the pair revealing... "Fans can expect confessions, cold truths and even a catfight!"

Before departing the soap Jacqui McQueen had her fair share of dramatic storylines during her six years in the village, from being held hostage in an abandoned church, to losing her husband in a tragic bus crash - but what has she been up to for the last decade?

Claire Cooper as Jacqui McQueen dressed as a nun in Hollyoaks

Jacqui is set to give Mercy some sisterly advice.  (Image credit: Lime Pictures)

Speaking of her return to the soap, Claire Cooper said: “It's been 10 years since I stepped into PVC boots and hoops! I have great memories of my time on the show, I knew it would be a special day mainly because I got to dance with Jen one last time. 

"We were on location, with a phenomenal crew, with a director I love, Sean Glynn, so I knew it would be handled with care, professionalism and fun! I hope the viewers enjoy a little trip down memory lane with Jacqui and Mercy."

To catch Jacqui McQueen back on your screens, stream Hollyoaks on Channel 4 on Friday, December 8, or catch it live on E4 at 7pm on Monday, December 11. 

Hollyoaks airs on Channel 4 and you can stream or watch live on weekdays at
7 pm E4.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.