Hollyoaks star confirms exit after two years and final scenes have already been filmed

A Hollyoaks star has confirmed he's filmed as final scenes for the Channel 4 soap.

William Thompson joined the Channel 4 soap as Tony (Nick Pickard) and Diane Hutchinson's (Alex Fletcher) son Ant Hutchinson in 2023, taking over the role from Caelan Cobbledick-Manning.

The actor logged into his Instagram page on Friday (October 11) to announce that his time in the village has come to an end sharing a lengthy message with his followers alongside a series of pictures form his time on set.

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William begun: "And that's a wrap. After over two years of bringing the role of Ant Hutchinson to life, my @hollyoaksofficial journey comes to an end.

"What an incredible experience it has been — from my first day to the last. I feel I have grown as an actor, but more importantly, I’ve learned so much about myself that I never would have without this life-changing role.

"Over this past couple of years I have met some amazing people and life long friends I never would have come across without this job."

He continued: "Firstly, @nickpickardofficial you never fail to make all of us onset laugh even in the most difficult of scenes. @alexfletcher00 you are like a second mum to me on set thank you for being soo warm and welcoming for the past 2 years.

"@lacey_findlow_official @danhoughofficial @officialavawebster the people on set I spent the most time with and had the biggest laughs with.

"Also i am incredibly grateful for @chrissyd2304 in helping me pursue in my education whilst being on set.

"Thank you to everyone at @hollyoaksofficial especially @peterhuntcasting and Gill for believing in me and starting this unforgettable journey. @carolgodbystw @lintonmanagement #hollyoaks #anthutchinson #endofanera #soaps #soapopera #hutchinson #limepictures #carolgodbys."

The role of Anthony is reportedly being recast as alongside Tony and Diane's other children Ro and Dee Dee Hutchinson with cast members Ava Wesbter and Lacey Findlow also announcing their departures in recent weeks.

Ava has been at the forefront of some of Ro's biggest storylines, including coming out as trans in 2024, but it has been confirmed that the actor will step down from the role with a new star taking over.

Leo Cole will take over the role of Ro from Ava, sharing the news on Instagram with a series of pictures on set, including one next to the iconic Hollyoaks village sign.

The actor wrote in the caption: "Big news… I’m on Hollyoaks! A massive thank you to my incredible agency @bsatalent, my amazing agent @hayleysoraya , @peterhuntcasting , Gill Charnock, and everyone at @hollyoaksofficial for this incredible opportunity.

"I’m so excited to continue Ro’s journey in the show, and I am so lucky to have this opportunity. Of course, the biggest thanks to my Mum for always believing in me and supporting me every step of the way." It is yet to be confirmed if Dee Dee and Anthony will be replaced.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am