In a significant shake-up for the long-running Channel 4 soap, actress Chelsee Healey has reportedly decided to leave Hollyoaks after a decade of playing the beloved character Goldie McQueen. The news comes as another major McQueen family star, James Sutton, also confirms his departure.
End of an Era for the McQueen Clan
A source close to the production revealed to The Sun that Healey, who first appeared in the Chester-based drama in November 2016, feels it is time for a fresh start. "Chelsee has decided it's time to move on from Hollyoaks for good," the insider stated. "She hasn’t had a full time contract on the show for some time now."
The actress, who has balanced her soap role with other projects like the BBC's Waterloo Road, is now said to be making a full-time leap into new opportunities. "She’s been doing other stuff on the side for a while but she's taking the leap fully now. It's a new start for this year," the source added.
A Double Blow for the Show
Healey's exit is compounded by the confirmed departure of her on-screen cousin, James Sutton, who plays John Paul McQueen. Sutton, 42, has filmed his final scenes after portraying the iconic role on and off for nearly 20 years.
Speaking emotionally about his decision on Channel 5's Jeremy Vine show, Sutton explained that he felt he had explored every possible avenue for his character. "I felt like I kind of done everything that I could do with the character," he said. "I've had a lot of heavy lifting over the years... I've done a male rape storyline. I've done a domestic abuse storyline, alcoholism, various other things that, you know, really hard-hitting stuff."
He concluded that it was better to leave while the character was still prominent, rather than fade into the background. The production company, Lime Pictures, has been approached for official comment regarding both exits.
Goldie's Legacy in Hollyoaks
Goldie McQueen arrived in the village to visit her more affluent relatives and quickly charmed her way into staying with matriarch Myra McQueen, played by Nicole Barber-Lane. Her chaotic but big-hearted presence was soon bolstered by the arrival of her twin sons, Prince and Hunter McQueen, portrayed by Malique Thompson-Dwyer and Theo Graham respectively.
Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter for one of the soap's most famous families. Fans will have to wait to see how the writers choose to write out the vibrant character later this year.
Hollyoaks continues to air Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm, with first-look episodes available to stream on Channel 4 from 7am.
