Liam Donovan’s ‘Hollyoaks’ return is set to cause a family feud.
Jude Monk McGowan is taking over the role from Maxim Baldry one year after Liam moved to Spain as he tried to cope with his half-sister Grace Black killing his girlfriend Eva Falco and Bob Cryer – who plays Liam’s father Glenn – says his return will cause drama with his brother Jesse (Luke Jerdy).
Bob – whose character killed his son Adam – told The Sun Online’s Soap Bubble: "Liam’s been away for a while and he was involved in Magaluf on his father’s side so it could actually pit them against each other.
"One thing I think Jesse got from losing Adam is a sense that Adam was a good-hearted soul that went bad. Which could be the same for him too. And what you’re going to see with Liam is that put to the test, for both Liam himself and for Jesse.
"I think Jesse’s respect of his father is still there and we don’t know how long that will last because Glenn’s always capable of screwing it up when it comes to his own family."
Liam returned to the show last week, when he bumped into Courtney Campbell, the mother of his daughter Iona, while she was attending Mercedes McQueen’s hen party in Magaluf.
The meeting came as a huge surprise to Liam, who spent the past year drowning his sorrows in alcohol, drugs and women.
Speaking ahead of the episode, Jude said: "Liam has been grieving the loss of his partner and child. He decided to deal with his loss by hiding, not dealing with it, and burying it in drugs, alcohol and women.
"He hasn’t properly dealt with his pain, and as a result, is in a destructive and dark place."
And he also addressed the complications of dealing with his family, including half-sister Grace, when he returns home.
He added: "Liam certainly wants to be accepted by some of his family, but with others, he couldn’t care less… and the feeling is mutual."
"Things between them didn’t end well, so no doubt there will be a few personality clashes there! That’s not to mention that Jesse has stepped in as Iona’s father since Liam’s been gone, so it’ll be interesting to see if there’s any rivalry there."
Amy Conachan, whose character Courtney is dating Luke’s brother Jesse Donovan – also warned there is trouble ahead.
She said: "I think Jesse would always welcome anyone back with open arms, but it might be a bit more difficult for Grace.
"Things between them didn’t end well, so no doubt there will be a few personality clashes there! That’s not to mention that Jesse has stepped in as Iona’s father since Liam’s been gone, so it’ll be interesting to see if there’s any rivalry there."
Liam Donovan’s Hollyoaks return to cause family feud
