Hollyoaks fans finally know the person behind the mysterious 'J'.
The Channel 4 soap first hinted at the unknown character when Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) explained that youngsters Curtis Royle (Reuben Shepherd) and Lexi Roscoe (Marnie Fletcher) has an imaginary friend they called 'J'.
However, audiences were left on edge when a shadowy figure was seen penning a note as 'J', pleading: "I am still trapped in the house – please come soon."
This handwriting matched notes spotted by Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) on Rex's desk, fuelling speculation over whether Ste was entangled in delusions of his deceased spouse, James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan), or if he'd stumbled upon something far more sinister.
During Wednesday's (November 20) episode, which viewers can stream on Channel 4, the curtain was lifted as Rex confronted the actual author at his home. Annoyed, Rex sternly addressed him, "What have I told you about this, Jacob? You slipping little notes into my bag has caused me a lot of trouble."
The young writer, newcomer Jacob (Ethaniel Davy) responded with a heartfelt: "I miss my friends Rex. I'm lonely here. I haven't stepped foot out of this place since I got here," only to be interrupted by a woman named Kat, who walked in exclaiming: "Not again Jacob."
Rex opened the front door to show Jacob he wasn't trapped, stating: "You can leave, feel free. I'm not going to stop you but you know how much danger you are in outside these walls don't you."
Kat chimed in: "Course he does. Don't you Jacob" before expressing her gratitude to Rex: "Look, I'm so grateful Rex for keeping us safe. We both are. Aren't we?" As Jacob nodded, Rex reassured him: "Well I know you don't like it here mate, but you ain't got to worry. You ain't going to be here for much longer."
Jonny Labey, who has portrayed Rex since June this year, shared some insights into what viewers can anticipate as the thrilling storyline unfolds. He revealed: "We're introduced to Jacob and Kat, played by fantastic actors Sonia and Ethaniel, and they are a huge link to Rex's past.
"Before he came to Chester, he was involved in various exploitation avenues and he has a connection with these two people. This whole time since Rex has fallen in love with Ste, and been trying to rewrite his ways, he's been keeping Jacob and Kat in a safe house, keeping them away from the danger to do something good for a change.
"There's been all these small hints and clues which have really gone under the radar about Rex turning around, doing something good and trying to turn a new leaf. Rex has come from a whole dynasty of danger and crime and what happens next really affects a lot of people in the village."
Jonny also opened up about the fan frenzy over the identity of 'J', stating: "It's really gripped everyone online with everyone taking to Instagram and X to guess who J is."
He shared his excitement about the Hollyoaks storyline, saying, "I think magic of Hollyoaks is it steers people down a road for so long. I've been getting all sorts of funny suggestions from who people think 'J' is but we're not even at the tip of the iceberg yet. We're just kind of gearing up to it and it's all going to be revealed."
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am
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