James Nightingale, a character from Hollyoaks, was initially believed to have died in a car explosion that occurred before the show's time jump in 2024. His husband Ste Hay was in a coma following the incident and was told that James had not survived. However, in a dramatic twist revealed in October 2025, James was shown to be alive, having been living in hiding. This surprise return came as a shock to fans and characters alike, with James appearing secretly and making a deal with Darren Osborne to keep his survival concealed. This twist is part of ongoing storylines and promises more surprises ahead as the mystery of James' whereabouts and what happened after the explosion unravels on the show.