Duncan James believes 'Hollyoaks' has saved his life - because he's now getting a regular pay cheque.
Duncan James
The former Blue singer - who has battled with financial issues over the years - is thrilled he was offered a role in the soap opera as it means he no longer has to worry about money after being declared bankrupt in 2013.
Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, the 38-year-old star said: "It's nice to get a regular pay cheque!"
The 'One Love' hitmaker will play Ryan in the Channel 4 show but he won't be in for an easy ride once his alter-ego waltzes into the village of Chester alongside his girlfriend Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies) as he'll find himself caught up in a bitter love triangle with his lover's ex-boyfriend Ste McQueen (Kieron Richardson).
The explosive storyline will see viewers fall in love with Ste as he battles to prove he's a good role model for his and Amy's children Leah and Lucas but fans will also be torn by the fact, on paper, Ryan is the better person to raise the youngsters.
A show insider said recently: "These much-loved characters will be caught in a universal tug-of-love which will chime with many of the audience.
"Ste has made a lot of mistakes, not least his crystal meth addiction, and the ghosts of his past will catch up with his current woes. Viewers will be torn between luckless Ste and a man who on paper is a better example for his children but not their dad."
Meanwhile, Duncan isn't the only one thrilled to be joining the show, as Kieron also can't wait to start filming with him but is adamant there's no plans for their polar opposite characters to fall in love with each other.
He said earlier this week: "He [Duncan] tweeted the other day that we are going to be working very closely together which I think confused the audience a little bit - it made people think we're going to be in a relationship together but I don't think that's the plan."
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