Omar Malik has joined 'Hollyoaks'.
Omar Malik
The star will play village newcomer Shaq Qureshi, the step-cousin of Sami Maalik (Rishi Nair) who will move in with his auntie Misbah Maalik (Harvey Virdi) following a chaotic arrival in the village when he shows up in his wedding Sherwani, after supposedly ditching his fiance on their wedding day.
Omar said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Maaliks as Shaq - bringing energy, charm and mischief to the 'Hollyoaks' village.
"The brilliant cast and crew went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and relaxed.
"I love coming to work here at 'Hollyoaks', a proper family vibe.
"I hope everyone enjoys watching Shaq, just as much as I enjoy playing him."
Shaq will waste no time getting to know the village's single ladies, and could well find out the truth about Sami's girlfriend, who has been lying about her pregnancy.
Omar will appear as Shaq for the first time on Friday's (05.03.21) E4 episode, which will air on Channel 4 on Monday (08.03.21).
He will first be seen being chased by two unidentified men and while he is hiding he overhears a private conversation.Later in the week, Misbah will tell him he can stay as long as there is no womanising under her roof.
Elsewhere, next week's 'Oaks' will see Mercedes McQueen's (Jennifer Metcalfe) dreams of being named Dee Valley Business Woman of the Year are in doubt when her jealous step-daughter Cher Winters (Bethannie Hare) goes up against her to try to win the prize.