Will Mellor didn't return to 'Hollyoaks' for the 25th anniversary because they "couldn't make the dates work".
Will Mellor
The 44-year-old actor - who played James 'Jambo' Bolton on the Channel 4 soap from 1995 to 1998, and again for a 2004 Christmas special - admitted scheduling issues meant he wasn't able to make a comeback this year.
He told new! magazine: "We couldn't make the dates work. But I'm very grateful for 'Hollyoaks'. It was a massive part of my life."
The 'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps' star has long been linked with a return to reprise his soap role, but he had warned fans he wouldn't be taking part in the recent anniversary celebrations.
He previously said: "'Hollyoaks' started my career, so how could I not be [a fan]? I have a lot to thank 'Hollyoaks' for where I am now and other jobs I've done.
"There's an anniversary coming. Sadly I won't be returning, but I have a lot to thank that show for.
"Happy anniversary, for when it comes around."
Will starred alongside Nick Pickard (Tony Hutchinson) during the programme's early years, and he calls his pal the "Ken Barlow of 'Hollyoaks'" - in a nod to 'Coronation Street' star Bill Roache, who has played Ken since the ITV soap's first-ever episode - because he has been on 'Oaks' since the start.
He added: "We call him the Ken Barlow of 'Hollyoaks' because he's been in it so long. He's the only one still in it since we started when I was 19."
In January, Nick admitted he would love to see his pal Will back on the soap.
Speaking at the time, he said: "I'd like to see Will Mellor come back. Obviously I started the show back in 1995 with him.
"His character Jambo was Tony's best friend, maybe if he came in to comfort him in his time of need or something. It would be a flying visit."
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