One in, one out…

Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

Hollyoaks has teased the return of Mark ‘Dodger’ Savage as Theresa McQueen’s exit storyline begins to take shape.

It was announced in October that Danny Mac would is reprising his role as Dodger after a decade away from the Channel 4 soap, with his new scenes set to air in the New Year.

The news came just days after Jorgie Porter – who first played Theresa in 2008 – announced she would soon be temporarily leaving the soap to go on maternity leave, with the stories looking likely to converge.

In scenes set to air next week, Theresa informs Jez that she has caught wind – courtesy of talent agent Faye Fuller – of an opportunity in Japan, with Jez urging her to grasp the chance with both hands.

Later in the week, Theresa and Dodger’s daughter Myra-Pocohontas talks to Jez about her father, noting that it was his birthday the previous week whilst also confiding that she greatly misses him after spending some time apart.

Mac, who has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, previously teased elements of his character’s return, explaining that there was a lot to “uncover” after a decade away from the village.

“After a decade away, I’m thrilled to be returning and reuniting with my incredible co-stars, old friends and a character very close to my heart,” said the actor. “Dodger escaped, leaving a great deal behind.

“I’ve always wondered whether he could return and who he might have become in the 10 years since he ran away. Now that he’s back, there’s a lot to uncover, but one way or another, we will finally find out.”

Porter, who returned to the soap earlier this year after a two-year absence, also spoke about her particular storyline, saying: “I can’t say too much but my exit is very family-based – a few McQueens come back – which is always very exciting.”

Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.