Hollyoaks fans have been left somewhere between baffled, confused and upset after learning that James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) was axed and killed off by bosses.

The long-running Channel 4 soap has had its weekly episodes slashed from five to three, with approximately 20 cast members having been let go in order to facilitate the changes.

But a number of high-profile casualties including legendary Hollyoaks icons Cindy and Tom Cunningham have left fans frustrated after actors Stephanie Waring and Ellis Hollins confirmed that the decision to leave wasn’t theirs.

The move to three episodes took form this week, with a devastating stunt explosion seeing James go up in flames, just shortly after reuniting with beau Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson), who was also caught up in the tragedy.

Ste will seemingly be staying on the show, making it through next week’s time jump. How that’s even remotely possible after that blast, you’ll have to wait and see. James, however, will not survive – with star Greg confirming that the character has died.

What’s more, the actor – who debuted in the Channel 4 serial nine years ago – revealed that he didn’t want to leave, saying that he felt like his character had ‘more to give’.

‘I certainly didn’t want to be killed off,’ he told us. ‘I went into a meeting where lots of people had lost their jobs. There were certainly some high-profile casualties and I think I was probably one of those. It was just really sad because the Nightingale family was completely decimated and I was the last man standing. 

‘I wasn’t surprised. I could see what they were going for. To an extent they want a high-profile casualty that hooks people into coming back for their three episode offering. I’m a realist and I understand in this case I was the sacrificial lamb for that.’

Fans were positively livid in the wake of the news, particularly because of how James was thought to have had a brain tumour, only to get the all clear.

On cloud nine after reuniting with Ste and determined to live life to the fullest, he was subsequently blown to smithereens, which feels unbelievably cruel.

And that’s before you factor in that the upcoming time jump means he won’t get a meaty goodbye narrative – or mourning period – which normally would have been afforded to character of his legendary status.

Yes, it’s safe to say viewers are not happy, with a number of them making their thoughts known on social media – and the words baffled, perplexed and devastated spring to mind.

‘I cannot believe they did this!,’ exclaimed Metro reader and X user JKnightfanGal. ‘He is literally the only reason I watch #Hollyoaks! I’m devastated @GregorTheFinn you were amazing as James and the reason I fell in love with #Hollyoaks! It won’t be the same without you!.

Olivia echoed such a sentiment, writing: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever been this upset about a death on Oaks. James really was something special & I get the feeling Gregory would have happily stayed as long as possible if he had the choice.’

Another fan agreed: ‘What a terrible decision! James was truly one of the best characters/actors since @EmmettScanlan.

Chloe branded the move to axe James an ‘appalling decision’.

‘james deserved so much better,’ exclaimed social media user josi shortly after the news was confirmed. ‘for many years he was THE character, with a massive fan base & gregory had the awards to show for it. but in the past year his character was watered down, written like you were supposed to dislike him & treated like an afterthought.

‘his death was too quick & too brutal to feel really earned. and the worst thing is, that none of it is about him.

‘apart from ste, there’s no one to grieve for him. the nightingales are all gone. he’s now nothing more than a plot device to drive ste’s story forward.’

Hard to argue with any of that.

James becomes the latest in a long line of characters gone who felt very much like they were part of Hollyoaks’ identity and thus it’s really no surprise that fans are so heartbroken.

It’s also something of a double blow given that – much like the other exiting cast members – he’s had significantly less screen time in the months leading up to his exit.

There is more heartbreak to come as well as Metro confirmed earlier this year that Ethan Williams (Matthew James Bailey) – another character who is adored by viewers – is set to exit, which led to similar levels of upset from fans.

Annie Wallace, who plays Sally St Claire, has also confirmed that her character won’t make it through the time jump, telling Metro that she would’ve liked to have stuck around.

Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 7am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.