“We have loved having it back.”

Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson has opened up about the exciting return of The Hutch next week – and what it means for his character Ste Hay.

Tony Hutchinson’s restaurant was forced to close during the pandemic, but he has recently put on his chef’s uniform again ahead of the venue’s re-opening.

There’s a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans of the soap as Tony has persuaded Ste to return to his former workplace, with the two iconic characters back together in the kitchen again.

But there are other staff members in this new era of The Hutch – Ste’s son Lucas will begin working with his dad, after Tony was impressed with his culinary skills.

Plus, Tony’s new girlfriend Marie will be by his side as he brings his old business back to life.

Viewers will see that The Hutch has a new modern look, but the menu will remain classic – with Tony’s signature dish prawn linguine remaining a firm staple.

“For me, Tony in his chef’s clobber running around The Hutch while chaos ensures around him is a big part of Hollyoaks!” said Richardson.

“So the fact that it’s back and with a chic new look makes me very happy.

“Just like it has always been, Ste is right beside Tony as his surrogate son slash bestie slash protégé, and this time around, Ste has brought his son Lucas on board.

“It’s making the new Hutch era almost generational – I’m sure we can get Dee Dee or Ro waiting tables and really make it a family affair.”

Richardson added: “I hope the audience love the nostalgia of the restaurant as much as we have loved having it back.”

However, there is drama on the cards fairly early on.

While The Hutch’s grand opening will get off to a flying start in Monday’s episode (February 3), the day takes a dramatic turn when Abe sneaks into the venue.

Desperate to escape the village, he asks his mum Marie for help. But when she refuses, he threatens her with a knife and takes her hostage in the restaurant.

As Abe terrifies the villagers, will everyone get out alive?

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.