Hollyoaks viewers finally know the true identity of mysterious ‘J’ and actor Jonny Labey has revealed what fans can expect next for his character Rex Gallagher

Hollyoaks have finally the identity of the mysterious ‘J’ as an explosive new storyline involving village bad boy Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) kicks off. In recent scenes of the Channel 4 soap, Rex revealed that Curtis Royle (Reuben Shepherd) and Lexi Roscoe (Marnie Fletcher) had invented an imaginary friend called ‘J’ and they had been posting letters in his bag to be able to talk to him.

However, in a shock twist, a mysterious scene showed a figure writing a note signed off from ‘J’ which read: “I am still trapped in the house – please come soon.” The handwriting matched the notes that Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) had previously discovered on Rex’s desk, which left fans wondering if Ste was merely imagining things about his late husband James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) or if there a more ominous situation unfolding.

During Wednesday’s (November 20) episode, which is now available to stream on Channel 4, all was revealed as Rex went to a house where the real writer behind the notes is living. Slamming the piece of paper on a coffee table, Rex said: “What have I told you about this, Jacob? You slipping little notes into my bag has caused me a lot of trouble.”

Newcomer Jacob (Ethaniel Davy) replied: “I miss my friends Rex. I’m lonely here. I haven’t stepped foot out of this place since I got here.” A woman called Kat later entered the room saying: “Not again Jacob.”

Rex went to open the front door to prove to Jacob that he’s not locked in, saying: “You can leave, feel free. I’m not going to stop you but you know how much danger you are in outside these walls don’t you.”

Kat insisted: “Course he does. Don’t you Jacob” before adding: “Look, I’m so grateful Rex for keeping us safe. We both are. Aren’t we?” As Jacob nodded his head, Rex told the youngster: “Well I know you don’t like it here mate, but you ain’t got to worry. You ain’t going to be here for much longer.”

Newcomer Jacob has been putting notes into Rex’s bag (Image: Lime Pictures)

Actor Jonny Labey, who has played Rex since June this year, has revealed what fans can expect next as the new gripping plot plays out. He explained: “We’re introduced to Jacob and Kat, played by fantastic actors Sonia and Ethaniel, and they are a huge link to Rex’s past.

“Before he came to Chester, he was involved in various exploitation avenues and he has a connection with these two people. This whole time since Rex has fallen in love with Ste, and been trying to rewrite his ways, he’s been keeping Jacob and Kat in a safe house, keeping them away from the danger to do something good for a change.

“There’s been all these small hints and clues which have really gone under the radar about Rex turning around, doing something good and trying to turn a new leaf. Rex has come from a whole dynasty of danger and crime and what happens next really affects a lot of people in the village.”

Fans were also introduced to new character Kat

Jonny went on to reveal that he’s been inundated with messages from fans predicting J’s identity. He said: “It’s really gripped everyone online with everyone taking to Instagram and X to guess who J is.

“I think magic of Hollyoaks is it steers people down a road for so long. I’ve been getting all sorts of funny suggestions from who people think J is but we’re not even at the tip of the iceberg yet. We’re just kind of gearing up to it and it’s all going to be revealed.”

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am