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‘Hollyoaks’ star Kieron Richardson leaves soap after 14 years

The actor is hanging up the 'tracksuits' after playing Ste Hay

By Steve Brown

Words: Steve Brown

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson has revealed he is leaving the show for the foreseeable future.

The actor – who married his partner Carl Hyland back in 2015 – has played Ste Hay for 14 years on the Channel 4 soap and his character, who is openly gay, has been a staple part of the soap.

His character has had a number main storylines including a domestic abuse narrative with his ex Brendan.

But now, as his current far-right extremist storyline appears to be coming to an end, the actor has revealed he will not be returning to the soap for the next foreseeable future.

According to the Mail Online, he said: “After nearly 14 years, it is time for Ste to hang up his tracksuits, just for a little bit.

“It makes sense for the story because Ste has got to go and find himself, sort himself out and find forgiveness in himself for the stuff that he’s done.

“It just timed quite right that I was going to take a break from being so busy for the past 14 years.

“However now I am just as busy because I am taking part in a play which is called Band of Gold by Kay Mellor and it’s going on tour from November until March next year which is very super exciting.

“We are going in to 2020 at the end of the tour, and we are also going in to the 25th anniversary of Hollyoaks which is something I am adamant I am going to be a part of.”

Although his character will be missed from the soap, Kieron has assured fans they have not seen the last of Ste.