Rory Douglas-Speed has quit Hollyoaks after nine years.
The popular star, who plays Joel Dexter, has wrapped filming, with his final scenes believed to have already hit screens.
Joel, as viewers know, was last seen in a prison cell following his arrest for the murder of Tommy Odenkirk (Brandon Fellows).
The former priest discovered that Tommy, who masqueraded as a therapist, was responsible for leaking a video of Leela Dexter’s (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) rape ordeal online.
What’s more, he manipulated Joel into thinking that he’d murdered his brother Billy, which he then used as leverage to try and build a relationship with him.
Joel found out that truth and, being spurred on by Jez Blake (Jeremy Sheffield) – who Tommy also had leverage over – he decided to take action.
An altercation ensued and the following morning Joel woke to find Tommy dead on the floor beside him.
At first, he contemplated covering his tracks but ultimately he decided it was for the best to report himself to the police.
Joel was subsequently seen in a police cell speaking with DI Banks (Drew Cain) following his arrest.
According to The Sun, this showdown will serve as Rory’s final scene as Joel, bringing to an end a nine year stint on the show.
‘It was a tough decision for him to make to leave, but it’s right for the character and for Rory himself,’ a source told the publication.
‘He’s loved the last nine years and all that has come with Hollyoaks, but he really wants to spread his wings.
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‘And the time is right. Bosses were very kind and the door has been left open for Joel to return one day so it’s not goodbye by any means.’
Rory has been one of Hollyoaks’ biggest stars of the past decade, taking over the role of Joel from previous star Andrew Still, who went on to play Daisy’s stalker Justin in Coronation Street.
With Rory in the role, Joel featured in numerous long-running stories, which allowed for the star to deliver powerhouse performances aplenty.
This past year in particular has been one of his strongest to date, with Joel’s characterisation arguably at an all-time high since the Channel 4 soap’s historic time jump.
The devastating death of baby Noah and his much-loved relationship with Leela spring to mind as stories that truly left an impact on audiences. It’s safe to say that Rory always understood the assignment and he will certainly be missed!
