Darren Day: 'Danny wants Jacqui back'

Hollyoaks star Darren Day has revealed that his dangerous character Danny Houston still harbours hopes of a reunion with feisty Jacqui McQueen.

The pair had a brief relationship on screen in October, before Jacqui (Claire Cooper) left Danny furious by starting to date barman Rhys Ashworth (Andy Moss) instead.

Later this month, the situation will come to a head in Hollyoaks' upcoming late-night special 'King of Hearts', which sees Danny issue a sinister demand to the new couple.

When Jacqui and Rhys try to con Danny in a poker game, the gangster demands that they find a way to repay the debt and more within 24 hours - otherwise Jacqui must sleep with him.

Speaking to Inside Soap, Day explained: "Jacqui's a feisty lady and Danny's never had a woman stand up to him before. He's completely attracted to that. I'd go as far to say he's on the verge of being in love with her, even. He just cannot accept that she would prefer to be with Rhys instead of him, so this is his way of trying to get back with her."

Discussing Rhys and Jacqui's race against time, he said: "The audience will see a clock ticking at the beginning of each scene. It counts down how long Jacqui and Rhys have got left. As an additional incentive, Danny tells Rhys he'll do something nasty to a delicate area of his body if they miss the deadline. So they have to hurry up!"

'King of Hearts' airs on Wednesday, December 15 at 10pm on Channel 4.