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Gilly has spent time away since April, when a court cleared him of raping Jacqui McQueen (Claire Cooper). However, next week's episodes see him make a shock comeback - to the dismay of Jacqui and her boyfriend Rhys (Andrew Moss).
Quinlan told TV Times: "Gilly is traumatised by what happened and really nervous about showing his face. He knows that he's been tarred with the 'rapist' brush, even though he was acquitted.
"What he wants to do now is set the record straight and show people he's a decent person."
He added: "Gilly knows his friendship with Rhys is over. He'd like Rhys to be civil to him, but he knows how Jacqui feels about him and it will be hard living in close proximity to her."
Gilly's return sees the village divided once again as Cheryl and Frankie support the personal trainer, while the McQueens and Rhys are furious over his reappearance.
Hollyoaks airs Gilly's return episode next Thursday at 6.30pm on Channel 4.
> Hollyoaks' Andrew Moss promises Gilly return drama
> Hollyoaks' Jacqui and Lynsey form a great friendship, says Claire Cooper
> See pictures from Gilly's Hollyoaks return
> Read more Hollyoaks spoilers and news
Watch Hollyoaks' official teaser video for next week's episodes below:
