'Hollyoaks' return for Michaela McQueen

Hollyoaks star Hollie-Jay Bowes has reprised her role as Michaela McQueen following a year away from the soap, show bosses have confirmed.

Michaela will return to screens for the fourth series of Hollyoaks Later, which is due to air in autumn 2011.

The character's surprise comeback was being kept under wraps by Hollyoaks producers, but speculation began today when paparazzi pictures emerged showing Bowes filming on-location in Ibiza alongside her screen family members Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes) and Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra).

In addition to Michaela's return, Hollyoaks Later will introduce viewers to a new member of the McQueen clan, who is to be played by Amy Walsh - sister of Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh.

Meanwhile, former EastEnders actor Chris Coghill (Tony King) has also been cast in the late-night E4 spinoff show, though his role is currently unknown.

Hollyoaks Later's fourth series is being produced by the main soap's series editor Claire Fryer and will air as a week-long run of five hour-long episodes later this year.

Full storyline information and the reason for the special Ibiza scenes will be kept under wraps until closer to transmission.

Bowes played the role of Michaela for four years before leaving the soap last summer. Michaela was seen departing the village and heading to London to be with on-off boyfriend Zak.

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