A HOLLYOAKS star has penned an emotional goodbye following his last stint on the soap.
The young actor took to social media to mark his final scenes on the Channel 4 show.
The star posted an emotional goodbye to the Channel 4 soap[/caption]
William Thompson is stepping away from the soap as Ant[/caption]
William Thompson – who plays Tony’s son Anthony Hutchinson – has filmed his final bits on the small screen.
He wrote on Instagram: “And that’s a wrap. After over two years of bringing the role of Ant Hutchinson to life, my @hollyoaksofficial journey comes to an end.
“What an incredible experience it has been — from my first day to the last.
“I feel I have grown as an actor, but more importantly, I’ve learned so much about myself that I never would have without this life-changing role.
“Over this past couple of years I have met some amazing people and life long friends I never would have come across without this job.
“Firstly, @nickpickardofficial you never fail to make all of us onset laugh even in the most difficult of scenes. @alexfletcher00 you are like a second mum to me on set.
“Thank you for being so warm and welcoming for the past 2 years. @lacey_findlow_official @danhoughofficial @officialavawebster the people on set I spent the most time with and had the biggest laughs with.
“Also I am incredibly grateful for @chrissyd2304 in helping me pursue in my education whilst being on set.“
The Hollyoaks star concluded: “Thank you to everyone at @hollyoaksofficial especially @peterhuntcasting & Gill for believing in me and starting this unforgettable journey.“
Fans commented: “I feel a bit sorry for William Thompson (Ant). Brought in as a recast two years ago, given very little to do and then swapped out himself! I wonder why they didn’t just keep the previous actor in the role, like they did with Dee Dee if they had no plans for the character at that time?”
Another questioned: “Why are they all leaving?”
A third fan added: “You’ve been great, good luck for the future!”
William previously joined the cast in the role Ant in 2023, alongside Ava Webster as Rose, playing Diane and Tony’s children.
He is the latest actor to announce his exit from the show.
It was confirmed recently that his onscreen sister Ava would be leaving the role of Ro Hutchinson as trans actor Leo Cole will be taking over the part.
Actress Lacey Findlow, who plays William’s on screen sister, also announced last month that she had filmed her final scenes.
It’s thought that both Lacey and William’s roles will be recast in the coming months.
Lacey commented: “Oh gosh, this is such a hard post to write, because I can genuinely say I’ve gained some very best friends through this incredible journey.
“William, you became a big brother to me — someone I could talk to, laugh with and moan to every step of the way. We’ve shared so much, and I think we’d all agree that we’ve walked away from this chapter not just with memories, but with a second family.
“You’re going to go on to do amazing things — your passion, focus, and attitude are exactly what this industry needs. And with the support of your brilliant parents behind you, I know you’ll go far.
“It’s incredible that you’re already so clear on your path as you move on from high school. I truly hope your college journey opens doors to phenomenal opportunities — both in front of and behind the camera.”
The actress – who played Dee Dee Hutchinson in the Channel 4 serial – was originally cast in a short six-month role.
She played the adopted daughter of Tony and Diane Hutchinson since 2017, having taken over the role from Lily Harrington.
The pair follow in a long line of stars set to quit the soap.
Scottish actor Rory Douglas-Speed, 33, has confirmed his exit from the soap after nine years.
He has played priest Joel Dexter since 2016 and is in a long-term relationship with partner and former co-star Nadine Mulkerrin.
He marked the end of his time on the soap with an emotional Instagram post, describing his time on the show as “the best years of my life!”
News of Rory’s exit was revealed by The Sun back in June, with the actor said to have chosen to walk away from the show in order to focus on other opportunities.
TV star James Sutton has left fans devastated after quitting Hollyoaks and will film his final scenes next year.
Actor James first played John Paul McQueen in 2006 and he’s been involved in some of the most memorable storylines of the show’s history.
The Sun previously revealed that he will be leaving the soap next year in an explosive storyline.
The star joined the serial in 2023 as Tony’s son[/caption]
It’s thought William’s role will be recast in the coming months[/caption]
