Young actor Gabriel Clark has joined the cast of Hollyoaks taking over the role of Ollie Morgan, the Channel 4 soap has confirmed.

The news comes after Aedan Duckworth, who had played the part for more than two-and-a-half years, abruptly departed the show while filming was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Clark, 22, previously appeared on the soap as one of the victims of child abuser Buster and also had a brief part on Coronation Street last year as a friend of footballer James.

"I'm so excited to join the cast of Hollyoaks," Clark said in a statement. "Two years ago, I was part of the Buster storyline, so to finally be here, playing a lead role in Hollyoaks, it is very surreal.

"When I was younger, I did a few CBBC shows, but mainly theatre."

Clark's first scenes will air this month.