Kieron Richardson has been pictured on the set of Hollyoaks as he gears up for a return to the soap after a year away.

The 34-year-old took a sabbatical from the show after 14 years in the role of Ste Hay, with his character leaving the village following the conclusion of his far-right extremism storyline.

Posting several pictures of Richardson back on set on Friday, the official Hollyoaks Twitter account wrote: "Ermahgerd! The excitement is FAR TOO REAL... Look who is back filming?! Eyes Kieron, we have missed you! Our favourite scally has returned to #Hollyoaks (in a brand new trackie as well. but what has Ste got planned? Let's hear it for Ste Hay's return..."

Reposting the images on his Instagram account, Richardson added: "After a year away ste is back in a tracksuit and I couldn't be more happy to see what's to come."

After two months off the air due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hollyoaks returns to Channel 4 on Monday, September 7 at 6.30pm.