Matthew Wolfenden, Rebecca Ryan and Lewis Walton join Hollyoaks

Meet the Keane family!

Hollyoaks has announced the first cast members joining the new Keane family, as they film on location for their debut episode.

These pictures show the characters playfully packing up a removal van as they prepare for their new life in the Chester village. And they'll arrive this Spring with a hidden connection to a beloved Hollyoaks family.

On joining Hollyoaks, Matthew Wolfenden, who is best known for playing David Metcalfe in Emmerdale, said "I’m so excited to finally share that I’m joining Hollyoaks as part of a brand-new family arriving in the village. It’s an absolute privilege to step into this world and be part of something so iconic. From the moment I read the scripts, I knew this was going to be something special. I can’t wait for the audience to meet them and see how they turn a few heads along the way… it’s going to be a ride, buckle up."

To which Rebecca Ryan, who is best known for playing Lydia Chambers in Coronation Street and Debbie Gallagher in Shameless, added "I am so excited to be joining the cast of Hollyoaks. My character is feisty and a bit of a firecracker but fiercely loyal. I am so excited for everyone to meet her. I am having the best time so far and can't wait for her story to unfold."

And newcomer Lewis Walton, who recently played young Mick in Coronation Street said "I’m thrilled to be joining the Hollyoaks cast. My character is charismatic, sporty and someone who’s always been the fun, positive presence in the room."

"He’s incredibly close to his family and determined to follow in his dad’s footsteps, while chasing big ambitions of his own, especially when it comes to sport. But life doesn’t always go to plan, and an unexpected challenge will force him to dig deeper than ever before…"

Also joining the Keane family will be Sam Meyer, who recently appeared in Netflix’s Simon Cowell: The Next Act, and was the final contestant before the formation of the band December 10.

On joining Hollyoaks, Sam said "I am absolutely buzzing to say that I am joining the cast of Hollyoaks. He’s a cool kid with a lot of golden retriever-like energy, he loves his fashion and he’s quite smart for his age. Look out for this new kid in the village! I am happy that I am joining the cast as part of a brand-new family as well and I can’t wait to see what trouble we all get into together…"

Hollyoaks continues Monday to Wednesday at 7pm on E4 with first look episodes available at 7am on Channel 4 streaming