Davinia Taylor is set to make a whirlwind return to Hollyoaks this autumn after 18 years away from the village.

Davinia will revive her role as Cindy Cunningham’s devious older sister Jude – a part she played from 1996 to 1998 in the Channel 4 soap.

Talking about her return to the Chester village, Davinia said: “I’m thrilled to be going back into Hollyoaks and bringing Jude back. I am desperate to see what on earth she has been doing for the past 18 years and what trouble she will no doubt cause!”

Davinia Taylor in Hollyoaks (Lime Pictures)
Davinia Taylor in Hollyoaks (Lime Pictures)

Viewers will have to wait to see whether Jude’s time away has stopped her scheming ways.

Once part of the so-called Primrose Hill set that included Kate Moss and Sadie Frost, Davinia lives in London with her fiance and four children.

Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood hailed the return.

Davinia Taylor as Jude in Hollyoaks (Lime Pictures)
Davinia Taylor as Jude in Hollyoaks (Lime Pictures)

“Davinia’s portrayal of Jude Cunningham made her one of my favourite ever Hollyoaks characters,” he said. “The original bad girl, Cindy’s big sister and a bona fide star.”

Bryan explained: “Jude has been on the run in Spain and Davinia has kept an equally low profile so I am delighted that both are going to be back in the spotlight. Long-standing viewers and new ones alike are in for a real treat.”

A spokesman for Hollyoaks said: “The residents of Hollyoaks are in for a shock when a familiar face returns in style to bring a touch of class to the village – Jude Cunningham.

The Cunningham family in Hollyoaks, including Davinia Taylor as Jude (Lime Pictures)
The Cunningham family in Hollyoaks, including Davinia Taylor as Jude (Lime Pictures)

“She’s the girl with a heart of gold whose luxurious lifestyle dazzled Cindy, who’s always put her big sister on a pedestal.”

The insider added: “To Cindy’s delight, Jude is more than a match for her arch-nemesis Marnie, but just like Cindy, Jude always had a knack for causing chaos wherever she goes.”

Davinia’s credits include presenting work on The Big Breakfast and Top Of The Pops.