Boyband singer Duncan James has joined the cast of Hollyoaks, it has been revealed.

Today, The Mirror reported that the former Blue singer has been announced as joining the Chester-based soap as a 'good guy' called Ryan, the head of a new family.

In a statement he said he was 'absolutely thrilled' to be joining the Hollyoaks team and was looking forward to working on the show and bringing the character of Ryan to life.

Duncan James

“Ryan is a good guy in a committed relationship who will move into the village," said Duncan. "He is a grounded family man with principles and integrity but who will fight tooth and nail for what he believes in.”

After selling millions of records in boyband Blue, Duncan went on to star in a variety of plays and musicals including Chicago and Legally Blonde.

Most recently he toured the UK in a production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, as well as appearing in Grease: The School Musical.

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But his soap role will not be the first time Ducan has acted on TV - he also appeared in DanceX as Billy Flynn in 2007 and in 2009 acted in an episode of The Bill as Dan Coleman.

He will make his Hollyoaks debut later in the year.