List of Hollyoaks characters introduced in 2026

Hollyoaks is a British soap opera that first aired on 23 October 1995. The following characters will make their debut in 2026. Jenson, a love interest for Mercedes McQueen, was the first new character to be announced in 2026.

[|Jenson] Cole

Jenson Cole, played by Ryan [Clayton (actor)|Ryan Clayton], will make his first appearance in early 2026. The character and casting was announced on 5 January 2026. He is introduced as a love interest for established character Mercedes McQueen, who he meets at a rehabilitation facility. The Hollyoaks 2026 New Year trailer showed a potential attraction between Mercedes and Jenson, as well as Jenson confronting established character Tim O'Leary for using the identity of Warren Fox. Clayton had previously appeared in another soap opera, Coronation Street.
Dan Laurie from RSVP Live opined that Jenson had "tense scenes" with Tim in the trailer.