Hollyoaks is set to get a new gangster (Picture: Lime Pictures)

A Hollywood actor has joined the cast of Hollyoaks in a new role.

Ryan Pope, who is perhaps best known for playing Paul on sitcom Ideal, has appeared in a number of films including 1998’s Velvet Goldmine, opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Iwan McGregor.

The star, who has also starred in programmes including Casualty and Coronation Street, is said to be joining Hollyoaks as an old foe of Jack Osborne’s (Jimmy McKenna).

Former cop Jack receives a huge blast from the past in scenes set to air next week when he overhears Norma Crow (Glynis Barber) discussing an old acquaintance by the name of Terry Smart.

Terry, who is intent on making Norma’s life a misery, subsequently arrives in the eponymous village to confront Norma in person. Jack, meanwhile, vows to keep an eye out for Norma, knowing full well that this criminal is up to no good.

The policeman-turned-podcast-host takes it upon himself to have it out with Terry, who is in the middle of a heated showdown with Norma at the time, ordering the criminal to get his hands off her.

Ryan has appeared in numerous TV shows over the years, such as Coronation Street (Picture: ITV)

Ryan’s character Terry will be an old foe of Jack Osborne’s, pictured above (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Things, however, take a shocking turn.

But just what will Terry have in store for Jack, Norma and the residents of Hollyoaks? Will local gangster Warren Fox find himself with some competition in the form of Terry?

We’ll just have to wait and see.

Ryan was married to Sally Carman, who plays Abi in Coronation Street (Picture: ITV)