Darren Jeffries has already filmed his 'Hollyoaks' exit.

Darren Jeffries

Darren Jeffries

The 34-year-old actor reprised his role as Sam 'OB O'Brien' - who he played for 12 years until 2008 - last month, but he has confirmed his return is only temporary and he will be departing the village again soon.

He told the Daily Star newspaper: "It was always going to have a beginning and end to work with.

"It's been nice going back knowing it would be for a set period and how the storyline ends."

But Darren isn't too upset that his stint has been so brief as he's looking forward to doing something different.

He added: "I've loved being back and seeing all the familiar faces. And it's wonderful to go back to the character.

"But at the same time I love being a working actor and taking on different roles."

OB returned to Chester from London to help Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) and Grace Black (Tamara Wall) find the missing Osbourne family.

And it seems the story will be brought to a conclusion before the popular character leaves the village again.

A source said: "OB is integral to solving the mystery surrounding the Osbornes. But it won't be plain sailing."

Darren is no stranger to big storylines, having been involved in a number during his first spell in 'Hollyoaks', which began in June 1997.

One of his most memorable plotlines came when he saved his best friend Max Cunningham (Matt Littler) from being murdered by his evil wife Claire Devine (Gemma Bissix).

Sadly, Max was finally killed prompting O.B. to leave the Hollyoaks village for London, where his ex-girlfriend Summer Shaw (Summer Strallen) landed a part in West End musical 'The Sound of Music'.

This led to a famous cross-over episode featuring Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.

As well as winning numerous fans during his on-screen bromance with Matt, the pair also picked up the Best Onscreen Partnership prize at the 2008 British Soap Awards.