Hollyoaks has confirmed the return of Danny Mac in the role of Mark 'Dodger' Savage after 10 years away.

The character left the soap in January 2015, going on the run after taking the blame for killing brother Will in order to protect daughter Nico, who has since died.

On returning to the village, Dodger will reconnect with father Patrick (Jeremy Sheffield), sister Sienna (Anna Passey), former girlfriend Maxine (Nikki Sanderson) and twisted grandmother Martha (Sherrie Hewson).

"After a decade away, I'm thrilled to be returning and reuniting with my incredible co-stars, old friends and a character very close to my heart," Mac said of his return.

"Dodger escaped, leaving a great deal behind. I've always wondered whether he could return and who he might have become in the 10 years since he ran away. Now that he's back, there's a lot to uncover, but one way or another, we will finally find out."

Mac has already started filming and will be seen on screen in January.