Hollyoaks is getting a special visitor on Christmas Eve this year – and it’s not Santa Claus.

Rugby star Ben Foden is making a cameo in the Channel 4 soap and will come to the rescue of John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) on his wedding day to Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson).

Ben Foden and his Hollyoaks rugby team
Ben Foden and his Hollyoaks rugby team (Lime Pictures)

The 29-year-old sportsman – who plays for Northampton Saints and England – will play a rugby hunk who happens to be passing by with his team when John Paul and Lockie (Nick Rhys) find themselves stranded, miles from the venue – looking like they are not going to make it to the ceremony in time.

Ben – who is married to Saturday Una Foden – was actually born in Chester, where the soap is set.

So the rugby team agree to drive them back and help John Paul try to make it down the aisle in time.

Ben Foden with Hollyoaks stars Tinnie-Lee Moore and Nick Rhys (Lime Pictures)
Ben Foden with Hollyoaks stars Tinnie-Lee Moore and Nick Rhys (Lime Pictures)

Behind-the-scenes images show Ben posing with Nick Rhys and Twinnie Lee Moore, who plays Lockie’s wife Porsche.