Nicole Owen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Ciara Janson. First appearing in 2004, Janson left the soap on 25 September 2006, making a brief return on 10 July 2007 until she left again on 13 July 2007. In 2019, it was confirmed that Nicole would be returning for her nephew, Max McQueen. Storylines 2004–2007 Nicole's family had been split when her brother Sam was falsely arrested and convicted for an arson which had killed his girlfriend's younger brother. Their father, Rob, had refused to believe Sam's innocence, and their mother Carrie banished him from their lives. After Russ found out he had testicular cancer, he wanted to contact Rob. They met, and Nicole and Russ began insisting Rob would not be allowed to become part of the family again. After several visits, Rob and Carrie reconciled. Nicole was thrilled, although she wasn't happy about having another parent trying to tell her what to do. Nicole pined for Justin Burton, not realising his stepbrother and her close friend Ali Taylor had feelings for her. Nicole became infatuated with Connor, an Irish traveller who was staying in the village. Connor kissed Nicole on her brother Sam's birthday. the birthday dinner and tried to get her attention. Nicole dismissed him as a puppy, which helped cause a dejected Ali into confronting Stephen "Macki" Mackintosh with a knife. Ali killed Macki in self-defence and was then run over by a car while fleeing the scene. Justin, who had also been at the scene and took the knife, was arrested for Macki's murder. Around this time she also befriended Nancy Hayton, who was more experienced and encouraged Nicole to lose her virginity. Nancy let Nicole use her sister Becca's flat, but when the time came, Nicole was unsure and Connor didn't want to push her. Nicole ran out in shame. The next day, she wanted to try again, but Connor was leaving town with his family. Before driving away, he kissed Nicole and told her he would always love her, but didn't maintain contact. Nicole returned to her feelings for Justin. When Justin escaped from prison, Nicole went on the run with him and later gave evidence in his favour at his trial. In the late night special Hollyoaks: Back from the Dead, Nicole went on a trip with Andy Holt, the serial rapist, as part