Hollyoaks fans have recently been taken aback by the news earlier this year that Jamie Lomas, famed for his role as murderous villain Warren Fox, made the decision to step down from his role on the show. Having played the role on and off since 2006, Jamie plans to take step back from the showbiz, and has revealed how he’s preparing ahead of the arrival of his baby, with fiancé Jess Bell, including a gruelling fitness routine.

Speaking with Platinum Spas Jamie revealed how he prioritises well-being, his departure from Hollyoaks and how he is feeling about his upcoming baby arrival.

How are you feeling about your upcoming departure from Hollyoaks?

Jamie – “I feel ready, I work so hard there and you do need that break from time to time. I’ll just be having a baby so it will be nice to spend some time at home with the new-born. Spending time with family is just so important. I think it changes as you get a little bit older, but in the past we’ve been so focused on our careers, I’ve ended up just working constantly and this is time I won’t get back. My dad passed away last year and this made me reevaluate everything and realise that family is what’s important in life. Its going to be a great exit and I’m sure Hollyoaks is going to go on to do great things. Hollyoaks is going down to three days and I think this could be a really good thing, for them to really focus on their content. These days people’s attention is a lot less due to things like mobiles and now they’ll be able to binge all the episodes in an hour!”

Taking a step back from Hollyoaks, how are you going to fill your time? Is this is good opportunity to focus on yourself for a while?

Jamie – “With such a busy work schedule we do have such busy days, it can often be 12-hour days and then we have to go home and learn lines. For me the only time to go to the gym is getting up at 5am and being there for 6am. I’ll now have the opportunity to get up, meditate, go to yoga, the gym without rushing. Before I never had the opportunity to do that, so that’s something I’m looking forward to most. I’ll be able to spend more time focusing on myself, my family and the baby. I do have a film coming up and I’ll be flying to Japan in a few weeks, so it will all systems go for that!”

Do you have any activities you like to do, anything to zen you out or things to bring you down after a long day?

Jamie – “I love to meditate, it’s important to switch the brain off now and again. The brain is being used all the time, like any other part of your body, it needs to take a little break from time to time – meditation really helps with this. I practice transcendental meditation, I have a mudra and I use that. Sometimes I even practice Namu-myoho-renge-kyo. Its just to help the mind, we spend so much time working on the body, but the mind never gets a break, even when we’re sleeping the mind is still up and working. Maybe once I’ve got my hot tub I’ll be able to explore different way to incorporate it into my routine.”

So, what is an absolute must for you to do on a day-to-day when it comes to mental or physical well-being?

Jamie – “Training is so important for the mind and body. I notice the impact it can have on me when I don’t train. Fitness releases endorphins – and while I sometimes might not always enjoy the part of training. I love the feeling of when I finish. Training is the most important thing you can do for yourself.”

Sarah Watkins