Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks has confirmed a devastating new storyline for Ste Hay next week, amid his recent family drama. Ste, who has previously struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, will suffer a tragic relapse after temporarily losing custody of his grandson James.
As his friends try to sober him up, will Ste be able to regain control of his life? Or could this be the start of a dangerous spiral?
Over the past few months, viewers have seen Lucas Hay abusing his dad during multiple violent outbursts. In a bid to protect the troubled teenager, Ste decided to cover up the attacks.
Meanwhile, Lucas told his auntie Leela that Ste had been the one abusing him, falsely claiming that Ste had relapsed. When Leela reported Ste to the police, the latter confessed to the assault charges – despite being innocent.
Ste’s confession meant his grandson James was later taken away by social services, as the court had issued an Emergency Protection Order. The doting grandfather was devastated to lose the baby, and upcoming episodes will see him turn to the bottle as he struggles to cope.
Lime Pictures
Lime Pictures
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In scenes that will air next week, Ste and Mercedes stumble out of Casa McQueen together, clearly inebriated. They are noticed by newcomer Gemma, who smugly watches her rival Mercedes in a precarious state.
Could Gemma have had anything to do with the situation?
The pair head over to Ste’s flat, where they keep the party going. But while Mercedes is keen to drink her troubles away, Ste receives a message from social services informing him of a meeting the next day.
Lime Pictures
Lime Pictures
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The following morning, John Paul and Goldie try to track Mercedes down as she hasn’t been home all night. The McQueens’ fears grow when Sienna reveals that she saw Mercedes getting high with Ste.
Ste is later discovered by Lucas, Dillon and John Paul who realise the severity of his recent relapse. After learning about the social services meeting, they try in vain to sober Ste up in time.
Despite their efforts, a reluctant Ste begins to self-sabotage, believing he doesn’t deserve baby James back. He heads to Price Slice for more alcohol, but will he see sense before it’s too late?
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
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