There’s not much chance for keeping any resolutions in Hollyoaks this January, as Mercedes’ dark habit spills into the New Year and her guilty secret is laid bare. Meanwhile, Lucas harbours fresh resentment after a major discovery, and Dodger’s happiness may be short-lived.
Read on below for our round-up on the latest village drama. You can also check out our collection of 16 spoiler pictures from these episodes.
Monday 5 January – episode 66631. The villagers hope for a fresh start
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As the week begins, we see snippets of conversations from the last six days since Christmas Day, with various characters expressing hope for clean slates as they head into 2026.
But as ever, it’s never that simple…
2. Lucas hides his knowledge of Ste’s betrayal
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When Mercedes drops her bag and medicine bottles are scattered on the ground, she’s oblivious as Lucas quietly grabs one and puts it in his pocket.
Meanwhile, Ste and Rex look forward to New Year’s Eve, until they bump into Dillon. When Ste checks in, a resentful Dillon insists he’s sober, and Ste begs Dillon not to tell Lucas about their short-lived affair.
But Lucas already knows everything! As Lucas keeps up an act of normality and offers to cook for Ste, what does he have planned?
3. Diane exposes Mercedes’ guilt 
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It’s tense between Diane and Tony, while Dodger questions Mercedes about Diane’s accusation. Later, Mercy apologises to Diane for shooting Tony – as you do!
Angry Diane is unable to report her due to Tony’s request, so instead, she tells Nancy and Darren the truth.
4. Donny dismisses Dodger’s efforts to reach out
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Dodger finds Donny drinking and, knowing they’ve both endured the same ordeal, tries to persuade him to open up.
But Donny is cold towards Dodger, with each of the men continuing on different paths to deal with their trauma.
5. There’s romance for Dodger and Theresa – but Cleo’s return makes things awkward
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For Dodger, though, there’s some hope on the horizon as he and Theresa grow close at the McQueens’ New Year party.
But there’s a double celebration when Cleo arrives home, leaving Dodger feeling awkward.
Tuesday 6th January – episode 66646. Dodger is on edge
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Theresa is all loved-up with Dodger, while Cleo and Sienna look to the future.
But Dodger is on edge, as Cleo knows about the devastating ordeal he was subjected to. How will Dodger handle the situation?
7. Mercedes continues to struggle
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Unable to get hold of Warren, Mercedes is struggling. Little does she know that Gemma is taunting Warren about telling Mercy of their night together.
Will cheating Warren find Mercy in time to support her through her latest crisis?
8. Misbah and Donny have a heart to heart
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At the hospital, Misbah opens up to Donny. With the couple having been on the rocks for some time, what does Misbah have to say?
And can Donny find the words to speak out about what happened to him?
9. There’s more teen rebellion for the Hutchinsons
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The Hutchinson kids aren’t willing to stay in for New Year, so the trio sneak into The Loft.
However, it’s not long before their mischief is uncovered…
Wednesday 7 January – episode 666510. Diane heads off in search of her kids as they party in The Loft
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Diane is furious to find that Ant, Dee Dee and Ro have sneaked out. Darren offers to help her track them down.
Meanwhile, the kids enjoy themselves at The Loft. Wanting the full New Year experience, Ant enlists Dee Dee’s help to get their hands on some booze. What could possibly go wrong?
11. Frankie is terrified to see Sully
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Donny goes to confront Sully, but what will he find? As Vicky tries to get Frankie to put her worries aside, Sully walks in and Frankie is filled with terror.
Frankie tries to take control of her fear, accusing Sully of sending her messages to play the hero and win her love. Sully continues to deny it, and viewers know that Dee Dee is the culprit, having had feelings for twisted JJ. Will the truth come out?
12. Warren reveals his wedding plans for Mercedes
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When Warren catches up with Mercedes, she apologises for her cruel words and admits she’s struggling with her emotions.
Despite his secret with Gemma, Warren wants to make things work with Mercy, telling her he was devastated to hear her chat with Theresa at Christmas, as he had planned to propose.
How will Mercy react?
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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