Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
There could be some explosive scenes en route for engaged couple Ste Hay and Rex Gallagher in Hollyoaks next week after tonight’s cliffhanger hinted at Ste making a huge discovery. The moment came after Rex braved his first public outing in a dress and a wig at a local drag night.
He’d been encouraged by dad Froggy to give the event a go, and was visibly warmed by its inclusive and vibrant atmosphere.
Lime Pictures
Related: Best streaming services
While there though, he ran into an emotional Ro Hutchinson, who had fled the family home after learning the devastating news that mum Diane has terminal ovarian cancer. As his family frantically searched for the teen, he and Rex had a heart-to-heart in which Rex vowed to be shoulder to cry on if he ever needed it.
When things took an ugly turn as a passer-by threw chips on Rex, calling him a freak, it quickly became Ro’s turn to support and rally him.
The two returned via taxi to The Dog, where Rex told Ro that he’ll feel better about things tomorrow. They parted ways, but as Rex got back inside the cab, a visibly stunned Ste then stepped out from the alleyway.
Up to now, Froggy and Ro have been the only two people who know about Rex’s experiences with drag, which started following the death of his mother Grace Black late last year. So did Ste see and recognise his fiancé? And if so, how will he react?
Channel 4
Related: Hollyoaks reveals Donny and Misbah proposal joy – with two mysterious threats
Elsewhere on the soap, it’s been revealed that Ste’s daughter Leah Barnes will be making a return, with a new actor cast in the role.
Ela-May Demircan played the part from 2011 until her exit in 2024, but she’ll be portrayed by Charlotte Riley when she makes a comeback in the near future — with Imran Maalik in tow.
Ijaz Rana is back as Imran, and he said in a statement: “Coming back to the village feels like home. It’s an honour to step into Imran again, and he hasn’t been quiet off-screen… I can’t wait for everyone to see what he’s been up to.”
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.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
For exclusive soap star interviews, gossip, spoilers and theories every week, don’t miss the Soap Scoop podcast from Inside Soap magazine. The latest episode delves into next week’s soap spoilers for EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale – as Gary Windass battles Theo Silverton, and Kim Tate is rocked by a poisoning mystery!