Hollyoaks may have already aired its hour-long Christmas special, but there's still more drama to come over the rest of the festive season. You can always count on the Chester-based soap to ramp up the drama levels over the festive period and this year is certainly no different.
Read on to find out which characters and stories will be taking centre-stage this year...
1. Mercedes and Sylver's future under threat
The path is clear for Mercedes and Sylver to get together now that we know they're not related, but it's far from smooth sailing for them.
Friday's E4 first look episode (December 21) saw the pair head out for a romantic date at The Hutch, which was ruined when Lisa Loveday exposed the fact that Mercedes had slept with Liam. Can Sylver forgive Mercedes?
2. Leela and Louis's wedding
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a classic soap wedding, and with a couple of bombshells thrown in too, we're all set. Love rat Louis didn’t wait for Christmas to overindulge as he has been having his cake and eating it since October – when it was revealed that he had married Simone’s sister Martine during his time away.
To make matters even more complex, Louis has since reignited his passion with his estranged wife Simone, all the while preparing to marry his partner Leela. By the time his wedding day arrives on December 28, Louis’s secrets are a ticking timebomb about to go off.
What to Read Next
With Zack determined to have his family back together, he begs Simone to give Louis a second chance and stop the wedding. And when Louis’s web of deceit starts to unravel as a result, everyone realises what he has been up to – with violent repercussions. Will Louis be left out in the cold?
3. Simone and Martine's father arrives
Fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for the Lovedays in light of the eventful wedding, but the show will be introducing another member of the family in the aftermath.
Simone and Martine will be treated to a surprise visit from their father on New Year’s Eve when Walter, played by Trevor A Toussaint, turns up in the village. Walter claims that he’s simply here to catch up with his daughters, but is there more to his arrival than meets the eye?
4. Ste makes a move on Jonny... then gets a shock
Hollyoaks will be kicking off Ste’s controversial new plot over the festive season as he makes a move on newcomer Jonny.
Ste will surprise Jonny (played by former X Factor and Dancing on Ice star Ray Quinn) by kissing him in scenes to be aired on December 28. Ste fears that his new friend is homophobic when he's harshly rejected, but Jonny explains that there's another reason he was upset and drops a massive bombshell. Can Ste trust what Jonny tells him?
5. Sienna warns Maxine over Damon
Maxine might be delighted over her festive romance with Damon, but not everyone is sharing her excitement. We’ve already revealed how Maxine will be striking up a connection with Damon this Christmas, but Sienna could throw an almighty spanner in the works.
Although Maxine is head-over-heels for her new flame, Sienna urges her to take things slowly. Will Maxine take her friend’s advice?
6. Maxine sets her sights on Zack
This is getting complicated! When Maxine also falls out with Damon over his decision to give false testimony against Buster, it leads to tension in their relationship.
Liberty encourages Maxine to show Damon what he's missing by pursuing Zack, who's baffled by her sudden romantic interest. How far will this go?
7. Harry returns
Jarry fans may have to wait a little longer to get their Christmas present, but fear not, as it could be worth the wait. Harry temporarily departed the village following his disastrous wedding to Ste, but there is only one man for him upon his return – and that’s James.
Having done some serious soul-searching in his time away, Harry will head back to Chester on a mission to make amends with James, but does he feel the same?
With Harry determined to pull out all the stops to win back James’s affections, he is certainly going to make it very hard to say no to...
8. Romeo is left homeless
Whether James will decide to make a go of it with Harry remains to be seen, but his son Romeo will also be needing his support in the New Year.
When Romeo decides that Alfie should know the truth about Cindy’s medication, his honesty comes at a high price when Mac kicks him out. Mac’s cruel actions mean Romeo is left to sleep rough in the freezing January conditions, but will he turn to James for help?
9. Imran returns
They’ve had the year from hell but life for the Maalik family will finally start to look up in the New Year.
Having spent the last few weeks on a residential course for his anger problems, Imran is due to return on January 4 and his family couldn’t be happier. But as the clan excitedly prepare for his homecoming, will Imran have changed his ways? Or is there still a long way to go?
10. The Dog faces a scandal
After an action-packed Christmas, Chester’s infamous pub will find itself in hot water in the New Year when some incriminating information comes to light.
When it becomes apparent that the vodka being sold at The Dog is dangerous to consume, it’s down to Lisa Loveday to try and save the day. Will Lisa manage to warn Liam in time before the police realise who the seller is?
11. Ollie faces a difficult decision
Ollie will be left with a big decision to make in the New Year when Darren urges him to get back into football.
Haunted by memories of Buster’s abuse, Ollie is left uncertain when a professional footballer later approaches him with a difficult proposition, but what is it? And what will he decide?
Hollyoaks airs on Channel 4 and E4 – check out our Christmas soap schedules for changes over the festive season.
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our Hollyoaks homepage
Digital Spy Soap Scoop video - hit play below for all the latest Hollyoaks spoilers, as Prince and Lily hit the rocks and Brody lashes out at Damon.
Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.
