Hollyoaks will air an hour-long special in January for an explosive stunt storyline, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.
Show bosses are kicking off 2022 with a bang, as the lives of much-loved characters hang in the balance in gripping scenes.
Digital Spy's exclusive images confirm that Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer), Sylver McQueen (David Tag) and Felix Westwood (Richard Blackwood) will be among those taking centre stage in the plot.
Related: Hollyoaks star Lily Best reveals future of show's new Chen-Williams family
The shots show flames and destruction at Marnie Nightingale's patisserie, which will be rocked by a massive explosion.
What to Read Next
Fans can look forward to seeing the specially-extended episode on Tuesday, January 11 at 7pm on E4, with the usual repeat screening on Channel 4 the next evening.
Cast and crew at Hollyoaks spent two months filming night shoots for the stunt episode.
The drama begins as Marnie (Lysette Anthony) hosts a Dee Valley Heroes fundraiser at her patisserie, wanting to honour the hard work of the local hospital.
Related: Hollyoaks reveals upsetting return storyline for Mercedes McQueen
Marnie's guests include Martine Deveraux (Kéllé Bryan), Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin), Toby Faroe (Bobby Gordon), Celeste Faroe (Andrea Ali), Peri Lomax (Ruby O'Donnell) and Romeo Nightingale (Owen Warner).
Others in attendance are Cher McQueen (Bethannie Hare), Mercedes McQueen, Juliet Nightingale (Niamh Blackshaw), and Jack Osborne (Jimmy McKenna).
Sadly for those who have gathered, it's not long before the celebrations are halted when disaster strikes – and in true Hollyoaks style, it's unlikely that everyone will make it out alive.
Related: Hollyoaks unveils major set transformation in All4 box set
Andrea Ali, who plays Celeste, told Digital Spy: "This episode is not to be missed, sparks will fly in more ways than one.
"Filming the stunt was beyond amazing, I finally got to live out my inner Lara Croft. I just hope the audience enjoy watching it half as much as we enjoyed filming it."
Bethannie Hare, who plays Cher McQueen, added: "Expect drama, tension and tears in Hollyoaks' upcoming stunt. It's going to affect a lot of people in the village, bringing loved ones and family members closer together, but tearing others apart… it's not to be missed!"
Related: Hollyoaks airs huge twist for Maxine Minniver in All4 box set
Prior to the special, Hollyoaks will give viewers a sneak peek at the drama to come.
A special flashforward scene airing at the beginning of January shows a glimpse of flames in the village, revealing the explosive future that lies ahead for the residents.
With heartbreaking times ahead, who should be the most worried?
Hollyoaks airs new episodes from Mondays to Fridays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first-look screenings at 7pm on E4. Selected omnibus episodes are available via Amazon Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Hodder & Stoughton The Unwelcome Visitor: The Sunday Times Bestseller
