Hollyoaks spoilers follow from Thursday's first-look episode (March 24), which is available to watch now on All 4. As these scenes haven't yet aired on TV, this article contains storyline details that some viewers may prefer to avoid.
Hollyoaks has revealed the consequences of John Paul McQueen's dramatic mini-bus crash storyline.
John Paul was at the centre of a major stunt this week as he lost control of the vehicle while driving a group of Hollyoaks High students to a camping holiday.
In Thursday's first-look episode, John Paul's fellow teacher Olivia Bradshaw and most of the pupils managed to get out of the crashed bus with just a few cuts and bruises.
Sadly, Mason Chen-Williams soon realised that his friend Freya was still trapped inside and unable to feel her legs.
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Paramedics arrived on the scene and prioritised getting Freya to the hospital, but Olivia also required emergency medical attention after collapsing with a head injury.
When John Paul was breathalysed by a police officer, he was revealed to be sober despite his recent alcohol issues.
This showed that John Paul's withdrawal symptoms were the reason he struggled behind the wheel and caused the crash.
Thinking quickly, John Paul came up with a cover story by claiming that a bird flew towards the windscreen and caused the carnage.
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Later at the hospital, there was relief for Olivia's loved ones when doctors confirmed that she was going to be fine.
Unfortunately, the repercussions for Freya remained uncertain as she was still undergoing tests. When Freya's mum arrived at the hospital, she was revealed to be Saul's ex-partner Lexi.
During a moment alone, a regretful John Paul confided in Prince about the severity of his alcohol problem.
John Paul considered handing himself into the police for dangerous driving, but McQueen family loyalty soon took priority as Prince suggested they should cover up the truth about the crash instead.
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Prince asked John Paul: "How's Sally going to cope? With Sylver dying and Bobby going off, do you think the family's going to be okay with losing you too? And what about Matthew?
"You need help. I'm going to make you get it. But you are not going to the police. So the crash, what really happened, that stays between us. No-one can ever find out, okay?"
Prince's plan appeared to be facing an immediate obstacle, as a post-credits scene showed the students all starting to compare notes about the crash.
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On a group video call, Charlie speculated: "Something happened. There's no way that crash was just a freak accident."
Promising a search for the truth, Ella added: "We just have to find it."
Hollyoaks now streams first on All 4, with new episodes dropping each weekday morning. The show airs Mondays to Fridays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, and at 7pm on E4.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Change UK's website. Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).
Readers can also contact Drinkaware.
