Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star Nick Pickard has promised major repercussions from Tuesday's hour-long special, which sees Eric Foster's storyline come to a head.
The actor's character Tony Hutchinson is about to have his entire world turned upside-down, as his brother Eric goes on the attack on the day of a family funeral.
Hollyoaks' specially-extended episode sees Eric arrive at The Dog in the Pond with a crossbow while the villagers are mourning for his late sister Verity. The scenes escalate into a siege situation, marking the culmination of an eight-month storyline focusing on Eric's radicalised misogyny.
A recent trailer showed that Tony's wife Diane will be shot by Eric, leaving her future uncertain.
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Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Nick explained: "Tony and Diane's relationship has definitely strengthened throughout the years. They have been through so many up and downs, but emotionally have always been each other's rock. They have finally reached a place where they seem content, so the events tonight are a huge test.
"Tony always sees the best in those close to him, so Eric betraying Tony will be a huge blow. When you have Tony on your side, he is incredibly loyal.
"Maxine had her suspicions, but Tony was adamant that Eric could not have been behind the spiking in the village. So I think this is going to break his heart, when he is already grieving Verity.
"Eric shooting Diane is really going to hurt Tony. It's not only betrayal in his eyes from a family member, but also a loved one he could lose. I think Tony is going to find it hard to trust people in the future."
Related: Hollyoaks boss speaks out on shock Eric siege in hour-long special
Asked how Tony will cope if he loses Diane, Nick replied: "I don't know if he'd be able to. Diane is the love of his life."
Nick also predicted that recent events will cause Tony to reconsider how to be a better ally to women in the future.
He said: "I think Tony and all the residents in Hollyoaks village are completely shocked when the true extent of Eric's misogynistic views are revealed. But also, they will reflect on how damaging his poisonous viewpoints were and what they could have done to stop things getting to this point.
"Families will come together to help make those who live there feel safe again – because there is no place for someone like Eric in Hollyoaks village."
Related: Hollyoaks star Angus Castle-Doughty promises surprising Eric plot ending
Nick also opened up over the real-life emotions felt by the Hollyoaks cast as they worked on these difficult scenes.
He told us: "The siege shoot was being filmed at the time that the Long Walk Home episode aired, which was emotional for lots of people who worked on that episode. Usually filming ahead, you are working on something totally different but this story felt very live.
"Obviously the scenes where Diane is shot were very intense. I couldn't wish for anyone better to work with than Alex Fletcher [who plays Diane] – and Angus [Castle-Doughty, who plays Eric] has done a great job.
"Sadly all good things come to an end. I'm not going to be working with one of them much longer, that's all I can say."
Hollyoaks' hour-long special is streaming now on All 4. It airs on Tuesday, January 10 at 7pm on E4 and Wednesday, January 11 at 6.30pm on Channel 4.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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