Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks has aired a brutal attack for John Paul McQueen as part of a new issue-based storyline.
Wednesday's first look episode (July 19) saw John Paul left unconscious after a homophobic attack at The Loft.
The episode opened with John Paul being invited to a gay night event by Scott Drinkwell, who hoped he could impress a potential investor for the local youth club. Things were going well for John Paul at the club as he hit it off with investor Kenneth with his work as an English teacher.
However, as the group chatted they were being watched by three men who began to mock the group.
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Goldie confronted the men over their actions, causing the situation to escalate and the men shouted homophobic slurs at John Paul, Scott and Kenneth.
John Paul was able to de-escalate the situation, allowing the men to be escorted away by security while Kenneth praised him for not resorting to violence.
"To think you managed to disarm the whole situation with words rather than violence, you're a fine example to the youth club and a more than worthy investment," he said as the group continued to enjoy their evening.
However, after leaving the club, John Paul was violently assaulted by the men who had waited outside for him and was left unconscious by the attack.
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James Sutton recently spoke about the new story, explaining the long-lasting impact the attack will have on his character.
"The attack is the catalyst for the next six to 12 months of John Paul and this next storyline I've got coming up," he told Digital Spy.
"He's vulnerable, he's lost, and he feels like he doesn't really have much identity. He is searching for something and through that vulnerability and through that trauma he's endured, and through that lack of sense of self, he is searching for something."
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 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.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Anyone who has witnessed or experienced a hate crime is urged to call the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the True Vision website. In an emergency, always dial 999.
