Hollyoaks spoilers follow for the latest episode to air on E4, which is available on Channel 4 streaming as 'Hollyoaks at Christmas: Episode 3'.
Ste Hay has kicked out his husband James Nightingale again in fresh scenes of Hollyoaks.
The soap's latest episode has aired a new development for the couple following James's admission he had been violent towards Ste's son, Lucas.
In tonight's (December 28) E4 episode, Lucas contacted James to talk things through after noticing Ste wasn't faring too well without his husband.
"I'd have come sooner, but I didn't want to ruin your Christmas," James told Lucas, apologising for hitting him.
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James explained his father was a violent man, saying: "The last thing I'd want is for you to think I'm in any way like him."
"You still hit me, though. In the face," Lucas replied.
As James moved closer, Lucas flinched, prompting the lawyer to insist he'd never hurt him again.
"I clearly have a problem, one which I intend to resolve," the solicitor said.
Hoping to help his dad and James get back together, Lucas accepted James's apology and suggested he needed a plan to win Ste back.
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Lucas had James trade one of his signature suits for the rainbow tracksuit he wore on his wedding day, organising a special night in topped up with Ste's favourites: a fish finger dinner and a Dolly Parton karaoke session.
Despite Lucas's best efforts, none of this impressed Ste, who was upset at seeing James back at the house.
"I invited him," Lucas revealed.
"As a show of penance, in the hope of saving our marriage," James chimed in.
"Get out," Ste replied coldly as a contrite James said he wouldn't give up on their relationship.
"He can't just swan back in here, Lucas, and think all's forgiven," Ste told his son once James had left.
"I deserve better, and so do you."
Will James get the help he needs? And is this the end of the line for him and Ste?
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
