Hollyoaks spoilers follow for the latest episode to air on E4, which is available on Channel 4 streaming as 'Hollyoaks at Christmas: Episode 4.
Hollyoaks has aired a glimmer of hope for the future of Ste Hay and James Nightingale's marriage.
Following the revelation that James had been violent towards Ste's teenage son, Lucas, Ste made the decision to kick his husband out while he contemplated the future of their marriage — despite Lucas' attempts to help the pair reconcile.
In the latest episode, which saw the village welcome in the New Year, Lucas once again pleaded with his father to consider James' attempt to make amends — adding that the solicitor had promised to get help with his emotions.
"I don't get it," Lucas told his father, explaining his perspective on the altercation between him and James.
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"That still doesn't make it right to hit a child," Ste responded. However, Lucas refused to give up on reuniting Ste and James and urged him to give his estranged husband another chance.
James then interrupted the pair's discussion to get the keys he had left at the flat, as Lucas excused himself and left the pair alone together.
Battling his feelings, Ste broached a conversation with James, allowing the solicitor to open up about his fears of repeating his father's violent behaviour.
"I'm deeply ashamed of hitting Lucas," James told him, adding: "The most terrifying part of hitting Lucas was I could feel my father in the room... He used to say that I'd die alone and unloved, and all it took was a split second of anger to prove him right."
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James then pleaded that he didn't want it to be the end of their marriage, promising to Ste that he would prove that he could be trusted around his children -—starting by attending Lucas' football game the next day.
"Whatever it takes, we will be together again," he promised a hesitant Ste.
Could there be another chance ahead for James 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.
