Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Note: This article discusses topics including sexual assault.
Hollyoaks is set to reveal a big secret about Tommy Odenkirk that will have huge consequences for Joel Dexter.
New character Tommy was introduced last month as Leela Dexter's therapist, but it was soon revealed he isn't who he claims to be, and he is posing as a counsellor as part of a dark stalker plot involving Joel.
Viewers have seen Tommy's creepy shrine to Joel hidden behind a cupboard, but it hasn't yet been explained just why he is targeting him.
But in scenes that will air next week, the truth will be revealed as Tommy attempts to trigger Joel's memory by taking him to the hospital. In a shocking twist, Joel finds out that Tommy's brother Billy is in a coma.
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As Joel comes to terms with this big news, he searches for answers – a search that takes him back in time, as part of a special flashback episode.
During the snapshot of the show's missing year, Joel and Leela's marriage is on the edge, with Joel deep in a drugs relapse and Leela struggling after being sexually assaulted at Theresa McQueen's party.
Joel is intercepted by his dad Warren Fox while trying to buy more drugs, while Leela tells Mercedes McQueen about her ordeal after her friend finds a positive pregnancy test.
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But the flashback also shows a mysterious incident at a nightclub, when Joel spots Tommy being bullied by his brother and decides to intervene…
Back in the present day, Joel wakes up at Tommy's place, still struggling to accept the distressing information he found out the previous day.
Tommy is keen not to let Joel out of his grasp, so he concocts another sinister plan and tries to turn him against his wife.
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Later, Leela has a change of heart and encourages Joel to tell Tommy that he can no longer have therapy sessions. However, when he breaks the news to him, Tommy fears that Joel is ending their friendship.
Joel returns home and tells Leela that he thinks he should continue seeing Tommy, defending the actions of his therapist.
What has Joel discovered about the missing year, and what does it mean for him and Tommy?
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Hollyoaks has been working on Leela’s storyline with guidance from Rape Crisis England and Wales which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. You can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
