Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks has aired an unexpected scene as Cleo McQueen's new issue-based storyline begins. The new storyline, which was announced last week, will see Cleo experience postpartum psychosis following the birth of her first child, Joseph. Viewers know that Cleo gave birth to her baby boy last week after going into early labour at 28 weeks pregnant and being rushed to hospital.
After giving birth, Cleo suffered a haemorrhage and needed emergency surgery. When Sienna took her to see her baby in the neonatal intensive care unit, she was adamant that it wasn’t her child.
In tonight's episode, the soap continued to explore Cleo's postpartum psychosis and she remained convinced that her baby had been swapped, saying she doesn't feel like he is hers.
"I don't know how to explain it. I just don't feel like he's mine," Cleo told Sienna and Mercedes.
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At the hospital, Mercedes gave Cleo a bear that had a camera in its eye so she could watch over her baby when she's not with him. Sienna placed it facing the baby.
Cleo began to bond with her baby, saying: "I can't believe I didn't think you were mine. I'm your mummy."
She was later seen watching him on the baby monitor from her hospital bed.
Later, in a heartbreaking scene, the bear was moved away from the baby, but Cleo still believed that she was watching him on the monitor.
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Previously speaking about working with charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis on her new storyline, Cleo actor Nadine Mulkerrin said in a statement: "It’s been a new challenge taking on the role of motherhood and the difficulties that being a mum can bring, especially the strain it can have on your mental health.
"We had a consultation with Action on Postpartum Psychosis whilst filming this storyline, and it was helpful to hear other people’s experiences. My heart breaks for poor Cleo."
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 are working closely with Action on Postpartum Psychosis to tell Cleo’s story, the national charity for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis – a severe but treatable mental illness.
Visit app-network.org for more information about postpartum psychosis, and to access urgent help and peer support.
