Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Note: This article contains discussion of topics including rape.
It's a new year, which means a lot of fresh drama in store in Hollyoaks. After a series of special Christmas episodes, a big New Year trailer released today shows that things aren't slowing down in January.
There's a mysterious new character and some returning Brookside faces arriving to shake things up for some much-loved village residents – plus James finally reappears after that huge death twist. Here is what is in store over the next few weeks:
1. Mercedes gets help
Mercedes continues to struggle with her addiction to prescription pills in the first few weeks of the year. When Myra returns to the village, she joins forces with Warren and the rest of the McQueens to convince her to go to a rehabilitation clinic to get her problem under control.
An exclusive scene at the end of the new trailer shows Mercedes and her family taking part in a group therapy session, but she blames Myra for her recent problems.
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In rehab, Mercedes is supported by fellow patient and Brookside resident Nikki. But her eye starts to wander when she meets fellow patient Jenson. Will she stray from Warren?
2. James reunites with Ste
With the truth out about Ste and Dillon's affair, Lucas wants revenge. He gets his dad alone and demands answers about just what happened between him and his ex-boyfriend. Lucas' abusive behaviour has also been exposed, so Rex and Leela, knowing just what he is capable of, attempt to save Ste from his son.
But there are more shocks in store for Ste, as he comes face to face with his husband James, who he thought was dead. James secretly returned to the village over Christmas after a spectacular return from the dead, but how is he still alive and what brings him back to Hollyoaks?
3. Froggy dances with death
It seems that Froggy is soon set to find out that his son Sully raped Donny last year. This revelation sparks a violent confrontation between the pair – and Froggy collapses. He is later seen in a hospital bed thanking Donny, who has apparently saved his life.
What happens to Froggy in these scenes appears to change his mindset completely, as the former gangster agrees to help Frankie get evidence that will lead to Sully facing consequences for his crimes. Will this mark the start of a new chapter for Froggy?
4. Tinhead is back
Liberty has a new love interest at the start of this year – Brookside resident Tinhead! While Liberty is over the moon and having fun with her new romance, Sienna is suspicious and tries to convince her that Tinhead is bad news.
Sienna is right to be worried, as Tinhead is later seen with fellow newcomer Jenson, with Jenson berating Tinhead for using Warren's identity. What is he up to?
5. Dodger's courageous confession
Dodger has been consumed by a harrowing secret for months now, since he was sexually assaulted by Griff in Liverpool. Only Donny and Cleo so far know the truth, but the trailer shows that in the coming weeks, Dodger bravely opens up to his sister Sienna about what happened to him that night.
He is no longer alone, as in emotional scenes, Sienna promises to stand by her twin brother and pledges her support.
6. Donny returns to his roots
It's been a tough Christmas for Donny, who split up with Misbah at Christmas when she discovered the full extent of his lies. Still struggling, Donny calls on his Brookside mate Sinbad and heads out of the village to have some fun.
Gemma is keen for Misbah to get to know a different side of his dad, and invites her to a get-together with Donny, Sinbad and Tinhead where they tuck into homemade pizza by 'Mick'. But is Misbah ready to forgive Donny?
7. Cleo causes suspicion
Cleo will soon return from hospital after spending the Christmas period receiving treatment for postpartum psychosis. But back at home, Cleo continues struggling to trust the people around her and fears that her loved ones have sinister intentions.
Her family and friends begin to believe that Cleo could harm her baby, especially when Joseph is rushed to hospital with suspicious injuries. Has Cleo hurt her child?
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 continuing to work closely with We Are Survivors to tell Dodger and Donny’s stories, an organisation that supports male survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester and throughout England and Wales.
For more information, visit wearesurvivors.co.uk, or contact the 24/7 support line at 0808 500 2222.
