LIFE is slowly coming back to normal in Chester after Luke Morgan’s heart-breaking death.
Sadly for some, this involves a run-in with one of the most terrifying criminals in Hollyoaks. Get the lowdown on all the drama.
1. James’ debts are piling up
Nothing appears to get through to James Nightingale (played by Gregory Finnegan), despite a stint in prison and the many attempts from his family to help him.
This week, however, the solicitor realises he’s in too deep once again when he has no one left to turn to.
James’ debts are piling up and he must think fast when he is given a tight deadline to come up with some cash as his loved ones face danger.
When Ste Hay (portrayed by Kieron Richardson) steps in, giving it one more try at convincing James to seek help, he realises that all hope is lost.
Ste is unable to get through to him and James comes to the conclusion that only one person can truly help him – but he may come to regret it.
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2. The Undertaker gets involved
What if James’ biggest hope yet is ruthless Hollyoaks criminal Norma Crow aka The Undertaker (Glynis Barber)?
However, James is set to pay a devastating price after crossing paths with the villain.
In an act of desperation, James meets up with The Undertaker but is in over his head.
One thing leads to another and he ends up in a coffin, begging for his life.
James tries to prove his worth to Norma by accepting to take on a dangerous delivery.
But when he gets wind of his dad’s perilous situation, Romeo flies to the rescue.
Soon enough, Norma’s true motives for James come to light and a chilling offer leaves him with no other choice but to leave the village behind altogether.
Is it really time for James to exit Hollyoaks?
3. John Paul’s addiction continues
Meanwhile, John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) has problems of his own when his desperation leads him to steal alcohol from Price Slice.
But he’s caught red-handed and passer-by Ollie tries to talk some sense into him.
Ollie’s pep talk seemingly gets to him as John Paul turns all his attention to his son Matthew-Jesus, vowing to be a better father to him.
He asks his mother Sally to look after him the following day but the Hollyoaks High headteacher is reluctant to give him a second chance.
Sally then changes her mind and decides to let John Paul prove himself by taking Matthew-Jesus to a comic event.
But can he really be trusted?
4. The McQueens make a decision
Sadly for John Paul, his efforts don’t seem to convince anyone as a shocking decision from his own family keeps him away from Matthew-Jesus.
Deflated and heartbroken, John Paul turns to his only coping mechanism and drowns his sorrows in alcohol.
Sally later tries to help him get back home but an enraged John Paul lashes out, resulting in a painful consequence.
Mercedes knows only too well what it’s like to engage in a battle with your worst impulses and tries to reach out to rehab centres on behalf of her brother.
But she’s met with multiple rejections, prompting Sally to take drastic action for John Paul.
Sadly, a horrifying discovery leads to John Paul being taken to hospital and, bitter about the damage Sally has done, he makes a brutal decision.
Will John Paul ever overcome his addiction?
5. Wendy comes back
Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) may have a lot more on her plate than initially believed as Wendy Blissett’s (Jennifer Armour) plotting is far from over.
The daughter of serial killer Silas returns to Hollyoaks with plans to use John Paul’s accident to her advantage.
Unfortunately for her, Sally (Annie Wallace) overhears a shocking phone call to Silas – meaning Wendy’s carefully planning is at risk.
Feeling exposed, Wendy scrambles to protect her sinister plans.
How far will she go?
Could Sally be in mortal danger?
6. Charlie’s online history wreaks havoc
Elsewhere, Charlie Dean (Charlie Behan) causes trouble again in Hollyoaks High after his recent online activity upsets fellow students Leah and Ella.
Charlie has made an online “fit list” which continues to plague the school in later scenes.
However, another student gets involved.
Vicky’s passionate opinions also land her into plenty of trouble – but is she really the one to blame?
7. Vicky gets in trouble
Knowing her future in Hollyoaks could be getting bleak, Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) gets revenge on Charlie but only manages to bring herself more trouble down the line.
However, she finds an unexpected ally in the form of Zara who leaps to her defence.
Later on, Vicky’s friends take a stand and gather for a protest in her support.
But with Olivia ruling the school with an iron fist, matters only get worse.
It soon becomes clear that Charlie confessing his involvement in the “fit list” will be Vicky’s only hope.
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Hollyoaks airs from 6.30pm on Channel 4.
