Three Hollyoaks favourites face mortal danger as the consequences of a revenge plot explode in a dramatic week for the long-running soap. Gemma Johnson (Tisha Merry) is determined to win Warren Fox's (Jamie Lomas) affection, and to do so she needs Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) out of the way.
After a touching moment with Warren, interrupted by newcomer Xander accusing her of being a killer, Gemma sets her plan in motion. She gives Mercedes a spa day voucher for the following day. Mercedes, however, decides to invite Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) and Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) along, thinking a pampering day will be just what they need after recent events.
Ste's struggle and relapse
Ste, as viewers know, is struggling in the wake of husband Rex Gallagher's (Jonny Labey) demise, believing ex James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) is to blame. With Jonah Keane (Matthew Wolfenden) having become friendly with James, Ste is determined to steer the patriarch away from solicitor James.
Jonah offers a pent-up Ste a drink to take the edge off, unaware that he is sober. Ste therefore relapses and subsequently confronts James, accusing him of killing Rex. Leah Barnes (Charlotte Alex Riley) worries when Ste doesn't return home, but she later finds her hungover dad, who is adamant that he must solve the case of Rex's murder.
The sinister plan unfolds
With the week proving traumatic for Ste, Mercy's offer of a spa day for him and Leela couldn't come at a better time – but little do the trio know what lies ahead. As Mercedes gets in the car with her fellow spa-goers, Gemma waves them off, and her sinister plan becomes clear.
Determined to get rid of her love rival forever, Gemma instructs her men to follow the car. On the way to the spa, Ste needs to go to the bathroom, so the trio stop at a service station. The men watch from afar as Mercedes and Leela talk relationships, woes and village gossip, unaware of the danger nearby.
Will Mercedes, Ste and Leela find themselves in a dangerous situation? Or will they cop on to what is happening before it's too late?
Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4's streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
