In a dramatic twist for the Channel 4 soap, a legendary face from Brookside is set to cause shockwaves in Hollyoaks village next week. Timothy 'Tinhead' O'Leary, played by actor Philip Olivier, will be revealed as the mystery new man in Liberty Savage's life.
A Blast from the Past Returns
Philip Olivier reprises his iconic role in scenes that will air on E4 from Monday 12th January 2026. Viewers last saw the character during the historic Hollyoaks and Brookside crossover episode in October, where he met Marie Fielding, played by Rita Simons, after her move to Brookside Close.
In the upcoming storyline, Liberty Savage, portrayed by Jessamy Stoddart, is seen beaming after a date. She eagerly shares the details with John Paul McQueen, played by James Sutton. The plot thickens when Sienna Blake, acted by Anna Passey, arrives home in a distraught state.
As Liberty comforts her sister, a man unexpectedly springs out from Sienna's bedroom. The identity of this man is none other than Tinhead, leaving fans to wonder what has brought him back to the village and into Liberty's arms.
A Second, More Sinister Mystery
Tinhead's presence is not solely romantic, however, hinting at a deeper, more mysterious agenda. Later in the week, Sienna heads to her serial killer father Jez Blake's old shed, intent on destroying it. She is stopped short when she hears movement from inside.
Fleeing the scene, she spots a van driving away. Fans will see that the driver is Tinhead, raising urgent questions about why he was lurking around the property of a deceased murderer. Jez Blake met a grisly, off-screen end after the plane crash that also claimed the life of Peri Lomax, played by Ruby O'Donnell.
This tragic event led to a furious brawl, with Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) seeking revenge and Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) handcuffing Jez to a railing. Jez's eventual escape and fatal encounter with the plane's airscrew left a dark shadow over the village. Tinhead's connection to this haunting location suggests unresolved business from the past.
Turmoil in the McQueen Household
Elsewhere in the village, Sienna Blake faces further turmoil. New mum Cleo McQueen, played by Nadine Mulkerrin, kicks Sienna out of her home, snapping under the feeling of being scrutinised.
The commotion draws the attention of Misbah Maalik, portrayed by Harvey Virdi, who goes to check on them. A distraught Sienna later confides in Misbah, asking why Cleo is treating her so harshly. Misbah gently suggests that Sienna may be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following the traumatic events involving her father, Jez.
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm. First-look episodes are available to stream on Channel 4 from 7am each day.
