Hollyoaks fans were left stunned as Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) was seemingly shot dead in a dramatic cliffhanger. The episode, which aired on July 15, 2026, ended abruptly with the screen fading to black and the show's signature theme absent during the credits—a technique typically reserved for key episodes or major character exits.
The Shooting Scene
Rex was working late at the garage when he turned around to find an unexpected assailant pointing a gun at him. Confused, he asked, 'What's this?', before the realisation dawned on him as the figure prepared to pull the trigger. He screamed 'No!' but it was too late, and the screen cut to black.
The identity of the shooter remains a mystery, but Rex's criminal past suggests he may have made many enemies. Fans quickly took to social media to express their shock. Alex wrote on X: 'OMG Rex shot', while Abi added: 'rex omg that was such a random shock?!????' Another fan posted: 'Ohh my Rex got shot ? He is GONE? There wasn’t even music in the end #hollyoaks'
Rex and Ste's Troubled Relationship
Rex's marriage to Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) has been under strain recently, with Ste struggling to accept Rex expressing his identity through wearing feminine clothes. The pair attempted to resolve their differences earlier in the week, with Ste questioning if they were right for each other. However, anger turned to passion, and they slept together. The shooting came as a devastating twist after this brief reconciliation.
What's Next for Hollyoaks?
The lack of music at the end of the episode is a strong indicator that Rex may be dead. Hollyoaks has used this technique before to signal major character exits. Viewers are left wondering who pulled the trigger and whether Rex has survived. The show airs Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4's streaming platform, or at 7pm on E4.
