In a dramatic twist for the Channel 4 soap, a beloved Brookside legend is set to make a surprising return to Hollyoaks, entangled in two mysterious plots. Timothy 'Tinhead' O'Leary, played by actor Philip Olivier, will be revealed as the secret new man of Liberty Savage, while his suspicious actions around the village raise immediate questions.
Tinhead Exposed as Liberty's Mystery Lover
The storyline kicks off next week when a delighted Liberty Savage, portrayed by Jessamy Stoddart, confides in John Paul McQueen about a successful date. The plot thickens when Sienna Blake, played by Anna Passey, arrives home in a distressed state. As Liberty comforts her sister, a man unexpectedly emerges from Sienna's bedroom, shocking viewers with the identity of Tinhead.
This marks the character's first appearance since the iconic Hollyoaks and Brookside crossover episode in October, which saw Marie Fielding move to Brookside Close. Fans will recall Marie met Tinhead during that event, but his sudden arrival in Chester leaves his motives unclear.
A Sinister Connection to a Killer's Past
Tinhead's secrets appear to run deeper than a clandestine romance. Later in the week, Sienna heads to the shed that belonged to her serial killer father, Jez Blake, intending to destroy it. She is stopped by sounds of movement inside. Fleeing the scene, she witnesses a van driving away, with viewers confirming the driver as Tinhead.
This location is loaded with dark history for the Blake family. Jez, alongside Clare Devine, met a grisly, off-screen end after a mid-air fight caused their plane to crash into the love boat, an incident that led to the death of Peri Lomax. In the aftermath, a furious Ste Hay was barely restrained from seeking revenge for his niece's death. Jez was eventually handcuffed to a railing but freed himself, leading to a struggle where he slipped into the water and met his fate with the plane's airscrew.
Why Tinhead is lurking around Jez Blake's old haunt remains a central mystery that promises to unravel in coming episodes.
Turmoil Elsewhere in the Village
Meanwhile, other residents are facing their own crises. New spoilers confirm that Sienna Blake is kicked out by new mum Cleo McQueen, played by Nadine Mulkerrin. Cleo snaps under the pressure of feeling scrutinised, causing a commotion that draws the attention of Misbah Maalik.
A distraught Sienna later turns to Misbah, questioning Cleo's harsh treatment. Misbah, portrayed by Harvey Virdi, suggests that Sienna may be suffering from PTSD following the traumatic events with 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.
