Hollyoaks’ Ste Hay, played by Kieron Richardson, is convinced that James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) is still alive and embarks on a mission to find proof in the upcoming episodes.
Ste delves into the internet for hints about James’ demise and confides in Leela Lomax (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), expressing his belief that his spouse survived last year’s car blast.
Leela, however, insists that Ste’s imagination is running wild and urges him to concentrate on his son Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis), who needs his father’s support after being discharged from the young offenders institution.
Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed) reassures the family that they have managed to get Ste back on track following his outrageous theories about James’ survival. However, at the garage, Rex Gallagher (Jonny Lavey) is seen packing up tools and a balaclava.
Ste keeps an eye on Rex as he hunts for clues about James, suspecting something fishy, reports the Mirror.
In another part of town, Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) has a romantic outing with Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) and surprises him with a kiss in The Dog flat, despite their divorced status. Marie is concerned it might be too soon.
The duo later agree on a morning filled with tea and cake, but sparks soon fly between them. The fun is cut short when Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher) returns earlier than expected from her test.
As the week progresses, Diane gives Tony the cold shoulder and a heartbroken Diane blames her alcohol consumption for their breakup. Seeing them together gives Marie food for thought.
Tony seeks relationship advice from Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor-Dawson), who is himself in a turmoil over JJ (Ryan Mulvey) and Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith) as he awaits his results.
In the hospital, JJ confides in his father about how much he misses his family. Darren reciprocates with honesty, expressing his desire for JJ’s recovery but also emphasising the need for him to confront Frankie in court.
