Channel 4's long-running soap Hollyoaks is set to deliver a winter of chaos, confirming a major character death and a series of dark twists in a newly released trailer for the 2025 festive season.
A Festive Season of Shocks
Following the drama of its 30th-anniversary celebrations, the show promises to continue the high-stakes storytelling with emotional narratives and shocking developments for its residents. Festive cheer will be notably absent, replaced by chaotic plots involving key characters like Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith), Lucas and Ste Hay (Oscar Curtis and Kieron Richardson), and Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe).
The central storylines teased include a significant death, a shocking revenge mission, and a complex love triangle filled with unexpected turns.
Confirmed Death and a New Mission for Frankie
In a major revelation, the soap has confirmed that JJ Osborne (Ryan Mulvey) is dead. The character, who was sentenced to prison for abusing his twin sister Frankie, met his end off-screen.
The news comes as a shock to Frankie, who appears to be moving on with newcomer Sully (Harry French). However, her path takes a dramatic turn when she aligns with Dodger, who is determined to expose Sully for his past crimes.
In a powerful scene from the trailer, Frankie declares her intent to help bring Sully down, stating, 'This is about bad men who do bad things and then walk away like they never did.' Sully was present during Griff's rape of Dodger and also sexually assaulted Donny (Louis Emerick), who has been struggling to cope.
Explosive Relationships and Family Betrayal
The secret relationship between Dillon and Ste Hay continues to intensify, while Ste's son, Lucas, remains desperate to win Dillon back, completely unaware that his ex is involved with his own father.
The trailer hints at tense confrontations, with Lucas seen punching his dad's ex, Rex, and pushing Dillon against a wall, threatening that he won't let him leave. The big question remains: what will Lucas do when he inevitably discovers the truth about his father and his former partner?
Revenge Plots and Returning Faces
Elsewhere in the village, Mercedes McQueen is consumed with guilt after shooting Tony Hutchinson (Nick Picard). She has been aiding his wife, Diane (Alex Fletcher), with his recovery.
However, Diane learns the truth about Mercedes' involvement from Gemma Johnston (Tisha Merry), leading the two women to hatch a plan to make Mercedes relapse and 'dial up the guilt' as revenge.
Adding to the drama, Theresa McQueen makes her return to the village, reconnecting with her ex, Dodger, who is dealing with the aftermath of his rape ordeal. Meanwhile, Mercedes rekindles her connection with Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas), much to Goldie's (Chelsee Healey) displeasure.
Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, with TV episodes airing at 7pm on E4.
