Leah Barnes (Charlotte Alex Riley) finds herself in danger in Hollyoaks next week when a so-called fan approaches her with detailed knowledge of her family, leaving her seriously uncomfortable. The popular character, as viewers know, is a social media influencer and has amassed quite a large online following.
In recent weeks, social media has been the last thing on her mind following the breakdown of her relationship with Imran Maalik (Ijaz Rana) and finding missing dad Ste (Kieron Richardson), who vanished without a trace in the shopping centre earlier this month.
Intruder on the houseboat
A particularly traumatic week for Leah approaches, with upcoming scenes seeing an intruder on the houseboat – and Leah is horrified when she becomes the prime suspect, assuring Imran that she had nothing to do with it. Later, a familiar man from the shopping centre where Ste vanished, Zack, lurks in the bushes nearby.
Leah is approached by Jenson Cole (Ryan Clayton), who asks her out. Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) reckons she should go on a date with him. But before Leah can even think about Jenson, she is approached by the mysterious Zack, who claims to be a big fan.
Unnerving knowledge
Leah is taken aback and, as Zack discusses her family, she’s left unnerved by his knowledge of her loved ones. Jenson witnesses the scenes unfold and steps in. The situation leaves Leah distressed, and subsequent scenes see her convinced that someone broke into her home – as her top from the previous night is missing.
Leela, meanwhile, is worried sick about missing Ste and, while seeking support from Leah, the pair remain unaware that Zack – with a framed image of Leah and Ste in his possession – drives off in a van. The question is: is Ste in the back of said van? Or is there another reason why he’s keeping tabs?
What's next for Leah
As the storyline unfolds, viewers will be watching to see whether Leah can escape the stalker's clutches and whether Ste's disappearance is connected to Zack's sinister actions. With the intruder on the houseboat and the missing top, Leah's world is closing in, and the danger seems to be escalating.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights on Channel 4 and streams on All 4. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures, get in touch by emailing soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
