Hollyoaks confirms major character death as devastation rocks the village

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published July 20, 2026 9:50am Updated July 20, 2026 9:50am A major Hollyoaks character has been declared dead (Picture: Lime Pictures / Metro) Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Monday’s (July 20) episodes that are now available to view on Channel 4 streaming. The episode in question will air on E4 on at 7pm. Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) was declared dead after show legend Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) stumbled upon a body in the garage. The mechanic was shot by an unknown assailant in dramatic and unexpected scenes last week, just hours after rekindling his romance with husband Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson). Rex had been exploring his identity by wearing feminine clothes, which Ste struggled to get his head around, which led to trouble in paradise for the newlyweds. The pair talked it out last week over dinner and one thing led to another, with passion ensuing between the couple. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. But when Rex headed to the garage after a late-night call out, he was shot by a mystery character. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Ste, meanwhile, wasn’t sure where things stood between he and Rex and he was left perturbed to discover that his other half hadn’t returned home to his flat. Over at the garage, Darren stumbled upon Rex’s body, with Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) soon on the scene to investigate. The detective broke the news to Ste, who raced to the garage to find Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), who confirmed that the body in question was Rex’s. Rex was declared dead after a body was found in the garage (Picture: Lime Pictures) Ste broke down in her arms, devastated at the loss of his husband. The question is: just who is to blame for what happened to Rex? Will justice be served? Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring), who has just arrived back in the village, made it quite clear that she will shed no tears for Rex, who was a former criminal and associate of gangster Dave ‘Blue’ Williams (Dominic Power), so could she have had a hand in what has transpired? Or was it someone else? Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Hollyoaks confirms who helps Mercedes destroy Jenson – and it’s unexpected The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.