Three Hollyoaks icons face death as horrifying revenge plot explodes

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published August 24, 2026 11:59pm Three Hollyoaks icons are facing death (Picture:Lime Pictures/ Metro) Hollyoaks serves up serious danger for three show favourites in what will prove to be a big week for the long-running soap – as consequences of a revenge plot explode. Gemma Johnson (Tisha Merry) is hellbent on winning Warren Fox’s (Jamie Lomas) affection and in order to do that she needs Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) out of the way. After a touching moment with Warren, which is interrupted by newcomer Xander accusing her of being a killer, Gemma puts her plan in motion, giving Mercedes a spa day voucher for the following day. Mercedes, however, takes it upon herself to invite along Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) and Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), thinking that a day getting pampered will be just what they need following recent events. Ste, as viewers know, is struggling in the wake of husband Rex Gallagher’s (Jonny Labey) demise, believing that ex James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) is to blame. Mercedes set off with Ste and Lee – unaware of the danger (Picture: Lime Pictures) With Jonah Keane (Matthew Wolfenden) having become quite friendly with James, Ste is determined to steer the patriarch away from solicitor James. Jonah offers a pent-up Ste a drink in order to take the edge off, unaware that he’s sober. Ste therefore relapses and subsequently confronts James, accusing him of killing Rex. Leah Barnes (Charlotte Alex Riley) worries when Ste doesn’t return home but she later finds her hungover dad, who is adamant that he must solve the case of Rex’s murder. Mercedes and Leela wait when Ste nips to the loo (Picture: Lime Pictures) With the week in question proving traumatic for Ste, Mercy’s offer of a spa day out for him and Leela couldn’t come at a better time – but little do the trio know what lies ahead. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. As Mercedes gets in the car with her fellow spa-goers, Gemma waves them off – and her sinister plan becomes clear. Determined to get rid of her love rival forever, Gem instructs her men to follow the car. Ste looks worried – but what has happened? (Picture: Lime Pictures) On the way to the spa, Ste needs to go to the bathroom and thus the trio stop at a service station. The men watch from afar as Mercedes and Leela talk relationships, woes and village gossip, unaware of the danger nearby. Will Mercedes, Ste and Leela find themselves in a dangerous situation? Or will they cop on to what is happening before it’s too late? Deals of the Day The back-to-school essential parents forget every year – and it could cost them Simba's cooling mattresses are now up to 30% off ahead of the bank holiday The best hosepipe ban-friendly products to protect your garden this summer Amazon has slashed the price of Cetaphil's bestselling sensitive skin products Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term 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: Ste and Leah set out to expose James over Rex’s death in Hollyoaks – but he has a surprise ally Arrow MORE: James and Ste plot to flee Hollyoaks as truth of Rex’s murder unravels The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.