Time is ticking…
Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Monday’s episode (September 9), which is available to watch now on Channel 4 streaming but hasn’t yet aired on TV.
Note: The following article contains discussion of topics including domestic abuse.
Hollyoaks has aired a dramatic escape involving Cleo McQueen and Dave Williams in the show’s latest episode.
As the show shifts to its new schedule, with new episodes released on streaming each morning, the dramatic stunt week is under way with major storylines colliding.
Last week, Warren broke out of prison using Ste’s getaway car – but Dave made a new plan and put a bomb underneath the vehicle, assuming that this would be what Warren tries to leave in.
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In today’s episode, James got into the car with the bomb to go to his hospital appointment, but he got out before he started the engine.
Meanwhile, following the previous night of abuse, Cleo apologised to Abe for making him lose his temper before he left for work. But once alone, she quickly packed a bag and prepared to finally leave him for good.
Mercedes told the McQueens that she was leaving with Warren and the twins, and said an emotional goodbye to her family.
Cleo arrived shortly after and prepared to tell the McQueens about Abe’s abuse. But when she found out that Mercedes and Warren were leaving, she realised there was a way out.
Related: Hollyoaks star Gregory Finnegan explains James and Ste reunion
Elsewhere, Donny’s plan to return kidnapped Misbah went wrong when Dave turned up and convinced the group that he wasn’t Blue – but Rex eventually returned Misbah home safe.
Abe found Cleo at the bus stop, but Prince managed to hold him back and Cleo escaped on the bus, before phoning Mercedes to ask for help.
Mercedes and Warren were on their way to their new life, but when Mercedes picked up Cleo’s desperate message, they decided to wait for her in the woods.
Related: Hollyoaks confirms exit for Sally St Claire after time jump
While Cleo was switching buses, Abe managed to catch up with her and began dragging her back – furious that she had taken the tablet with the video of her sleeping with the escort.
But at that moment, Dave arrived on his motorbike, and Cleo begged him to take her away from Abe, and to Warren and Mercedes.
Thrilled at the prospect of being taken directly to his target, Dave punched Abe in the face before he and Cleo left on the bike.
With Blue and Warren’s showdown edging closer, and a bomb still under James’ car, what will happen next?
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
