Hollyoaks confirms multiple deaths and unexpected baby twist as time jump changes everything

Hollyoaks heralds in a new era with its highly-anticipated time-jump and, with the first spoilers of the week in question officially here, it’s safe to say that time really does change everything.

The popular Channel 4 soap has officially reduced its episodes from five to three, with a number of major and fan-favourite cast members exiting in order to facilitate the change.

The schedule alterations were implemented this week, with the first batch of three episodes centring on the culmination of the Blue storyline, with a number of lives on the line during a cataclysmic stunt.

A motorcycle accident, plus a series of bombs planted by dastardly Blue, mean that tragedy is an inevitability. The outcome of the week in question remains shrouded in mystery but it’s safe to say that life as the villagers know it will never be the same again.

The following week will see Hollyoaks take audiences one year into the future.

Four seasons pass outside The Dog In The Pond and time changes everything, with Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) surveying his kingdom a year on from the tragic events of the stunt week.

The legendary mainstay lingers inside the show’s signature pub as he stares longingly at family photos while the school run gets underway.

But did all of his loved ones survive the deadly events of the stunt week? The jury is still out on that one I’m afraid, but what I can tell you is that Tony subsequently takes a walk around the village, catching us up on where everyone is a year down the line.

Party planning is underway at Casa McQueen, with the clan in question getting everything set up for the big night, while Tony pays Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) a visit at her stall to pick up some flowers, which he subsequently lays on a grave.

And he’s not the only one paying his respects.

Nearby, the Osbornes and the Lomaxes stand solemnly at gravesides. The question is: who has died?

Elsewhere, the weight of the day bears heavy on Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), who is struggling as a single mum to now one-year-old twins Maria Carmella and Maria Gabriella.

The events of the past year has certainly taken a toll on her but, with a business to run and two babies who need her more than ever, the soap stalwart is determined to push through.

Tony, meanwhile, heads to the hospital to pay a visit to see someone close to him. Doctors including Misbah Maalik (Harvey Virdi) tend to the patient in question but there is sadly no update.

Emotional, the pub landlord resumes his duties as he heads to Casa McQueen and – amid all the sadness – there is a big reason to smile, with one couple celebrating their engagement.

Tony raises a toast to the happy couple in question and later praises everyone for getting through such a tough year, believing that they’ve all now weathered the storm.

With emotions running high, another couple decides to throw caution to the wind as they take the next step in their relationship. And even happier news follows, with a resident subsequently going into the labour – as the Lomaxes race to the hospital.

The prospect of new life brings hope and celebrations ensue, but tempers soon flare as a secret relationship is brought to light amid all the excitement. Expect a showdown, with disapproval of the dalliance in question dividing the respective clan.

The new couple stand their ground, refusing to back down, but the cracks soon start to show.

Meanwhile, a new mum wants to focus on her career, thus presenting her dad with a big decision.

There is also joy aplenty when a familiar face is brought round, though the character in question faces a lengthy recovery – and they soon realise that nothing will ever the same, reflecting on the events of the past year. Another surprise is in store for the resident in question when they discover who has been sat by their bedside.

Has this concerned citizen actually managed to turn their life around? That remains to be seen but the shocking ties that a certain character has to the village ultimately sends shockwaves as we learn more about their past.

The Osbornes, meanwhile, continue to rebuild following the devastating events of the last year and, with hope of seeking justice getting closer, they’re left unsure of what to do for the best.

And Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) has been on quite the journey romantically over the missing 12 months and she soon finds herself on the wrong side of Sienna, realising quite quickly that you simply don’t go up against the Blake icon and expect to win.

Sienna, who has had quite the year herself, issues a dark threat, warning Vicky to be very afraid. The question is: just what has caused this unexpected feud? Is it in relation to Ethan Williams’ (Matthew James Bailey) confession of love for soulmate Sienna?

And just where does Ethan factor in, given that we know he’s set to leave. Has something happened to him before – or during – the year jump? And how did Sienna respond to his declaration of love?

So many questions!

It’s all change in the village – and a week not to be missed!

One to watch: Monday September 16 at 7pm on E4 or stream first from 7am on Channel 4 streaming.