Hollyoaks has confirmed new scenes for Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed), who was thought to have left the Channel 4 soap earlier this year after he was arrested and jailed for murder.
Joel, as viewers know, was last seen in a prison cell following his arrest for the murder of Tommy Odenkirk (Brandon Fellows).
The former priest discovered that Tommy, who masqueraded as a therapist, was responsible for leaking a video of Leela Dexter’s (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) rape ordeal online.
Tommy had also gaslit Joel into thinking that he’d murdered his brother Billy, which he then used as leverage to try and build a relationship with him.
Joel uncovered the magnitude of Tommy’s lies back in June and, after some words of dangerous encouragement from Jez Blake (Jeremy Sheffield), he decided to strike back, beating Tommy up.
The following morning, Joel was horrified to find Tommy dead and, despite contemplation of going on the run, he confessed his actions to the police and was subsequently jailed.
A big twist followed, however, with serial killer Jez confirming that he was the one who murdered Tommy. Tommy, as viewers will recall, also had leverage over Jez in the form of audio recordings from hypnotherapy sessions in which the savage gardener confessed to his killings.
Jez therefore used Joel to his advantage, allowing the former man of the cloth to believe that he was to blame for Tommy’s murder.
It was subsequently reported that the storyline in question served as actor Rory’s exit from the Channel 4 soap but new spoilers confirm otherwise, with Joel set to appear on-screen again next week.
Tony finds a new friend?
Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard), as viewers know, is currently in prison after he was arrested for the murder of Bobby Costello (Zak Sutcliffe), despite being innocent of the crime.
During his time behind bars, the chef has sought support from longtime friend Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins) but their time together is soon cut short.
Tom receives a visit from former flame Peri Lomax (Ruby O’Donnell), and it’s not long before sparks start to fly. Afterwards, the former market owner confides in Tony about the visit.
Tony, however, is so lost and lonely and, in a bid to help his mate, Tom arranges for him to get a working position in the prison kitchen. Tony is soon back to his old self and, in a bid to treat Tom, he brings him a piece of cake to thank him for his support.
But there’s more upset for Tony as Tom reveals that he’s been granted early release for the following day, thus meaning Tony will have to fend for himself from here on out.
When Tom leaves, Tony is demoted to kitchen porter and the inmates soon turn cold on him. However, the soap legend is soon delighted when he sees an old friend.
It’s Joel!
The question is: will they be able to look after one another? And is Joel back for good? Will both men learn of their innocence and that Jez is really to blame for the crimes they’re accused of?
Elsewhere in the village…
Leela Dexter (Kirsty Leigh Porter) fears the worst when she learns Ste (Kieron Richardson) hasn’t returned home ahead of baby James’ birthday.
Lucas (Oscar Curtis) says his dad never came home after a falling out and, when Dillon (Nathaniel Dass) notices bruises on his boyfriend’s arm, Lucas lies, claiming Ste attacked him – and that he’s gone for good.
Will they uncover what really happened? That remains to be seen but, later in the week, Lucas reluctantly gives Dodger (Danny Mac) the doorbell footage from the flat – and Mark discovers something interesting.
Jez, meanwhile, plans a memorial for Sienna Blake (Anna Passey). Cleo (Nadine Mulkerrin) refuses to believe Sienna is dead but Liberty Savage (Jessamy Stoddart) assures her that she would never abandon her kids.
Sienna, meanwhile, is forced to watch the memorial from The Love Boat.
Cleo later lashes out when Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) gives her a pram and baby essentials. Cleo isn’t sure how she can have the baby without Sienna and thus Marie offers to raise the child. Cleo isn’t fussed.
Elsewhere, Clare Devine (Gemma Bissix) is furious to discover her blackmail idea has failed but Froggy (John Middleton) tells her that he has dirt on Donny (Louis Emerick) and thus he will use it to get the detective to destroy the evidence against them.
Froggy follow through on his promise, blackmailing Donny with a secret that will tear his family apart if he doesn’t do what he’s told.
Elsewhere, Nancy says she hasn’t told Darren the truth yet. Darren, meanwhile, picks Tom up from the prison gates.
Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
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