Cleo McQueen’s (Nadine Mulkerrin) actions spark concern in Hollyoaks next week, with Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) determined to seeks help for her beloved girlfriend.
As viewers know, Cleo has been struggling since the birth of her son Joseph, who was required to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to being premature.
Cleo was allowed to return home, with Sienna moving in to the McQueen residence to support her, but she started to lose track of time and felt guilty when she was unable to produce milk.
The situation escalated further when Cleo thought she heard Dodger Savage’s (Danny Mac) voice speaking to her via the camera she uses to watch over her son.
Next week, Sienna is left concerned when Cleo snaps at her. Later, overhearing Cleo talking to herself, Sienna quizzes her girlfriend on who she’s speaking to, which leads to Cleo snapping once again.
Worried, Sienna takes a look at Cleo’s notepad – and finds the same sentence written repeatedly.
Afterwards, she tries to get Cleo to open up but, unsuccessful, she instead turns to John Paul (James Sutton), who calls in the rest of the family.
The McQueens rally together and, with Sienna, they await Cleo’s return home to offer her support.
Later, with assistance from Dodger, Sienna helps Cleo get the help she needs as they take her to the Dee Valley hospital psychiatric unit.
Hollyoaks spoilers! Also in the village next week…
Mercedes McQueen’s (Jennifer Metcalfe) behaviour leaves Goldie (Chelsee Healey) suspicious as she reunites with Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas), handing him a bag.
Goldie confides in Gemma (Tisha Merry), revealing that she reckons Warren is dealing again. Gemma relays Goldie’s suspicions to Warren, who is unaware of the fact that she’s placed a tracker on his car.
Later, Gemma attempts to build bridges with Mercedes and, ahead of her interview at Dee Valley hospital, she quizzes Misbah Maalik (Harvey Virdi) about the residents of the village, before introducing herself to Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher).
Elsewhere, Sully (Harry French) defies Donny (Louis Emerick) at work, leaving Dodger concerned. Donny, meanwhile, speaks to Misbah, who admits that she never stopped loving him.
Afterwards, Sienna breaks down, asking Liberty (Jessamy Stoddart) for support. The siblings head to the hospital where they stay with the baby while the McQueens visit Cleo, who is diagnosed with postpartum psychosis.
John Paul, meanwhile, arranges for the McQueens to take Sienna out, asking Goldie and Warren to put their differences aside.
In a bid to ensure Cleo’s storyline is told as accurately as possible, Hollyoaks has worked with Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP), whose peer support forum includes over 3,800 people with lived experience.
‘It’s been a new challenge taking on the role of motherhood and the difficulties that being a new mum can bring, especially the strain it can have on your mental health,’ said actress Nadine Mulkerrin.
‘We had a consultation with APP [Action on Postpartum Psychosis] whilst filming this storyline, and it was helpful to hear other people’s experiences – my heart breaks for poor Cleo.’
For more information on Postpartum psychosis, visit APP’s website
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.