Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Wednesday’s (February 18) episode that is now available to view on Channel 4 streaming. The episode in question will air on E4 on at 7pm.
If you’d have told me a number of years ago that one day I’d be writing about John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) having a passionate and scandalous affair with deceased cousin Sylver (David Tag), I fear I might not have believed you.
And I say that as an avid fan of Hollyoaks, which is famous for both reviving dead characters and unexpected affairs, some of which have even involved members of the same family (don’t ask).
In true Hollyoaks fashion, the unexpected pairing of Sylver and John Paul is a gobsmacking moment that comes out of nowhere, unfolding in the latest offering of the long-running soap.
The two men embraced, sharing a passionate kiss on the landing of the McQueen residence, and their unexpected snog was witnessed by a horrified Mercedes (Jennifer Metacalfe), who was thought to be in a relationship with Sylver.
It’s at this point in reading the article you’re probably going: ‘But didn’t Sylver die?’ / ‘Isn’t Mercedes in rehab?’ / ‘What is going on?’.
Cue the twist.
The scenes in question were not actually real but rather a product of John Paul’s imagination as he envisioned what his life would have been like if he’d never came out.
The special episode acts as a farewell to the beloved character, a titan of the Channel 4 soap for two decades, as he prepares to exit in upcoming scenes.
After his brush with the law, which saw both he and Prince (Malique Thompson-Dwyer) forced to make steroids at the high school under the watchful eye of corrupt cop Smithy (Kurtis Stacey) – who was following orders from ringleader Sully (Harry French) – JP was left with food for thought.
As viewers know, both he and Prince and were sworn to silence by Smithy as Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) investigated but, fearing repercussions and refusing to be silenced, John Paul came clean.
Smithy was arrested and warned Dodger there’d be consequences. He was right as Sully got in touch with the show cop, telling him that The McQueens – particularly his love Theresa (Jorgie Porter) – were in danger.
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Having lost his job at the school and with their home under lockdown, John Paul imagined a different life for himself after Nancy Osborne (Jessica Fox) berated his decision-making skills over the years.
In this alternate universe, Carmel (Gemma Merna) and Tina (Leah Hackett) are still alive and Michaela (Hollie-Jay Bowes) still lives with her siblings.
It’s all very happy at first, until we learn that JP has married teenage best friend Nancy as he is closeted and unhappy – and the cracks in such a reality continue as it comes to light as he’s having a secret affair with Sylver!
Merce stumbles upon the two mid-kiss, bringing us back to reality. John Paul therefore imagines a number of other alternate paths he could’ve taken, which allows for Sally St Claire (Annie Wallace) to return to screens, as she offers up her usual brilliant advice to her son.
So what do these alternate realities mean for John Paul, other than more or less confirming that he must’ve had a crush on Sylver? Well, they drive him to take a leap of faith as he telephones son Matthew-Jesus and decides to move to Switzerland to be with him, determined to be the best dad he can be.
No, you’re crying.
Sylver, as viewers will recall, tragically perished four years ago in the Salon De Thé explosion. Bobby Costello (Jayden Fox/Zak Sutcliffe) had the opportunity to rescue him but, under the influence of serial killer Silas Blissett (Jeff Rawle) at the time, he decided against doing so, which resulted in his stepdad’s demise.
John Paul, meanwhile, has been through the mill. From a recent battle with alcoholism to surviving an abusive relationship- not to mention a serial killer and two corrupt coppers – it’s been a tough few years for the deputy head teacher of Hollyoaks High, but maybe now he can at last find some happiness?
His final scenes are expected to air next week as he spends time with Mercedes at the rehab facility so you’d better grab those tissues.
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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