Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) will be left reeling in Hollyoaks next week

when he’s declared a free man on the day of his court case.

The cleaner, as viewers know, is facing prison for his role in the death of

Ella Richardson (Erin Palmer), who he accidentally knocked down in January

while racing daughter Leah Barnes (Ela-May Demircan) to the hospital.

After initially trying to cover up the crime, Ste confessed all to the police,

facing the wrath of Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas), who proceeded to make his life a living hell.

In more recent months, however, Warren has forgiven Ste,

with the two forging quite a partnership in carrying out dodgy deals.

Ste’s reason for taking part in criminal capers is to make money for Leah and Lucas (Oscar Curtis) for when he goes to prison, with James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) tasked with looking after the kids in his absence.

With the court day approaching, James decides to give Ste a day to remember, but things take a turn when the solicitor confesses to having worked for Warren too, which means that he’s also now a target for the mystery shooter who gunned Warren down last month.

The news knocks Ste for six and, as the barbecue gets underway in the village, he breaks down in front of Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard), Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) and the rest of his family as he shares his fears about prison.

Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring), meanwhile, witnesses the emotional moment and shares her thoughts on the matter, reminding everyone that it was Ste who claimed Ella’s life.

Ste, however, is more focused on James and, after giving it some thought, he removes his wedding ring, making it quite clear that his marriage is over as he wants his beau to move on and have a life without him.

James is heartbroken.

The day of the sentencing arrives and Ste takes his frustrations out on Lucas and Leah, telling them that he doesn’t want them to visit him in prison. The day in question proves tough for all involved, with Leela offering her advice to James, urging him not to give up on her brother.

James takes her advice and leaves for the courthouse, leaving Ste a voicemail. He subsequently arrives at court to make amends while Ste prepares for the sentencing, taking his place in the dock.

In a major and unexpected twist, the judge finds an issue with the investigation and, as a result, the conviction is declared unsafe. Ste is left in shock, reiterating that he’s to blame for Ella’s death but, despite everything, he’s released!

Warren gets wind of the verdict and it absolutely floors him as he comes to believe that it’s part of a vendetta against him. Fearing th worst, he tells Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) that the village simply isn’t safe for her or the twins.

Zoe Anderson (Garcia Brown) explains that a gangster named ‘Blue’ is in the frame for the shooting. The issue is, however, Blue has been missing since 2017 and therefore the detective reiterates that Warren is in grave danger.

Warren’s interest is piqued, realising that the dates align with Freddie Roscoe’s (Charlie Clapham) prison stint. Ste, meanwhile, tells James all about Blue and warns that their prpblrms ate far from over.

James reckons that one more lie will end their marriage, leaving Ste with food for thought. There’s more trouble being for the couple, with Cindy ordering Ste to leave the village for good – but James refuses to uproot their life.

Ste inevitably gets drawn into the whole Blue saga, as he urges Warren against killing Freddie – with Warren tasking him and Rex (Jonny Labey) with a secret mission. But just what does it entail? And will Ste find himself in even more trouble?

Metro.co.uk exclusively confirmed last week that an affair on the cards for Ste and Rex. But when exactly this kicks off – and how it will impact on the former’s marriage – remains to be seen.

One to watch: Tuesday July 9 from 7:30pm on Channel 4 streaming or Monday July 10 at 7pm on E4.

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