MONDAY JULY 6
Following a skype conversation with Hannah - who has picked up a new modelling contract in Sydney, Nancy realises that she's been in the village for ten years and whilst she is happy with her family she wonders what could've been and what she's missed out on in life. She tells Greg that she thought she'd make big changes with her life after her tumor scare last year but concludes 'All I did was go on holiday for a month and get divorced'.

As Nancy listens to Darren and Debbie argue over her involvement with Grace she sees that even Debbies life is more exciting - caught up in gangster drama. Greg decides that he and Nancy should begin a week of firsts though Nancy is reluctant 'I'm quite okay without a first prison sentence thank you Gregory'.

Greg takes Nancy over to Liverpool for the day and has compiled a lists. He explains to her that there's plenty of things he hasn't done either especially as he's spent most of his life doing things he shouldn't have done. A reluctant Nancy soon agrees to get involved in the list which includes an array of silly behaviour including selfie dares, karaoke and eventually skinny dipping - what they don't realise is that they're in a lake on someones private property.

Tom is continuining his interest in those who have died around the village and begins pressing Jack about the explosion at 'The Dog' nine years ago. Jack is at first reluctant to talk about but then begins to fondly remember the twins and recalls Mels relationship with O.B. Jack asks Tom what peaked his interest in such a morbid topic and Tom tells him 'I've been around death since I've been born and - people die all the time but nobody talks about it. I think that's weird. I want to talk about it, people should talk about it'.

Jack looks over what Tom has made of his book so far and is impressed by his commitment although he questions whether some of it is pure speculation Tom tells him that he's had help from Greg. Jack tells Tom he'd make a great detective and asks whether he'd like to help do some research on his case.

Chris is noticing a change in Ste's behaviour since Lotty's death and asks whether they were close. Knowing they weren't, Amy questions whether he's using drugs again given his sketchy body language and nervous persona. Chris tells Amy to back off and be more supportive which only frustrates her more.

As Amy heads in for her twenty week scan she is continuing to get annoyed by Ste's presence as Chris invites him along. Chris tells Amy that Ste is obviously having troubles at the moment and they should be making him aware that he's not alone rather than trying to push him away. As the scan goes underway Amy is delighted to see the baby and calls Ste over to have a look after they have another spat. Ste notices a look of concern on the nurses face and asks what's wrong. The nurse leaves and returns with a doctor who has a folder with him.

'And these scans are how far apart?' asks the doctor 'Eight weeks' the nurse tells him. Amy is now scared and demands to know what's going on.

TUESDAY JULY 7
Nancy and Greg are finding themselves on the run with just the small amount of clothing they could grab before being chase off of the property by security. They find themselves in the woods and Nancy is furious with Greg and embarassed before he tells her to embrace the freedom. Greg jumps over a fence and returns with some truely awful mismatched clothes from a washing line. 'The day is not over Nancy pants'. Nancy snatches the clothes from him and tries her best to keep a straight face.

As Nancy's enthusiasm for the strange day begins to increase, Greg has one more challenge for her - to get in to trouble and flirt her way out of it. Little does Nancy know quite how poorly it is going to back fire. Nancy desperately tries to get in trouble by being rude to people but gets ignored and treated as a crazy person and so Nancy - after a couple of shots of courage - goes one up and after being mocked by Greg she flashes a passing stag party, however when someone calls 'oi' she turns around with her top still up and is face to face with a police man.

Tom begins looking through old newspaper clippings of the missing girl case and decides to hit the internet for back up. He begins searching through tribute pages that have been set up - something Jack never thought of doing. Tom notes that the comments died down a long time ago but that one poster 'Anon66' has posted every year on the same date. Jack decides that it would be one of the girls friends but Tom isn't convinced and realises Jack is just humouring him.

Tom decides to do his own investigation and soon realises that the date in question is two days before the date that she was reported missing.

At the hospital Amy, Ste and Chris are anxiously awaiting news from the doctors as Amy fears the worst and tells them that under no circumstances is she going to get rid of her baby, Chris questions whether it may already be too late.

Unable to cope with the building tension, Ste leaves the room and finds himself at the hospital prayer room. He goes inside and begins ranting about how god can't exist because he would never throw so many hard things at a person like Amy. 'It doesn't make you stronger, it breaks you'. After throwing some books around the place Ste calms himself down and pleas 'If you are real then prove it. Prove to me that you're something. Make this better for her'.

Back in the hospital room the doctor returns to Amy and Chris and reveals to them that their baby has osteogenesis imperfecta type I - the baby has brittle bones and is at high risk of a host of other problems as well as a short life expectancy. The words seem to wash over Amy as she goes in to a near catatonic state. She asks the doctors to give her a minute, Chris goes with them to get more information. As they leave Amy sneaks out of the door behind them whilst they're distracted by an A&E case.

WEDNESDAY JULY 8
Chris is struggling as Amy takes the kids out of school and refuses to go back to the doctors. Amy is ignoring his insistance that they need to talk and need to listen to what the doctors have to say. Ste knocks at the door to collect the kids and Amy says that they're not going with him so he plays hard ball and tells the kids they're going for ice cream - no way they're staying now.

Amy is still refusing to talk to Chris and looks for anything else to do instead, including deep cleaning the house. Chris becomes increasingly frustrated and ends up storming out of the house. Alone and in silence, Amy breaks down. Chris bumps in to Nancy in the village who is being dropped off in a police car - he is baffled but uninterested. She can tell something is wrong and she and Greg take Chris to 'The Hutch' for some food. Nancy pays no notice to those staring at her bizarre clothes. As Chris tells them what's happened Greg excuses himself stating that it's a family matter.

Greg decides to pay Amy a visit and breezes in to the house uninvited and all casual. She welcomes the distraction despite barely knowing him and he coaxes her in to a conversation about Leah and Lucas. Eventually Amy breaks down in Gregs arms. As Chris returns with Nancy for back up he is surprised to see Greg placing a blanket over Amy. He tells Chris she'll be ready to talk in the morning and Greg nods for Nancy to leave with him. As he walks past her she looks at him differently - Nancy's falling in love.

Ste is out with the kids and they are playing up big time. As John Paul walks through the village they're excited to see him and ask if he can spend the day with them. Ste tells them that JP has more important things to do but he says that it is fine.
As the day goes on its clear that JP has a connection with the kids and he knows that something is wrong with Ste. Ste tells him that there's been bad news and that he doesn't know how to take it if anything more happens. He tells JP that his family has fallen apart as quickly as it came together and he's lost everything he's ever loved so why would it be different now. JP tells him that he shouldn't look at what he's lost and should look at the fact that despite all of that he is still standing. Ste goes in for a kiss but JP stops him 'This isn't the time'. JP says his goodbyes to the kids before telling Ste 'but I am here for you - anytime. Any time'

Darren is having a day of it at the club as Michaela has been dragged into a photoshoot for the 'McQueens of England' and Robbie has been taken ill. Darren is less than pleased when he recieves a complaint regarding a party over the weekend in which the events manager (Debbie) seemed 'rude and uninterested'. When he calls Debbie out on it he finds that she's using the work computer to look for Grace. Darren tells Debbie that she's costing him business with her 'obsession with some jumped up gangster you barely know'. Debbie says she may be dead and Darren declares 'So what?' causing Debbie to end their relationship and storm out.

THURSDAY JULY 9
As Michaela learns the news of Amys babys condition she decides that she is not going to continue with the press shots for the McQueens TV series and Myra tries to talk her around saying that there's nothing Michaela can do and Amy will need space to process what's happening. John Paul agrees with Michaela but she throws a strop asking why nobody tried to drag him into this. Myra tells her that the producers want a 'Kardashian family - no boys' but JP informs Michaela that he refused to have his career made a mockery by becoming a two bit reality star.

Mercedes turns up late for the shoot and is full of diva demands as is Theresa. When Debbie knocks at the door during the shoot Mercedes drags her away from the house and tells her to back off but Debbie thinks she's got a lead. Mercedes tells her that now is not the time and ushers her away. Theresa sees the exchange and demands to know what's going on. When Mercedes fills her in Theresa looks pretty pleased with herself.

Later in the shoot Michaela is looking for her phone and finds it in Myras bag. She's got several missed calls from Amy. Michaela loses her temper with Myra and blames her for the way Mercedes turned out. She mocks the families desperation for fame and tells them she'll be nothing to do with the show or them anymore.

Amy and Chris prepare to go the hospital to get a specialists opinion on their baby they realise what different pages they're on. Amy tells Chris that she has read up about the condition and the babies chances of survival are so slim but if it has any chance of survival then they are keeping it whilst Chris urges her consider the quality of life that the baby will lead and to do right by the baby, not by them.

At the hospital the doctors reveal to them that the baby hasn't moved for a matter of weeks and this is a sign that it's bones are not forming properly. He tells them however that as it is type I the condition can be treated more effectively than other stages and the chances of the baby surviving are higher although it's quality of life may be something to consider. Whilst the couple continue to disagree the doctor insists they take a few days to decide but Amy makes the decision there and then 'I am having this baby. It's up to you if you have it with me'.

Ste finds himself outside St Timothys church. He goes to visit Dougs grave and asks for his help in staying on the right track, telling him that he is struggling to keep afloat after everything that has gone on recently.

As Ste is about to walk away a familiar voice calls out to him - it's Cindy. She asks what he's doing there and he says 'confessing my sins'. She gives a small laugh before telling him that she's found herself going more recently 'My Mum used to drag us here all the time and we used to kick up a right fuss me and Max but I don't know, I guess recently since she died and since everything with Dirk, I don't really mind it. I like the quiet for one thing and - it's just nice to have someone listen to you, even if they might be as real as Albert Einstein'

'Albert Einstein is real' 'The monster?' 'Frankenstein' 'Oh! That would explain the looks I got at parents evening last year' she tells Ste to give it a go before leaving. Ste quietly and cautiously walks in to the church before taking a seat at the front and closing his eyes.

FRIDAY JULY 10
John Paul heads over to Michaelas for the night to get away from the madness and she tells him jokingly that she's going to start charging him rent soon. John Paul tells her about the move Ste made on him and she warns him not to go back down that road telling him Ste needs to be by himself until he gets sorted. John Paul makes a passing comment about inappropriate advances and she asks what he means - he tries to backtread but ends up confessing that Jason made a pass.

Michaela isn't amused and gets defensive on Jasons behalf and whilst John Paul insists nothing happened or ever will she tells John Paul some home truths and says that he always goes after people he can't or shouldn't have and never cares about the consequences of it. He tells her to stop acting like she's so above it all just because she 'got enlightened by a few temples in Thailand' and reminds her she's no saint herself. The two youngest McQueens eventually simmer down after Louis joins them and actually get to reminscing about better times. As John Paul is about to leave, Michaela walks him to the door and tells him she's serious about staying away from Jason. As Michaela closes the door John Paul sees Jason at the end of the hall - he tries to stop him but Jason runs in to his flat, humiliated.

Holly is leaving her final exam at Hollyoaks High as she bumps in to Kaya. Things are frosty between the two of them until Holly decides to make the first move and tells Kaya that she's going to be going to University in September and she doesn't want things to end on a sour note and they should put the past behind them. Within minutes Kaya is back to her old gossipy self and reveals that she's been involved with an older guy - Holly is stunned when she reveals it to be Ste and questions whether she's telling the truth.

Later, Kaya gets to talking about her family and tells Holly that she's going to regret doing an internship with her Dad because he's a 'nightmare' and works 'all the time'. Kaya tells Holly 'sometimes he doesn't get home until like midnight so say goodbye to your summer'. Holly suddenly feels guilty as she realises that Alan is more than likely with her aunt Jude at the time and makes her excuses to leave. As Holly gets home she outright asks Cindy what the history is between Alan and Jude.

Debbie returns to 'The Loft' to get some things and is bombarded by a curious Theresa who is asking a few too many questions about Grace. Debbie asks whether she knows something but Mercedes quickly swoops in and drags Theresa away. Darren apologises to Debbie over what he said and tells her that he's just worried that she'll get hurt by Trevor. She tells him she's a big girl and can look after herself. Trevor walks in to 'The Loft' and shuts the music off - he makes it very public that he's not impressed with the rumours circulating about him.

Debbie outright accuses him of murdering Grace and Theresa and Mercedes look shady. Trevor tells Debbie that Grace is 'alive and well' and 'taking a break from all of this nonsense'. When Debbie says she's doesn't believe he shows her a series of text messages from Grace - most of which mock Debbies attempts at finding her.

As Trevor leaves Debbie isn't convinced. She exchanges glares with Theresa who looks more than worried but quickly flashes a smile and shrugs it off. Debbie tells Darren that something isn't right.

Outside, Trevor deletes the messages from his phone before throwing Graces' phone in the bin.

MONDAY JULY 13
Darren, Robbie, Ziggy and Jason are ready to set off on their trip to Ibiza to celebrate Jason finishing his exams. Jason isn't too impressed when Ziggy has invited a host of tag alongs as Ross, Dougie, John Paul and Louis are all in tow 'What? I wanted a proper lads on tour holiday!'. Whilst Ross is keen to get the party going it's clear that John Paul instantly regrets his decision to join them.

On the plane things aren't getting any better for Jason as he is in a seat between Dougie and John Paul and infront of an excitable Ross who keeps drumming on the back of his chair. Dougie tries to get him in the spirit and he seems to be until John Paul joins in the game. Eventually, Jason swaps seats and goes to sit with Ziggy and Darren. Jasons asks why his old teacher was invited and Ziggy tells him it's a thank you for helping with his exams and that Michaela made him. Jason comments 'Brilliant. You might as well have invited Harry'

When they arrive in Spain Jason questions where they're staying and Ziggy tells Jason there's a catch - they got it on the cheap 'You see, we're staying at a mates brothers place only thing is him and his son are 'ere too'. Jason is mortified when he looks up the drive to see Tony and Harry. 'So we're here with my old teacher, my ex girlfriends boyfriend and Tony! Wicked'.

Back in the village Frankie places a new ad for a bar manager to make a point to Jack that his investigation is going to take time out of the family business but he is refusing to rise to it. When Greg asks about the job Frankie tells him that they're looking for someone with more experience - he shows her his C.V and she begins running out of excuses before he calls her out on the fact that she wont give him a chance based on what she thinks she knows about his past, telling her 'When your husband knew me I was fifteen! From what Nancy tells me you were no angel then either'. Frankie says she doesn't know what he's talking about and he leaves but turns to say 'I certainly didn't have any children at that age'.

Frankies mood is now soured for the day and she seems to on a rampage taking down anyone that crosses her path including a run in with Nana in the shop and eventually a run in with Tom after she finds the most recent version of his book. When Frankie finds out that Jack put him on assignment she is furious and insists that Jack take himself off the case but he rejects her complaints and warns her that she's pushing him. Jack tries to play off Toms investigation as a bit of fun and scans over it before clocking Toms discovery about the facebook posts. Jack sits down with Tom to ask further details and immediately calls Alan

Chris is trying to remain strong for Amy and is still hoping that he can change her mind about the baby after doing more research but she's not budging. As both Ste and Amy seperately lean on Ste with their conflicting views he tries his best to remain mutual but buckles under the pressure and finds himself turning to comfort - at the church.

TUESDAY JULY 144
Nancy is furious to learn about Frankies rejection of Greg based on twenty year old speculation and berates her step-mother-in-law for her constant snobbery and lack of understanding. Frankie has some harsh words for Nancy in the same conversation as she reminds her of her stuck up ways and constant contradictions 'Tattoos one minute and tsk tsk the next! Double standards if ever they existed'. The confrontation reaches boiling point as Nancy ends up slapping Frankie.

Frankie goes over to 'The Loft' to rant to at Debbie about Nancy but she's too busy with the boys away and searching for Grace. When Frankie calls her out on her lack of interest Debbie tells her Mum that there's more important things than 'a stupid fight with Nancy' and that she should be the bigger person for once and offer Greg a trial shift to shut Nancy up but Frankie isn't budging.

Over in Spain Tony seems to be making the most of the high life and his speedos are making Darren and Ziggy all too uncomfortable. Darren highlights to Tony that the's only got a couple of years to go until he's forty which soon brings him back down to earth. A slow start to the holiday sees Ross encourage some drinking games to get things going and whilst John Paul is all too happy to let his hair down Jasons reactions cause him to hold back, something Louis and Ziggy pick up on.

After Jason gets sick from a paella, Ziggy heads back to the house with him and tries to pull a heart to heart. He tells Jason that when he was younger he worked a summer sheering sheep with his mate and they used to share a tent together 'We spent so much time together I started to ask myself if I was gay'. Jason cuts him off after he realises he's reciting 'Brokeback Mountain' but Ziggy says the sentiment is there 'Look, I know this makes you uncomfortable to talk about but whatever it is you feel for Dougie just stop worrying about everyone else and let it happen, yeah?'
Elsewhere, whilst the rest of the boys are out on the town Robbie is less than amused when he see Harry handing a baggie to someone in a club. Harry reveals that he's 'got a little side business going on'

With Cameron in prison and Tony away, Jude is becoming tired of he own company and finds Cindy's house 'too depressing'. She goes for a drink at 'The Loft' where she engages in her first real interaction with Mercedes after hearing her talk to Debbie about Grace. Jude highlights her discontent for Grace after sharing with Debbie all of the things Claire did to Max. Mercedes also reveals the way Grace was when she arrived in the village and Debbie soon questions herself as to whether she is wasting her time in looking for her.

Mercedes invites Jude to stay for a drink after closing and they get to the topic of men. The two of them realise they have more in common than they'd have thought when Jude confesses that she is involved with a married man. Jude gets a message from Alan and makes her excuses to leave. Mercedes watches from 'The Loft' balcony as she sees Jude go back to her office with Alan opening the door.

WEDNESDAY JULY 15
Mercedes is out for a run in the park with Myra who is determined to get fit for the propose 'MoE' calender when they run in to Greg who is walking the family dog. Mercedes sends Myra on a lap of the park to get some alone time with Greg. He asks how freedom has been treating her and she says it's overrated.

Mercedes takes a seat on a bench and invites Greg to join her 'You're not going to try and trick me in to kissing you again are you Mercedes McQueen?' 'Ugh, get lost! I were eleven. You were the fit footy lad in year nine' they laugh about it before Mercedes pushes on the memory lane 'Do you remember when me and our Jacqui came to London for 'er twenty first and she got in a right state and you asked whether she'd taken anything' Greg replied 'And you lied' 'Right and you told me, you made me promise that if I knew something that might get someone in trouble - if it could hurt someone I needed to tell the truth'. There's a long and obvious pause as Greg awaits the blow. They're cut off by Myra who has collapsed over with cramp 'I'll talk to you later, yeah?'

At 'The Dog' Frankie is still trying to make her presence felt as she bemoans how busy she is behind the bar much to Esthers annoyance. Esther tells Frankie that Carley is happy to pick up extra shifts but this seems to fall on death ears. When Frankie tries to pick another fight with Jack he simply leaves the room. Esther asks whether Frankie has noticed that Jack doesn't fight back anymore and Frankie dismisses this as him being 'laid back' but Esther tells her Grandmother that it seems more like he doesn't have the fight in him anymore.

Later, Frankie tests the waters with Jack as he refuses tocome to bed as he focuses on work. Eventually when he does go to bed Frankie tries to sleep with him but he's just not interested and tells her that he is going to sleep on the couch.
In Spain the hangover from hell ensues as Dougie wakes up with two girls and Jason has to make polite conversation with them as they eat breakfast. John Paul asks what Dougies playing at and tells him he should have more respect - Dougie tells JP that they're not a 'thing' and JP says 'I meant for Jason. If you don't see what everyone elses sees then you really are as dumb as you look'.

Later by the pool Dougie tries to make small talk with Jason but the talk is very small. Ross tries to ease the tension by asking Jason whether he'll be living in halls next year but Jason isn't too responsive. Elsewhere, Harry is in a panic as he can't find his pills and Robbie tells him that he's better off without them. Harry accuses Robbie of stealing them and the two end up in a fist fight. Tony and Ziggy pull it apart and demand to know what's going on.

THURSDAY JULY 16
Mercedes comes home to a houseful - Myra has invited Marilyn, Alan and Frankie over to watch the first trailer for 'MofE' and whilst Marilyn humours Myra with her new found 'fame', Frankie is clearly bitter as she constantly makes comments about how cheap she finds reality television. Alan goes to the kitchen for another drink and is cornered by Mercedes who asks how his new office is running and whether he's made many friends sice he came back. Alan ignores her knowing that she's a wind up but she knows she can get to him.

As the trailer debuts it shows literally the show logo and a 12 second shot of Mercedes walking in slow motion. Myra is furious and is straight on the phone to the producer. Alan leaves after getting a phone call and Mercedes make a comment about how hard he works.

After he's gone Marilyn gushes about how supportive Alan has been since Mayas death and how she doesn't know whether she'd cope without him. Mercedes decides for herself that she will back off. Frankie and Marilyn soon get to discussing the case that Jack and Alan are working on and Marilyn says she doesn't involve herself in his work and phases out Frankies conversation but Nana pays interest and soon cuts Frankie off by spilling her drink all over causing her to leave. When Frankie returns home Jack tells her they need to talk. She talks over him and continuously bitches about Myra until Jack cuts her off - he wants a seperation.

Amy and Chris have come to their agreed D-Day to make a decision about the future of their baby and whilst Amy is becoming ready to lean toward Chris' idea of a termination a glimmer of hope comes through after Chris recieves a message on an online forum. Chris tells Amy he has been doing research and asking others who have lived through this about their experiences. He recieves notification from one of the family he met in Canada who tells them about a surgeon who is a friend of the family who specialises in fetal surgery and wants to meet them whilst he's over in London.

Amy asks when the message was sent and Chris says it came through two days ago, he immediately calls the number and speaks to the doctor who tells them that he can meet them in London tomorrow.

In Spain, Darren walks in on another confrontation with Harry and Robbie after they blame the previous one on a girl. Darren reveals to them that he flushed the bag of pills down the toilet and reminds Harry of what happened last time he went on holiday with Tony. When Robbie defends himself Darren tells him he knows that it wasn't him and that he's been trying to look out for Harry stating that the walls in the flat are very thin. When they leave the room they are greeted by a heart breaking Tony who asks Harry whether the holiday money came from drugs.

Louis and John Paul go for drinks with Ziggy and Ross after Dougie refuses to leave his bed for the day. The boys discuss girls and whilst John Paul and Louis originally come to the defense of Phoebe and Michaela they quickly agree that they can be a handful. Ziggy jokes that John Paul has got it easy being gay but he highlights 'We live in a tiny village in Chester, every gay in the village has already been with every gay in the village'. Ziggy asks Louis what it's like dating a popstar and Louis goes back in to his shell before trying to make out that it's a dream and then confessing that it's 'not great' for the confidence. Later, Louis goes for a walk by himself and sees Libertys new video playing in a bar. Feeling low he turns his attentions elsewhere.

At the villa Dougie is spending his night under water as he tries to soak off the hangover from hell. He eventually coaxes Jason in to joining him after his initial refusal and the two get to play fighting in the water. The sexual tension is intense as the linger in a head lock a bit too long before Dougie thanks Jason for being a mate and repeatedly emphasises the mate part. Dougie gives Jason a 'laddy' kiss on the head before getting out of the pool. Jason calls after Dougie saying he doesn't want to be his mate anymore - before Dougie can react the other boys return.

FRIDAY JULY 17
After seeing how heart broken his Dad is, Harry apologises and tells him that nothing like it will ever happen again. Tony tells Harry how disappointed he is and when Harry jumps on the defensive stating that he's hardly had a fantastic role model Tony has very little he can say in retaliation. Harry suggests that they both accept each other is not perfect and learn to communicate better. Harry tells Tony that he's lucky to have a support network like Darren and Cindy around and he hopes to have the same thing one day when Tony points out that Robbie has put his neck on the line for him, maybe he does.

As the boys pack up the villa John Paul questions where Louis stayed last night but he avoids the question. Ross makes a lovers tiff joke when Dougie makes a point of ignoring Jason and Dougie responds 'Lovers? Apparently we're not even mates' Jason says that's not what he meant but Dougie walks away. Jason follows him out to the front of the house and tries to talk to him but Dougie stops and turns on his feet storming towards Jason and telling him he's sick of people telling him to be nice to 'poor fragile Jason' accusing him of messing people around and playing the victim. Jason has had enough and flips out. He grabs Dougie by the collar and slams him against the wall with rage on his face. Darren is about to intervene but Robbie and Ross stop him.

'Go on then!' Dougie pushes back and Jason slams him in to the wall again before kissing him. He then throws him away before walking away and walking striaght back. 'I don't wanna be your mate because I can't! I loved Holly - I love women. I don't look at any men and go oh yeah that's nice. Not one and then you come along and YOU are the one getting in peoples heads not me because since we got with that girl I haven't thought about her once and all I can think about is what we did and that I want to do it again. Not with that bloke over there or some bloke in a bar. Only you because you don't make me feel stupid or ugly or fat. You make me feel like I should and THAT is why I don't want to be your mate because it's too much - it's too much'.
Tony has been completely oblivious to the goings on all weeks and asks Harry since when is Jason gay. Harry tells Tony he's old. Dougie doesn't know what to say and everyone stands in silence as Jason storms off. Ziggy asks Tony if they can stay another couple of days 'Just us Roscoes' and ushers Robbie and Darren to follow Jason with him. Ross pats a lost looking Dougie on the back and leads him to the car. On the way to the car John Paul warns Louis he better not have done what he thinks he did.

Amy and Chris return from London to an anxious Ste, Michaela and Nancy and tell them that the doctor believes he is able to take the baby full term without any further damage providing that Amy has an operation as soon as possible. Amy is clearly elated at this and beams at her friends but Nancy pulls Chris aside and asks what's bothering him and he tells her that the operation is a high risk to Amy but she wont hear it.

Ste becomes overwhelmed with emotion and goes back to the church as he bumps in to a grieving woman who is praying for her son that has been in accident. He holds her hand and prays with her whilst thanking god.

Mercedes is doing a very poor job at avoiding Greg especially as he is actively trying to crowd her knowing full well that in the thirty years they've known each other she's never been able to lie to him - and that's saying something. He starts reeling off times he's got her out of trouble through their life including 'one quite serious incident involving a fire at the school that was kind of a catalyst in my family leaving town, well that and my Dad having an affair with Jude Cunningham'. Mercedes freezes when he says Judes name and he instantly knows that she knows something.

'You've got thirty seconds to tell me McQueen'. After breaking under the pressure Mercedes confesses what she saw and Greg tells her that she's going to help him catch them out but Mercedes says her involvement is done. As Mercedes goes to walk out of 'The Loft' she pauses as she sees Alan turning the sign to closed. Greg has followed her out. 'You're staying involved'

Mercedes repeatedly calls Jude but gets no answer and so Greg calls his Dad - no answer. Eventually, Jude picks up and is short with Mercedes, Greg immediately calls Alans phone and Mercedes puts Jude on speaker. Greg confirms that the ringtone in the background is Alans and storms over. He bashes on the door and a flustered Alan answers. Greg storms through the office and finds Jude sat at her desk doing paper work 'Do you mind? We're trying to have a meeting here'. Greg locks eyes with Alan for a while before walking out. Alan walks Mercedes to the door 'Goodbye Mercedes'. He gives her a wink before locking the door. Mercedes asks whether Greg saw that wink and tells him 'I'm in'.

Storyline teasers

MONDAY JULY 20
The Roscoes return to the village and Dougie is surprised to learn that Jason has decided to stay out in Spain by himself for the summer to 'clear his head'. Robbie is hostile towards Dougie for confusing Jason at an already difficult point in his life but Ziggy commends him for not 'just getting with him out of guilt' before warning him that when Jason gets back it's all or nothing because Jason needs a clean break from the year he's had.

Dougie begins to ponder whether he has feelings or not but that's about to get a whole lot more complicated as he recieves an e-mail from Mark - the one that got away - he's moving back to England next week and wants to meet up.
Liberty is oblivious to the change in Louis' attitude toward her since he returned from the holiday as she is getting ready to make her U.K festival debut at Chester Rocks. Michaela does her best to try and get a spot as a backing singer but five minutes of working together proves that the idea is not going to take off.

Holly begins her internship at 'Daniels & Harper' and ponders exactly who the 'Harper'is but Alan tells her that it's a silent partner who helped fund the original business years ago and has since taken an 'even more silent role'. Holly is evidentally a quick learner which impresses Alan but Jude is becoming frustrated with her neices presence and wants time alone with Alan so she sends Holly out for lunch - before she leaves Holly warns Jude 'I'm not an idiot. Mum used to be your mini-me! Just remember that's my friends Dad and they've been through enough already'

TUESDAY JULY 21
Theresa is sniffing around Trevor much to his annoyance - she is keen to know exactly what went on with Grace but he is one step ahead of her and makes a number of suggestions that he killed her for interfering in his business. When Theresa says 'Plus, you know didn't she like try and kill you and stuff?' Trevor sends her home and tells her he's not interested in whatever she has to offer but she's not going to be giving up so easily.

As the school year comes to an end Nancy has already begun switching off as she day dreams about the possibilities of what may lie ahead. When Marilyn continues to harrass her about plans for next year and summer programmes Nancy makes the rash decision to give in her resignation.

Nancy goes to see Greg to tell him the news and is shocked to see Mercedes leaving his house. Putting two and two together she gets five and begins ignoring his calls. Greg goes to the pub and apologises for not getting back to her sooner as he was busy and Nancy makes a huge scene about him cheating with Mercedes - in front of Mercedes. Nancy is left red faced when Mercedes explains that they were planning Dougies 21st birthday for the weekend and soon apologises. Marilyn has come to the pub for a drink after work and has witnessed the entire thing placing Nancy even further in her bad books and tightening her lips as Greg points out that Nancy referred to him as her boyfriend.

Phoebe and Nana are out in town as Nana wants to hang around News agents on the day the McQueens first interview is released for their TV show. Desperate to be spotted Nana fails to notice that a teen is robbing the shop next to her. When Phoebe clocks them she chases them down the street as Nana films her on her phone and uploads it straight to YouTube to get the show some promo.

When Phoebe catches up with the teen she grabs them by the hood and sees that they're clearly starving. She notices that they've only stolen a couple of chocolate bars and hands him a 20 note. The teen runs away before Phoebe can say anything.

WEDNESDAY JULY 22
Greg isn't too impressed that Mercedes poor cover up has left him with two days to organise a proper party for his brothers 21st but Mercedes tells him he can have the VIP area in 'The Loft', Mercedes tells him that they're at the prime time to catch his Dad out 'No way is he gonna come and spend his Friday night with a bunch of drunk kids when he can be over the way 'avin' it off with 'er'. Greg sends a message to each of the family to tell them the plans and Alan almost immediately messages Jude and says 'Whole family is out Friday. Place to ourselves'. Alan has actually text Marilyn who responds 'Sounds nice - can't really miss our sons 21st though x'.

A week in to their seperation, Frankie is staying at The McQueens - having really left herself with very little option. Frankies snobbery soon wears down as she actually begins enjoying Myra's company as Myra encourages wine and sing-star to cheer her up. Frankie opens up to Myra and asks where she went wrong but Myra tells her that she should just make a big romantic gesture - be a modern woman.

The ill-judges gesture comes after a few more bottles of wine as Frankie attempts to wake a very tired Jack by performing 'Wind beneath my wings' with Myra as her back-up. Jack is absolutely raging when he comes downstairs and informs Frankie taht whilst she might be out living it up as a singleton he's got work to do and sends her away.

Irked by her encounter, Phoebe goes back in town to look for the run away teen but isn't having much luck. Louis has tagged along as a distraction and Phoebe notes that something is wrong with him. He confesses his infidelity to Phoebe and she reacts by slapping him and telling him that Libertyis family. Before the conversation can continue Phoebe spots the teen and they run after him.

They end up in an ally way where the teen attacks Louis with a plank and is about to hit Phoebe whens he tells him he's here to help. The teen calms himself and after Phoebe introduces herself he reveals that his name is Ben. Phoebe tells him she's been in his position and just wants to help him.

THURSDAY JULY 23
After her humiliating night Frankie decides to go and stay with Jake in London for a while. Nana has her doubts as Phoebe brings Ben back to The McQueens but Phoebe reminds Nana of the position she was in just three years ago. Myra is welcoming to Ben telling him he's joined the family at a good time because they're about to be 'mega famous' which makes Ben uncomfortable. As Phoebe gets to know Ben more and discovers the parallels in their lives Louis isn't convinced when his stories have several holes in them but the more Louis pushes to find the truth the more Phoebe shuts him down and tells him 'truth' isn't his concern.

Nina and Carley return from their summers at home ready for Dougies birthday and seem to be in good spirits although this soon changes when a group of potential freshers visit the halls and they realise they haven't sorted out anywhere to live after the summer. As Nina is reunited with Robbie he fills her in on what happened in Spain and tells her he's glad that they're a 'simple' couple. Ziggy suggests to them that Nina move in - stating that Nyla can have Jasons room when he goes to Uni.

Carley is surprised to find out that Frankie is gone and when she finds out about the recent goings on with Dougie and the potential return of Mark she knows her friend is having a rough time and so she gathers the troops and they head to the Hutch for a pre-birthday dinner - Dougie, Ross, Esther and Nina. Greg and Mercedes are being all suspicious outside 'Daniels & Harper' and to avoid questioning they tag on to the group.

As the group are enjoying their dinner they're interrupted by an irrate and rude woman screaming at Tony about how useless he is. A dumbstruck Greg stands from his seat as Dougie almost chokes on his food. Mercedes jaw drops as she proclaims 'You're 'avin a laugh'. The woman turns and squeals with excitement before throwing her arms around Greg.

Nina asks who it is and Ross tells her that it's Ella - 'the evil twin'.

Ella joins on the table and is immediately making people uncomfortable with her invasive questions about sex lives, comments on peoples appearance and generally being a bitch. The usually placid Dougie slams his fist on the table and tells her she's not welcome. She laughs it off but Dougie storms off followed by Ross and then Greg. When Ella asks what she's done Mercedes tell her 'I know I wouldn't speak to our Jacqui if she vanished for the best part of a decade then didn't even bother coming to our sisters funeral'.

FRIDAY JULY 24
Marilyn and Alan are not amused to see Ella back in Chester. The last time they saw her was at Kaya's 9th birthday party 8 years ago and they've not heard a word from her in over six years. Alan is a bit warmer towards his daughter but Marilyn is far more hostile telling Ella that they have a full house and she can't stay. Ella notes that there is a spare room but Marilyn stands by her statement. Alan tells Ella he'll pay for a couple of nights at a B&B but then she's on her own. Ella tells them to go jump and storms from the house.

Later, Ross is walking with Dougie through the village and tells him he's got to go via Price Slice but as they get their Dougie has his entire family and friends waiting for his surprise party in 'The Loft'. Robbie is on duty and pulls him aside telling him that 'it's all put aside for one night'. As the party gets under way it's clear that Alan doesn't want to be there whilst Marilyn struggles to keep her calm as she continues to think about Ella's arrival.

Back at the house Mercedes arrives to an upset Kaya who is annoyed that she can't go to her brothers birthday. Mercedes tells her 'I'm the manager, you can do what you want for one night only so get ready'. As Kaya runs upstairs to get ready Mercedes hears moving in the kitchen and walks through to find Ella routing through draws. Mercedes warns Ella not to ruin tonight but Ella has no idea what she's talking about causing Mercedes to tell her ' And that's why nobody likes you'. As the girls leave Ella decides to follow them.

Outside the club Ella spots her Dad leaving and watches as he goes to the office to have the door opened by Jude 'As if she's here as well!'. Ella sneaks up to the office door and being the pro-trouble maker that she is, she picks the lock and quickly takes a photo of Alan and Jude kissing 'B&B or five star hotel Daddy?'

At the club Dougie is actually having a good time with his friends and every one puts their drinks down to go and have a dance though one of the drinks has a pill dropped in to it. Greg dings his class to propose a toast and everyone cheers to Dougie before necking their drink.

END

TAG SCENE
A girls shoe is lying alone on the floor near a broken beer bottle. The camera moves up to show a girl lying face down with mud over her torn up leggings. Her hood covers her head as a man stands over her. The sound of a zip is heard befor ethe man walks away.

Hi guys IM travelling for next three weeks so Augusts four weeks will b up when I get back around 22 September with the following 4 weeks coming the week after

Hello! I am back from the holiday so new episodes this week. Will post 2 weeks at a time every 3 days until we're caught up. Have 10 weeks ready to be posted.

MONDAY JULY 27
The night of Dougies party

ESTHER - After the toast to Dougie, Esther pulls the students aside and proposes a toast to them surviving the year despite everything that's been thrown at them. Nina says she hopes that the year ahead will be better because it can't get any worse. As the party ensues Esther notices Nancy getting jealous of Mercedes and Greg but ensures her that Greg only has eyes for her. When Greg gets a text message he leaves in a hurry.

Later, Esther is heading home alone as she sees a commotion taking place inside the lawyers office. She pops her head in and sees Greg pinning Alan against the wall as Jude tries to break it up. They notice Esther who runs off in a hurry. As it begins to rain she pulls her hood up but jumps as she hears a sound behind her

CARLEY - Carley is distracted for the entire evening and Ross highlights how much time she is spending on her phone. She gets defensive and tells him to mind his own business. Carley is on the phone to somebody outside as Nina and Ross leave, telling her they're heading back to halls. Carley asks where Esther is and they tell her she left ages ago. A frustrated Carley continues her conversation and says she's on her way.
Carley is walking through the village as it begins to rain. She runs to the bus shelter where a man approaches her. She asks what he wants.

NINA - Nina and Ross are by the student halls as it begins raining. They run for shelter before Ross decides that he likes running in the rain and encourages Nina to come with him. She tells him no but he wont take it for an answer and drags her along. They go to a pizza place and sit under the shelter eating it, discussing all the crazy things that have happened that year. Ross points to the next block where student halls are and points out that Dougies light is on 'I wonder who he's got back thsi time?'. Nina says she's heading back as Ross looks like he's going to fall asleep. She starts walking and Ross says he'll catch up he's going to pee.

Esther picks up the pace before hearing the sound again. Greg has caught up with her - he apologises for what she saw and offers to walk her home. In the morning, Esther walks out of her room and finds Greg asleep on the sofa.

Nina turns down the alley way behind the student halls. A hand grabs her on the shoulder.

Carley looks back at the man who says 'You ordered a taxi?'. Carley walks to the taxi.
Nina is lying facedown in the alley and turns over, covered in cuts and sees the blurry shape of her attacker as he walks away.

TUESDAY JULY 28
Tegan is on shift at the hospital as a bruised and battered Nina arrives in the reception before collapsing at her feet. As Nina wakes up in a hospital bed Tegan is waiting at her bedside and asks what happened to her. Nina says she fell down some stairs but Tegan isn't having it - she recognises her as Robbies girlfriend and asks whether he done this which Nina immediately denies. Tegan asked who done this and tells Nina she wants to do a full body exam.

After the exam Tegan asks Nina when this happened and she tells her it was two days ago. She's been staying at a B&B but the pain got too much. Tegan asks what she remembers and Nina doesn't speak. Tegan asks Nina whether she was raped and she breaks down in tears.

Ziggy sees Leela in the village looking a bit lost and invites her for a drink at The Loft whilst Michaela is working. Michaela is being petty and snappy but when she sees how upset Leela is she backs off and tries to offer support. Leela tells them that she is completely lost at the minute since Cameron went to prison and almost confesses to Peris where abouts when Ziggy asks if she's seen her but Leela maintains that she's at a summer camp.

When Leela leaves Michaela highlights that Leelas stories dont add up and recalls the strange things she'd seen and heard when she and Leela went out a while back. Ziggy decides to visit Leela at home and she gets defensive over his questioning but soon confesses, in tears, that it was Peri who killed Lotty.

Ella is making her presence felt in the village as she struts around like a local celebrity. She bumps in to Myra in The Magic Bean and plays all sweetness and light but soon crosses her when Ella asks how Carmel is - Myra walks away. Cindy, who is in the coffee shop, tells Ella that Carmel died and Ella seems genuinely sad by it whilst pretending not to remember Cindy. As Ella entertains a crowd with her stories of globe trotting and riches Cindy cuts her off by broadcasting the story of when Ella got caught stealing a charity bucket from their year nine fund raiser. Ella certainly remembers her now.

Jude comes to meet Cindy and sees her in a war of words with Ella. Jude tells Cindy to back off which causes Cindy to ask why. Jude tells her that Ella has proof of her affair and Cindy is livid that it's been continuing after she promised to end it. Jude has another shock for her - she's pregnant.

WEDNESDAY JULY 29
Tegan tells Leela that a student has been attacked and Leela asks whether she should really be telling her this. Robbie finally learns that Nina is in hospital after her brother called to ask why she never made it home for the weekend. Robbie is heartbroken when he sees how bad shape she is in but she tells him she was hit by a car and tells Tegan to confirm it.

Robbie is enraged that someone just left her and Tegan tries to encourage Nina to be honest but Nina is having none of it and tells her that Robbie would actually kill whoever done it.

Carley walks in to 'The Dog' and is greeted by a slap from Esther who berates her for disappearing and having her phone off for three days and not contacting anyone. She tells her that Nina is in hospital and thought something had happened to her. Carley tries to make the conversation about Nina but Esther demands to know where she's been. Unable to lie to her cousin she confesses that she went to visit Luke.

Greg is doing some maintenance work on the outside of the pub as Dodger sits drinking alone. Greg highlights that he looks miserable as sin and Dodger tells him that his sister and his fiance are 'going on tour' and he's going to be at home with two girls under a year old, a Dad that's learning to walk again, a sometimes crazy mother-in-law-to-be that is only six years older than him and a brainiac almost step-sister that once accused him of rape. Greg gives a sympathic laugh and says his psycho twin sister has just arrived in town - Dodger tells him not to even try and compete on that front.

They introduce themselves properly and spend the rest of day doing 'lad' stuff. Football in the village, drinking races and all the likes, bonding - until Ella interrupts them. She immediately begins flirting with Dodger who rejects her advances and goes to get a drink. Greg threatens Ella to leave and to delete the photo of Alan and Jude stating that Mums been through enough. Dodger isn't sure what to think when he sees Greg twisting Ellas arm and snatching her phone before throwing it in the pond.

Marilyn is locking up the school for summer as Myra arrives at the gates. She wants to go for lunch and some girly time. The two of them head to 'The Hutch' and spend the day drinking bucks fizz. Whilst Marilyn is in the toilet Myra sneaks some of her drink and discovers that it's orange juice. As Marilyn returns Myra confesses her deed and Marilyn looks coy. Myra jokes that Marilyn has never said no to a drink unless she's been pregnant 'and there's no way you're preggers at forty seven'. When Marilyn reacts Myra realises that she is, infact, pregnant.

THURSDAY JULY 30
Robbie is at the halls packing Nina's stuff as the students prepare to move out. Esther is bemused as to why the boys aren't packing and they tell them that they've secured their rooms for another year because Dougie 'made friends' with the accomodation liason. Carley and Esther reveal that Jack has paid the deposit on one of the new flats by the pond which soon shuts them up.

Robbie flips out at how fun and casual they're all being when their friend is in hospital but Nina comes through the door and tells him unconvincingly that she is fine. Everytime Nina tries to something Robbie stops her and overtakes causing her to flip out at him. She shoves past him with her bags and tells him she's leaving. When everyone follows her outside a taxi is waiting. Robbie asks what's going on and she tells him that she's dropped out of Uni and she's not coming back. Everyone is stunned. Robbie chases after the taxi but Nina doesn't look back. Robbie turns to the others and asks what the hell happened that night.

Ella is walking through the village when she sees a huge poster advertising the television premiere of 'The McQueens of England'. She draws devil eyes on Mercedes before walking over to the McQueens house where she apologises to Myra about the mistake with Carmel before singing her praises. Mercedes comes downstairs and asks what she's doing there - Ella says she's come to clear the air but it becomes very apparent that Ella wants to get in with them now that they have a TV show.

Mercedes warns Ella not to cause any more trouble for her parents after the year they've had and Myra accidentally lets slip 'especially with a new one on the way'. Mercedes ushers Ella out before Myra can say anymore and ask sher Mum what she's talking about. Myra tells her Marilyn is pregnant.

As Ella leaves she makes a phone call 'You wont believe what I just found out'
Cindy and Jude are leaving the hospital where Jude gets official confirmation that she is pregnant. Cindy asks what she's going to about and Jude tells her 'I'm not a mother. I'm not. I'm barely even a sister but I'm thirty eight - it's now or never'. Cindy vows to support her but tells her she has to tell Alan the truth.

Mercedes is storming down the street on her phone, desperately trying to get hold of Greg. She crashes in to Jude and Cindy and their bags spill everywhere. Mercedes snaps at them before walking off, as she's putting her stuff back in her bag she realises she's holding a baby scan. 'You're 'avin' a laugh'

FRIDAY JULY 31
A desperate Robbie hits the bottle in wake of Ninas departure and begins causing trouble around the village. Ziggy tries to get through to him but to no avail. When Robbie lashes out at him he gives up and tells Robbie he can't do it again. Tegan sees the ruckus and asks what's happened - Ziggy says Nina has left him. Tegan tries to get through to Robbie and in doing so she accidentally tells him what happened.

A heartbroken Robbie heads to London to find Nina. She is stunned to see him and he plays with Nyla for a while before asks Nina's brother to give them a minute. Nina says it's fine. Robbie looks her in the eye and calmly asks whether she was attacked. She brushes it off and says he's being silly. He asks her again and again and again until she breaks down in his arms.

Dodger is out in the village with the kids when he sees Ella engaging in a rather heated conversation with a shady looking man. When he grabs her arm Dodger plays white knight and Ella plays the victime. He takes her for a drink and she tells him that it's her ex boyfriend who has followed her to Hollyoaks but she doesn't want to tell the family as they've been through enough. Dodger tells her he'll look out for her. Later, Ella meets up with the man again – Isaac – and tells him that her Dad;s not going to budge about money but tells him the village is full of idiots and it wont be hard to con anyone.

Amy is going for her check up after her operation whilst Ste takes Leah and Lucas to church to sign them up for Sunday School much against Leahs wishes. Chris and Amy anxiously await the news and are relieved when they get the all clear. When Ste tells the kids that god made Mummy better Amy is uncomfortable in his new found faith as she is not religious.

JACQUI MCQUEEN TO RETURN TO HOLLYOAKS

Claire Cooper is set to reprise her role as Jacqui McQueen after two and a half years away from the role.

The actress left the soap in April 2013 after Jacqui went on the run following threats by Trevor Royle but Jacqui is lured back to the village after recieving news of a death that could change her life forever.

Jacqui will be back in late September.

MONDAY AUGUST 3

Phoebe is doing her best to make Ben feel at home at The McQueens but it's not easy with Myra, Nana and Mercedes constantly bickering or with Matthew constantly breaking things. Phoebe apologises for the chaos and tries to get him to open up about how he got to where he is but she doesn't get anywhere.

Ross comes over with pizza for himself and Phoebe and offers his half to Ben. Before long, Ben is beginning to feel more comfortable as Ross continues to be his usual silly self. When Ross encourages a dancemat challenge Ben goes back in to his shell before heading upstairs. Ross goes up to see him and opens about his adoption in hope of getting through to Ben but he's already put his walls up.

Phoebe asks Ross how Ninas doing and he tells her that she hasn't spoken to any of them.

Following Tegans suspension from work the tension is rising between herself and Leela with absolutely no income coming in to the house other than Ste. What begins as a friendly drink to unwind and forget their issue, soon becomes a slanging match between the sisters as they each place the blame for the families downfalls on each other.

Tegan finally lets it off her chest that she blames Leela for their parents death and Peri's behaviour which leads to Leela slapping her across the face before storming out. Ziggy and Michaela find Leela in the street, drunk. Michaela takes her up to her flat whilst Ziggy goes to confront Tegan but when he gets there he finds her crying on the floor.

Amy is frustrated when she discovers that Ste has signed the kids up for Sunday school but Chris tries to get her to see the positive side of Ste's new found faith. When Amy confronts Ste about making the decision without her, he explains that he prayed the baby would be okay and promised that he would be a better person if it was - and now he has to keep that promise.

Amy bumps in to John Paul and asks whether he's seen this new side of Ste and whilst John Paul explains that Ste's addictive personality means he becomes obsessive over things whether thats drugs, drink, people or religion, it's a positive thing for him but Amy just can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.


TUESDAY AUGUST 4

Alone and upset Tegan decides to visit Nina to try and set things straight. She goes over all guns blazing but upon seeing how fragile Nina is she immediately softens and turns on nurse mode in order to support her. Nina, however, is not having any of it and tells Tegan that the reason she can't move on from what happened is because Tegan made it public property - she made it real and now 'There's nothing left of me. I'm a victim and my daughters mother - she's dead'.

As Tegan leaves the flat she worries that she may have made things even worse for herself and heads to the hospital to try and score some brownie points however she is greeted by her superior who has jsut recieved a phone call from Alan Daniels who is now acting as Ninas solicitor as she plans to sue Tegan and the hospital for breach of doctor patient confidentiality.

Nancy brings Charlie over to play with Leah and Lucas and to have a catch up with Chris. She brings around an old photo album that features pictures of Becca. Amy is saddened when she sees a picture of Sarah and doesn't have time for Ste when he tells her that Sarah is in a better place. Amy goes for a walk to get some air and Nancy asks Chris if everything is okay at home but he brushes it off.

In the village Nancy finds Amy who apologises for walking out and tells her that she's struggling to have Ste around so much. Amy explains that there's too much tension at The Lomax's for Ste to keep his head straight and so he's always at theres but they never have time to themselves and still haven't had a honeymoon. Nancy tells Amy how proud Sarah would be of her but they're cut off as Charlie begins violently vomiting and Nancy has to take him home.

Phoebe is getting nowhere with Ben when she tries to get Tom to befriend him and Ben just shuns him to the point that Tom calls Ben out on how rude he is and calls him a lost cause. Phoebe talks about her life on the streets and how Jacqui took her in and tells Ben that she's not going to give up him. Ben finally reveals that his parents are dead and he lived with uncle who is an alcoholic and was violent so he ran away. He tells Phoebe he doesn't want to go back on the streets and thanks her. He asks if he can have his own key to which she obliges.

Ben goes to the shop and returns with money. Phoebe is initially annoyed at him when he confesses he stole a phone and sold it to one of the students but when he tells it was so he can take them for dinner she softens up. As they leave the house someone is watching from behind the hedge. In 'The Dog' Ben apologises to Tom and asks for another chance.

When the two of them get back to The McQueens the door is open and the house has been trashed.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 5

Theresa is on cloud nine as things between herself and Trevor seem to be back on track following Graces disappearance but Theresa is never going to get the level of affection from Trevor that she desperately seeks as he makes it quite clear that their relationship is one of 'benefits' and nothing more but that doesn't stop her crowding him. When Trevor tries to send her out with another client she is slapped in the face with the reality of what he thinks of her.

Mercedes asks Theresa what she's doing with Trevor and whilst Theresa tells her that she's getting closer to find out whether he killed Grace or not, Mercedes knows Theresa is kidding herself. Their conversation is interrupted as Theresa sees Dodger with Carmella who begins crying as soon as Theresa picks her up. Dodger makes a speedy exit and Theresa tells Mercedes that she just wants a family to which Mercedes quips 'Right, because the forty of us under one roof aint enough?'.

Theresa pretends to be asleep after a night with Trevor and when he's gone goes back into the place she found Graces passport and finds all of her stuff gone. Theresa tells Trevor when he returns that she wants to move in but he's having none of it.

Tegans meeting at work is bought forward and she arrives with Ste for support. There's immediate tension in the hallway as Nina and Alan arrive. Ste tells Tegan that Nina is just funnelling her anger in to her because she's not accepted what happened to her and hopefully it will all blow over.

In the meeting Tegan begins reeling off a dramatic apology before anyone says a word and begs for her job. Alan is hard faced on Ninas case citing emotional trauma and humiliation as a result of Tegans carelessness and things are looking bad for Tegan until she begins crying about Rose and not being able to care for her. This softens Nina as she relates to her but when Tegan brings up the rape again Nina freezes over and wants to move forward. As the meeting comes to an end Tegan is told that she no longer works at the hospital.

Myra and Nana are fuming about the house and Ben offers to fix the broken furniture saying he learnt skills from when his uncle used to smash up the house. John Paul notes that there were no signs of a break-in which leads to Nana accusing him Ben of doing it but Phoebe defends him saying they were together the entire time. Later, Phoebe carefully approaches the topic with Ben and asks whether he has any idea what happened and he makes sure he drops his key in front of her to make her know that he has had it on him.

THURSDAY AUGUST 6

Leela has made herself at home at Michaelas much to her dismay. Michaela asks whether Leela and Tegan have sorted things out and as if by magic Ste knocks at the door to plead with Leela to sort things out - revealing that Tegan has lost her job. Leela begrudingly slopes off of the sofa and skulks out of the door. Michaela asks Ste whether Amy is okay, saying she's not been answering her calls to which Ste says she's fine, leaving Michaela miffed.

As Ste returns to the house with Leela she finds Tegan watching TV in her pyjamas and asks why she's not looking for a job which Tegan reminds her that she too is unemployed and for the same reason! Leela becomes more sympathetic for a short while as they enjoy dinner with Ste but a call from Peri's detention centre stating that she had been in a fight and put a girl in hospital.

Nina is determined to go back to work and get on with her life but Robbie isn't sure and wants to go with her. She's having none of it and wants to keep her head down and get on with things. Robbie tells Harry that Nina is having a rough time and to keep an eye on her at work which he does and the two of them have a laugh on the job which ends in a bit of water fight, however, when Harry whips Nina on the bum with a cloth she flips out at him and lays in to him. Robbie is passing by and pulls her off before taking her home.

When Nina gets home the police are waiting for her as they want to continue her questioning now that some time has passed for her to clear her head. Nina recalls the night the best she can but relays that she was incredibly drunk. They tell her that they've reviewed the CCTV from The Loft exit but due to the heavy rain it's not very clear. As Nina recalls the night she freezes up as she tries to remember anything past The Loft and tells them she can't remember anything.

After Theresa expresses her concern about the break-in at the house and Kathleen-Angeles safety, Trevor is unable to say no to Kathleen-Angel and lets the two of them move in to the flat but makes sure that they know it is a temporary arrangement until Theresa gets her pay cheque from 'The McQueens of England'.

Theresa sets up home straight away and when she finds a box of Graces stuff under the bed she throws it out, confirming to Trevor 'Well, she's not coming back is she?' to which he gives a firm 'No' with a smile.

FRIDAY AUGUST 7

Things at The Lomax house reach boiling point as Leela returns from the detention centre and discovers that Peri has to stay in their for two months longer than she was supposed to due to her hitting a girls head on a table during a fight. She takes it out on Tegan who still hasn't moved from the sofa and when Rose starts crying Tegan tells Leela 'Just because your child grew up to be a gangster don't kick off in front of mine'. Leela throws her drink at Tegan and tells her to get out but Tegan refuses.

Later, when Ste returns home from work Leela has her bags packed but he blocks the door and lays in to them for fighting again telling them he can't cope with it. They both simmer down but Leela quietly warns Tegan to watch her back.

Harry apologises to Robbie and asks whether Nina is okay and Robbie says she's just going through a bit of a rough patch and asks whether he can do her shift tonight, however, when Nina turns up for work Harry and Robbie are both shocked. She apologises to Harry and then gets on with the job. When a customer asks whether they do take away chips Nina flashes back to being in the take away with Ross.

After work Nina heads over to see Ross and asks whether he remembers anything about that night. She asks why he's been avoiding her and he begins crying saying he feels like it's his fault 'I went to go to the toilet and I came back and you were gone and...and...I couldn't find you! I should've been there'. Nina begins crying too and hugs Ross. As he grabs her hand she recalls the hand grabbing her in the alley and tenses up. She tells him she has to leave and near on sprints out of the door.

Phoebe goes for dinner with Robbie as he confides in her about what's going on with Nina. She tells him that he is more than capable of supporting her after how he was with her but Robbie says it's driving him insane because everytime he looks at anyone in the village he wonders if it's them and he has to use all of his strength to keep it together. Phoebe tells him he doesn't have to keep it together with her and she shows him 'the pillow'.

She explains that before she got used to all of the family and their bickering she used to grab a pillow, hold it to her face and scream as loud as she could. The two of them repeat this over and over until Robbie lets out a deep breath and sits back down again. Ben is walking up the path way when he hears someone call his name. He looks around before seeing someone at the side of the garden. 'I told you not to come here' he says. The person steps in to the light, hissing 'I told you, I make the rules'. She pulls down her hood and reveals herself as Deena.

There's one hell of a lot of posts coming over a short time for me to get my anniversary episodes out at the same time as the shows. Obviously there's been about a 8 weeks gap between the real show and mine so for those who need to catch up here is a quick recap before new episodes tomorrow.

RECAP
THE MCQUEENS
- Mercedes owns The Loft and after being bailing on the attempt to take Trevor down she is helping Debbie find a missing Grace and supporting life long friend Greg through his family troubles.
- After being welcomed back by The McQueens after losing her children and a stint as an escort, Theresa has manipulated her way back in to Trevors bed to get close to the truth about Grace
- Phoebe and Ross are engaged to be engaged after his heroism during the Lucy drama. She was also pivotal in unveiling Patricks abuse of Holly and sending him to prison. Recently she has taken in a homeless boy named Ben who unbeknownst to her is working with Deena.
- Louis has been attending therapy after several dark patches with PTSD from the army and is struggling with Libertys new found fame seeking solace with a stranger on holiday. John-Paul briefly dated Dougie and tutored Jason and currently works at HCC. Myra is becoming obsessed with fame.
- Michaela is living with Liberty after struggling living with Ziggy. She is currently becoming a confident to Leela as she continues her war with Tegan

THE LOMAXES
- Leela lost her job after telling Mercedes and Theresa that evidence to a potential attacker was found in Trevors flat after the fire.
- Tegan has also lost her job after breaking patient-doctor confidentialiaty and telling Nina's boyfriend Robbie about her being raped.
- Peri is currently in a correctional facility after killing her aunt Lotty following a drunken attack on Ste. Cameron confessed to the murder to save Peri's future.

THE OSBORNES / BLOOMS
- Jack has started up work as a P.I and is investigating a cold case for a girl missing since the 80's. He recently ended his marriage with Frankie following her constant judgement and interfering behaviour.
- Frankie is currently staying in London with Jake after being kicked out by Jack but she will be back.
- Debbie befriended Grace during the Lucy saga and is currently obsessing over where she has gone.
- Darren owns The Loft with Mercedes and is struggling with Debbies behaviour. He lives with his brothers and has a strong bond with Robbie.
- Esther is keeping a low profile after the Lucy drama and a generally chaotic year. Lucy has recently revealed that she has continued to see Lucy's twin brother Luke. Tom is creating a book based on the 'strange and brutal' deaths over the history of Hollyoaks village

THE HUTCHINSON
- Tony discovered that Harry had been involved in drugs and has stolen 5k from Trevor. Their rough relationship was amended and they got out of Trevors shadow after Tony donated a kidney to save Trevors life. Harry recently began a relationship with Holly.

THE CUNNINGHAMS/SAVAGES
- Dirk is making a slow recovery after losing his leg in a car accident on his wedding day
- Cindy has become the back bone of the family after sticking with her medication and being there for Dirk and following her mothers death
- Jude has re-ignited a twenty year old affair with Alan Daniels and has discovered she is pregnant. Alans eldest children both know of the affair.
- Libertys music career is taking off following a stint on Big Brother and Maxine is along for the ride as her manager whilst Dodger is a stay at home dad.
- Holly is doing a summer internship at the law office and has been offered the chance to attend University a year early

THE ROSCOES / NINA DEE
- Robbie currently runs The Loft and is trying to support girlfriend Nina and her daughter Nyla. Recently he has learned that Nina was raped and is leaning on best friend Phoebe for support.
- Jason is currently living in Spain whilst he awaits his A-Level results. He was last seen confessing his feelings for on-again-off-again friend Dougie
- Ziggy sold the garage and is trying to be head of the family with the support of Darren. He is currently wrapped up in the Lomaxs dramas much against Michaelas wishes.
- Nina is trying to piece things together after being raped on her way home from Dougies 21st birthday

THE COLES / STE HAY
- Amy and Chris are dealing with the news that their unborn child has brittle bone disease. A recent operation seems to have given them the all clear leaving Amy to focus on clashing with Ste
- Following years of disastarous dependent relationships Ste has found god and he's found him in a big way

THE DANIELS / ROSS SIMPSON
- Alan is investigating the missing girl with Jack and has no idea that both his wife and mistress are pregnant
- Marilyn is hiding her pregnancy from her family whilst becoming an emotionally surrogate mother to the Lomaxes following Peris drama
- Greg is doing his best to stay out of trouble and has started a relationship with Nancy whilst bonding with Tom but the arrival of his sister Ella is causing him grief. He and Mercedes uncovered his fathers affair
- Kaya is struggling with the lack of attention from her family and with Holly leaving school
- Dougie has just had his 21st birthday and after flings with just about everyone and the brief return of his ex, Dougie is currently living with the fall out of the lads holiday

COMING UP
- Jacqui McQueen returns (August 28th)
- A charity fundraiser leads to disaster and death (20th Anniversary)
- A betrayal is revealed
- Grief becomes obsession for one resident
- One of the shows central relationships ends
- Alopecia sets in for a stressed out villager

POSTING SCHEDULE
- August 10 - 14, August 17 - 21 posted Tuesday October 13th
- August 24 - 28, August 31 - Sept 4 Wednesday October 14th
- Sep 7 - 11, Sep 14 - 18, Sep 21 - 25 Thursday October 15th
- Sep 28 - Oct 2, Oct 5 - 9 Tuesday October 20th
- Oct 12 - 16 Wednesday October 21st
- 20th Anniversary week Friday October 23rd

MONDAY AUGUST 10

Holly is in full swing of her summer apprenticeship with Jude and Alan although Jude seems to believe that Holly exists in the role to be her personal slave and has her running ridiculous errands and when Holly questions her role Jude starts showing her 'real work' by fobbing off her responsibilities on to her niece whilst she goes off for a spa treatment.

Cindy comes in to bring Holly lunch and asks where Jude is to which Holly offloads on her Mum about the way Jude is treating her. Cindy recalls that Jude was the same growing up and tells Holly to get her own back. When Jude returns she looks over Hollys work and sees that she has done it all wrong and mixed two accounts up leaving Jude in a huge panic. Holly then shows Jude that she has done the real work before reminding her that she's 'not some dumb kid' and wont be bullied by her.

As Libertys single climbs in to the top twenty Maxine reveals to her that she has organised a promotional tour beginning in two weeks that will take her all over the country 'and to some random place in Europe I can't pronounce - but they love you'. An excitable Liberty tells Louis when he gets home from therapy but he doesn't seem interested in what she has to say.

Liberty confides in Maxine that she thinks that Louis is going off of her and doesn't know how to keep his attention. Maxine reminds her that he's been going through a lot and maybe she should surprise him with a night out - or in. Whilst Louis is at the gym, Liberty makes dinner and sets the flat up for a romantic night in whilst dressing up, however, Louis rejects her affection once again and heads straight to bed.

Dodger is emptying out the Emporium when Ella comes over to talk to him - to find out what he's doing. He says that he's starting a new business but keeping it close to his chest. She highlights what an admirable chest it is but, upon seeing Isaac in the alley way, she rushes off. Isaac and Dodger exchange glances.

Later, Dodger sees Ella and Isaac arguing once again but this time they see him too. Isaac goes over to the emporium as Dodger locks up. Dodger says he's not interested in speaking to him but his attention is peeked when he introduces himself as Ellas husband.

TUESDAY AUGUST 11

Dodger isn't impressed when Liberty insists that Maxine accompany her on tour. Maxine tells her that she can't go but Liberty tells her that the tour wouldn't be happening without her and she has to go. Dodger is convinced that Maxine will turn down the opportunity so he is completely rocked when she says she will go. Dodger and Maxine clash over the fact that she will be away for a month leaving him with two babies whilst he's trying to start a new business.

Dirk tells Dodger that he's got to let Maxine find her feet again after Patrick but Dodger says he's done nothing but support her and help her find her feet to the point that he's lost his own 'I feel like I'm not my own person. I'm their Dad, her boyfriend - I'm not Dodger anymore. I'm not even Mark'. Dirk encourages Dodger to tell Maxine how it feels but the conversation does not go well as Maxine shows her excitement at going on the tour.

Dodger agrees to put back the opening of the business but tells Maxine she has to be back by the agreed date so that he can continue with his work. She agrees but doesn't know what to do when she gets a call from the label telling her they want to extend the tour by another month across Europe.

Jack is at Alans office discussing the missing girl case and asking how Holly is getting on. Alan isn't really in to personal conversations and when Jack pushes further Alan asks about Frankies whereabouts which soon shuts Jack up. As they go over old newspaper reports Jack finds something that Tom has slid in to his work but dismisses it. He gets a call from Esther who is having trouble at the pub and says he'll be back soon.

Whilst Jack is gone Jude returns from her break and is cold with Alan. She tries to walk through to her office but he grabs her by the arm causing her to drop her bag revealing a flyer about abortion options. Alan quizzes whether she's pregnant but she instinctly tells him that it's for Holly.

Charlie is playing up as Greg and Nancy try to prepare a family dinner and even Gregs playfulness doesn't deter him. Nancy says that he's been off school sick but was fine playing at the weekend so just to ignore him. They get a surprise visitor from Ella who has let herself upstairs in The Dog and wants to speak to Greg but he's not interested. The two of them have yet another argument and Ella goes to storm out but stops and looks through to Charlies room where she sees him unconscious on the floor.

Ella drives Nancy, Greg and Charlie to the hospital where Darren is already waiting for them. Greg and Ella wait outside for them and Greg thanks her for bringing them but tells her she can go. She softens and says she's not a complete cow and finally apologises for not being at Maya's funeral explaining that she was 'black and blue' from Isaac. She tells Greg that he was her old boss and she owed him money and he's come to get it. He vows to protect her.

Darren and Nancy hold hands as they watch nurses deal with Charlie.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 12

Jack, Esther, Tom, Darren and Nancy are at the hospital with Charlie as they await the results of his blood tests. Jack tells them that he's tried to get hold of Frankie but she's not picking up. The group run over all kinds of possible outcomes in their hide whilst trying to keep a brave face for Charlie. Nancy and Darren are called outside by the doctor who reveals to them that Charlies Leukemia has returned.

As Darren breaks the news to the family one by one Nancy is unable to cope and flees the hospital. Jack finds her at Beccas grave sobbing her heart out. He sits with her and tells her that he's a fighter and he has a team of fighters behind him. Nancy tells Jack that she wasn't a match for Charlie last time he was sick and she has no family left and has no idea where Justin is. Jack turns around and lets go of Nancys hand as Chris arrives and throws his arms around her.

Nancy returns to the hospital with Chris and alongside Darren, she does her best to explain to Charlie what is wrong with him.

Liberty wakes up to find that Louis has slept on the sofa and demands to know what's going on with him stating that her patience has worn thin. John Paul arrives to meet Louis for lunch and Louis uses it as an excuse to get out. Later, Liberty corners John Paul and compares herself to one of his sisters until he reminds her that they never actually met until she came back to the village. Liberty continues to stalk him through out the day but he is holding up, however when he is in the bathroom Liberty sees a message from Louis on his phone saying 'Why are you with Lib? Don't say a word!'.

Elsewhere, Mercedes tries to get through to Theresa after recieving an S.O.S from Grace and tells her to get away from Trevor before he cottons on to what she's doing but when Theresa defends him Mercedes realises that Theresa genuinely has feelings for him.

Mercedes tries to get help from Greg but he's too distracted with what's happening to Charlie. Mercedes decides she needs someone with cunning and expertise in getting information out of people and turns to the only person for it - Nana.

THURSDAY AUGUST 13

It's detective mode all around in Hollyoaks!

First up Liberty is on the warpath as she becomes determined to find out Louis' secret and drags Leela in to help her as payment for crashing at her flat. Leela isn't much use as she spends the majority of the time either sitting down complaining about Tegan or getting drunk. Leela deduces that it must be something to do with the holiday they went on and turns to Ziggy.

As ever, Ziggy sticks with the guy code and says 'what happens on a lads holiday stays on a lads holiday, not that anything happened on a lads holiday'. Louis soon catches on to the girls strange behaviour and when Leela drunkenly confronts Louis about cheating on Liberty he panics and lies saying he was going to propose to her and ends up roping Leela in to a last minute proposal only Liberty isn't alone they get back to the flat - she tells Louis that she went through his phone and found pictures of him at a house party with a girl. Louis says she was just a friend but then the girl - Emma - steps out from the bedroom 'your friend messaged you whilst I was online asking for your address'.

Emma steps forward and tells Louis that she is pregnant.

Nana sees Trevor in the village and says that she's got no money since Grace went on her walkabout and asks whether he needs a cleaner. He tells her that his flat is a state with Theresa and Kathleen-Angel living in it and hands her a set of keys but warns her that he'll be keeping his eye on her.

Nana cleans the flat from top to bottom and when Theresa returns she is shocked to see her there cooking dinner. Nana soon starts dropping Grace in to every conversation and it's not long before Theresa realises what she's up to and spills dinner on Trevors lap to get rid of him before confronting Nana unaware that Trevor is listening from behind the door, smiling.

The Osbornes are in a state of despair over Charlies condition as word gets around the village Amy goes to see Nancy with Chris and her sympathy lands on death ears as she is reminded about her cruel scam with Ste several years earlier. Amy meets with Ste and tells her what Nancy says, disgusted at herself for ever being a part of it. Chris recieves a call from Nancy telling him he is not a match for Charlie. Ste says he thinks he can help but it might take a miracle.

At the hospital things are getting heated between Jack and Darren as they face the reality of the situation but the tension is broken as Debbie arrives with Frankie.

FRIDAY AUGUST 14

You could cut the tension with a knife as Frankie and Jack are reunited for the first time in weeks and all the bad things happen around them certainly aren't giving them perspective as they near enough talk in one word sentences before Frankie rushes to Charlies side. Debbie and Darren however instantly smooth over their issues over Grace as Darren pleads with Debbie to stay.

Nancy and Frankie have probably their calmest conversation to date once the pleasantries are out of the way. Frankie says that she will contact Jake but when Nancy reminds her that Justin is Charlies father and Jack 'said goodbye to Charlie a long time ago' Frankie uncharacteristacally agrees with her. Nancy asks Frankie how she has been and Frankie tells her that she misses Jack and everyone and after giving Charlie a speech about being a super hero and fighting Frankie declares that she will fight for her marriage but is there anything to fight for?

Debbie goes in to The Loft with Darren as he wants to use work as a distraction. Mercedes goes off at him for not being in all week until she sees the look in his eyes and asks what's wrong. Darren heads to the office before Debbie explains. Mercedes tells Debbie she's got something that will distract her and tells her about the S.O.S. Debbie tells her it's not the time but Mercedes says she has another ace up her sleeve.

Mercedes goes to see Alan at work and reminds him that she has one up on him, bribing him to do free detective work on tracking Grace from the message she recieved. He asks why she's so interested and she said 'She's kind of my mate but also my sworn enemy but if you can't find her and she's dead then that solves an even bigger problem for my family'. Alan tells her that between her and Ella bribing him he has realised what he truely wants and it's not Marilyn.

A panicked Mercedes blurts out that he can't leave her because she's pregnant. Jude walks in at the end of the sentence and asks 'How did you know I was pregnant?'

Meanwhile, Louis is banging at The Savages door as Liberty has gone back home. Dodger answers and is not happy to see him. Louis shoves past Dodger unintimidated and heads up to Libertys old room. He pleads with her to forgive him saying he has no idea what happened that night - he went to a party and woke up in some random room and then Emma was downstairs and told him they'd done stuff but he swears he didn't sleep with her and that he's in love with Liberty.

She is having none of it and when he leaves Dodger goes up to his sisters room and holds her. He tells her she doesn't need him but she says she loves him. After mulling it over Dodger asks whether she'd ever forgive him and if she loves him enough to make it work stating that maybe the tour is a good opportunity for a fresh start away from Hollyoaks.

Tag scene: Ste and Amy pull up to an expensive looking house. Ste sends a text 'I'm outside'. He and Amy begins talking about what a bad idea this may or may not be until there is a knock at the window - it's Justin Burton 'What do you want Ste?'

MONDAY AUGUST 17

Amy is astounded as she takes in the surroundings of Justins new home - Justin explains that he was on the run after the fire at 'The Loft' but when he found out Claire had been arrested he decided to stop running and turn his life around. Him and Russ Owen ran a bar in Italy for four years before selling up. Russ has been sailing around the world with his family on and off whilst Justin invested the money in stocks and shares and made 'a couple of hundred grand'.

Amy isn't entirely convinced by the story but reminds me Ste, who is in awe of the property, Upon noticing Amy's pregnant Justin wonders whether she and Ste are still together to which Ste goes quiet. Justin tells him he knows he's gay and says it was 'obvious from the start' which Ste takes offense too. Amy is getting frustrated with the small talk and blurts out that Charlie is sick which stops Justin in his tracks.

Louis finally gets Liberty to agree to be with him and he begs her for forgiveness but she's heartbroken by his actions but tells him that she doesn't want to be without him but she can't come between him and his child. Louis is determined to prove his commitment to Liberty and swears that he will have nothing to do with Emma which causes Liberty to reject him as he is rejecting his child.

Later, Louis is out in the village with Emma but he's not talking to her she's just following him around and demanding an upfront lump sum of child support money to stay out of his life but he tells her that he's not paying anything up and that if it is his child then he will be a good father. Emma isn't happy with the outcome - she has no interest in Louis.

Ziggy spots Emma in the village and recognises her from the holiday asking whether she was a rep at one of the clubs and what she was doing there. She dodgers the question and he thanks her for looking after Louis at that 'messy party'. That night as Louis debates whether or not to go in to the flat, Ziggy is coming back from the gym and tells him he bumped in to Emma - Louis asks 'You were at that party?' to which Ziggy reminds him that he and Jason went back out in the early hours and found him half out near a beach house. They helped him inside and Emma gave him a bed before driving them back to the village and staying up chatting with Jason.

Louis enters the flat and finds that Liberty and her stuff is gone. He rushes to find her and runs out in front of her car in the village, pleading with her to talk to him. He tells her what Ziggy said and is relieved not to have slept with Emma but Liberty tells him him she still can't be with him - because even if he didn't sleep with her he thought he did and he didn't tell her which means he's capable of doing it. Louis pleads with her not to go but she drives off leaving him in the village.

Ross takes some flowers over to Nina as means of apologising for not being there for her but she isn't interested in seeing him which causes Robbie confusion. Robbie has given Nina the CCTV from the club that night and she keeps viewing herself leaving with Ross over and over again. Nina messages Ross and invites him over but she is not being herself with him. She goes to the bathroom and makes a phone call. When she returns she asks whether he finds her attractive to which he is confused, she continues aggressively pushing the questions of that nature before screaming that he raped her.

Ross is shocked at the accusations but even more shocked when the police arrive moments later and arrest him.

Justin steps out of the car and anxiously looks around the village as he arrives back in Hollyoaks with Ste and Amy

TUESDAY AUGUST 18

Ross is being held in a cell as he repeatedly protests his innocense he. He has coherently repeated his version of the night over and over again, word from word without breaking up. The police question his relationship with Nina telling him that Nina informed them that she had rejected his advances during freshers week. He becomes irrate at this point telling them 'It's freshers week! Everyone makes passes at everyone! You're drunk you don't know what you're doing' but the police use that comment against him.

In the village Phoebe sees Nina and corners her about her accusations, becoming so angry that Dougie has to hold her back. NIna reminds Phoebe that she is the one who wasn't attacked and Robbie aggressively tells his friends to back off but when Dougie softly says to both of them that they know Ross would never do a thing like that Robbie is clearly not convinced that he is the culprit.

A raging Phoebe goes back to Dougies and is threatening to tears Ninas head off but when she calms down she quietly asks 'what if he did do it?'. Having none of it, Dougie asks her to leave.

Jack is back at the pub collecting some things for Charlie to have at the hospital and is surprised when he heads upstairs to find Frankie making lunch. He asks what she's doing up there and she says that he needs to eat. Jack reminds her that she no longer lives there and she can't just go in and out as she pleases. Frankie is clearly devastated by his words and says that she thought they'd be able to talk things through but Jack tells her that there are bigger things going on than their marriage.

Debbie walks in on a tearful Frankie and asks what's happened. Frankie says that she thought time away would do them good but she's realised that whilst she couldn't live without Jack he has moved on from her. They go for a walk in the village and Frankie freezes in her tracks as she believes she's seen Justin but she shakes it off thinking it impossible.

At the hospital Nancy and Darren are reading to Charlie as Nancy gets a phone call from Amy but she ignores it. As the calls to continue she loses patience and walks out of the room to answer it, snapping as she does. Nancy is confused as Amy tells her what she and Ste have done and the colour drains from her face as she looks down the hall and sees Justin standing there.

Nancy and Justin sit in silence as Darren comes out to see where Nancy is gone he can't believe his eyes. There's an awkward hello between the two of them before Darren questions whether Nancy asked him to come but Nancy says 'I didn't even know if he was alive'. Justin asks to see Charlie which Nancy immediately shoots down. Charlie calls for Darren and he tells them to keep it down and work their issues out elsewhere.

The two of them go to 'The Magic Bean' and as Justin tries to explain where he's been Nancy cuts him off with all of the horrible things that have happened, all of the people Charlie has lost and she has lost. She tells him about Warrens return and Claires death and berates him for not being there for Charlie but Justin tells her that he's here now and he can pay for the best treatment. Nancy agrees to let him see Charlie but wants to speak to him first, however as they go to leave they are greeted by a stunned and furious Frankie 'over my dead body'.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19

The Osbornes are in tatters as Frankie continues to fight against Justin seeing Charlie although he is all too quick to remind her that she is effectively 'nothing to do with him' but she bites back telling him he is the one who has had nothing to do with him for nine years and he doesn't get swoop back in and be the hero at the eleventh hour but Esther shuts her grandmother down remind her that it doesn't matter who he is if he can help Charlie then he stays and she doesn't get to argue that.

Debbie is trying to support her mother who is having a hard time but it's causing even more tension between herself and Darren as the bicker over who is right and wrong in regards to Frankie and Jacks relationship. Justin becomes overwhelmed by all of the drama and escapes from the hospital but he is closely followed by Tom. Justin is shocked at how much he's grown up. Tom says he doesn't really remember him but he's glad he's there. As the Osbornes continue to fight amongst themselves Tom sneaks Justin in to see Charlie who is sleeping. Justin kneels down by his bed and notes how small and fragile he looks. Justin takes his hand and begins crying. Moments later Frankie and Nancy both crash through the door but Tom tells them to be quiet. They watch on as Justin breaks down. Nancy nods for Tom and Frankie to leave and she follows, closing the door behind her.

Maxine is trying to sort out some last minute bits before she joins Liberty on tour and casually drops in to conversation that the tour has been extended but Dodger isn't letting her get away with that and insists that she either comes back when they agreed or she doesn't go at all. She tell him not to give her an ultimatum and he says he's not given her an ultimatum, he's giving her a choice. When she tells him he sounds like Patrick he bites and tells her he's nothing like Patrick because he's been patient and understanding for the best part of year, taking a back seat to her needs and watching her live it up whilst he raises two kids 'pretty much alone'.

Later, Maxine asks Dodger whether he still loves her. He tells her that he's never going to stop loving her but the more both of them change...she finishes his sentence 'the less we belong together'. Dodger asks whether this is the end for them and Maxine cries saying they have a daughter, there is no end for them but says 'this thing, I'm doing - I know you don't understand and I'm sorry for putting so much weight on you but it's something I have to do and if I don't do it I'll never forgive myself' he replies 'and you'll never forgive me'. With that, Maxine kisses baby Annie and kisses Dodger on the head before saying goodbye.

Nina seems to have a weight off her shoulders with Ross being held in a cell but Robbie has an aching feeling that something isn't right and he asks her to consider whether she remembers it clearly. She's furious with Robbie for questioning her and is adamant that it was him. Robbie goes to the club and watches hours and hours of footage from that night on every camera. Eventually he spots a man he doesn't recognise spiking several drinks.

THURSDAY AUGUST 20

Alans head has been a complete state after discovering that both his wife and his mistress are pregnant. Alan has nobody to turn and finds an unlikely confident in Mercedes. He confesses to her that he was planning on leaving Marilyn stating that their relationship has been non existent since Mayas death but Mercedes tells him to man-up and stop hiding behind his dead daughter and be there for his wife.

That evening Marilyn has prepared a family dinner and has agreed to let Ella join them at Kaya's insistence as they want to welcome Ross home. Marilyns behaviour is all over the place and Kaya makes a joke about her going through the menopause but Alan shuts her down. Alan tells Marilyn that he knows she pregnant and she seems scared about what he might say. He glances over at a picture of Maya and observes Greg messing about with Kaya and Dougie. He gives Marilyn and a kiss on the forehead and tells her it's time for them to be a family again and to move on. They tell the kids they have an announcement.

Mercedes takes great satisfaction in telling Jude that Alan is staying with Marilyn but she regrets her attitude as Jude runs off. Mercedes follows her and apologises, telling her how she felt when she was pregnant with Bobby. Telling Jude some people just aren't designed to be mothers. As Jude goes to the hospital in tears and desperate for a termation she sees Tom who asks what she's doing there. She pretends she's come to see Charlie and Tom thanks her for 'finally being a proper sister'. As Jude watches on at the Osbornes despair she flees the hospital and is sick outside.

Nina gets the shock of her life when she sees Ross arrive in a police car and starts screaming abuse at him. Robbie comes outside and runs over to calm her down. He asks why she hasn't been picking up her phone and she says she left it at home. Nina calls Ross a rapist and he stops and walks over to her and looks her dead in the eyes 'You KNOW I didn't do it. I am truely, truely sorry for what's happened to you and I hope with all my strength you get some resolution to this and some justice - but you...you've ruined my life! I'm going to lose my job, I might get kicked out of Uni -'. Ross sees Phoebe 'I don't have a girlfriend'. Phoebe seems confused and follows Ross.

Robbie tells Nina that he found the culprit and it wasn't Ross. She starts hitting him in rage before breaking down crying and demanding to see the footage. He hands her a copy and says he gave the original to the police. She watches in shock and says she has no idea who the man is 'How can we fight someone when we don't know who they are? He's still out there!'

Phoebe catches up with Nina and tries to hug him but he pushes her away telling her that Dougie told him what she said 'You considered it - you thought I could do something like that?'. Ross walks away before Phoebe can speak.

Darren is in 'The Loft' trying to re-work the rota to free-up the next few weeks for himself. His frustration is bubbling and he throws a glass across the room which narrowly misses Justin as he walks in. Justin notes how the place looks good for somewhere that burned down - Darren says if the walls could talk they'd need a therapist.

Surprisingly the two of them get on well. Darren reveals that Justins presence has made him uncomfortable as he's been a Dad to Charlie for the last five years and he's finally got some stability in his life. Justin tells him he's not there to step on anyones toes - he's there to hopefully save his sons life but as Justin looks around The Loft it's very clear he may have other ideas.

FRIDAY AUGUST 21

It's an awkward day at the office as Holly observes the intense silence between Jude and Alan. She quizzes Jude about the atmosphere before telling her that she's knows she's pregnant with Alans baby - Jude reluctantly explains the situation and reveals that Marilyn is pregnant so as far as Alan is concerned the baby isn't his and that's the way its' going to stay.

Marilyn comes in to see Alan at work and flaunts their news in front of Jude so Holly makes a point of asking when Jude is going to see 'Dave' again. Marilyn asks who Dave is and Holly tells her that Jude has been seeing him for months and that he lives in Liverpool. Holly gets carried away with the lie and blurts out that Jude is pregnant. Marilyn is stunned and offered a begruding congratuations and insists that they must meet 'Dave'.

Justin has his first proper introduction to Charlie and Charlie is, as ever, full of questions and Justin - alongside Nancy and Darren, does his best to explain things to him. Charlie asks Justin about his Mum and says that Frankie told him that it was Justins fault she died. Justin doesn't know where to put himself and leaves the room as Darren follows him.

An angry Justin finds Frankie at the pub and immediately lays in to her as a stunned John-Paul watches on. He tells her he had no right and Darren supports him. Debbie gets involved when Darren tells Frankie it's no surprise Jack has had enough of her spiteful ways 'Who says that to a kid?'. Debbie tells Darren to calm down and to leave but he takes it further and tells her 'Don't worry I'm leaving. If becoming anything like that woman is in your future then I'm out'.

John Paul approaches Justin outside once things have calmed down and is surprised to see him back. His phone rings repeatedly throughout the conversation until he finally picks it up 'What do you want Russ? Sorry - who is this?'. A shell shocked Justin hangs up the phone and tells John-Paul they have to go to the airport.

The McQueens are having a party to celebrate the premiere of their new show on More4 though Theresa is put out that they're on 'the ugly step child' channel. Myra, Nana, Mercedes, Phoebe, Theresa and a reluctant Louis and Michaela are bundled in to the househouse as Myra and Nana are dressed for the red carpet.

As the show begins Louis is upset to see moments of himself with Liberty and leaves when Michaela says he's only got himself to blame. Myra is upset that she doesn't have her own shot in the opening titles screeching that she's the matriarch and should be the first one which makes the girls laugh though those laughs are soon wiped off their faces when they realise that the network have aimed almost all of the focus on Mercedes and a guest appearance from the more famous Liberty with Myra and Nana sharing a handful of lines and Theresa and Michaela being edited as spoilt brats - well, it's half true.

After the show Myra calls the shows producers and demands more screentime but gets hung up on. The younger girls are making jokes about her being edited out but their jokes simmer down when they see Justin and John-Paul in the door-way. Myra is shocked to see him 'Justin?'. John-Paul says he has news 'There's been an accident - the Owens - they were out on Russ' boat and -' Justin tearfully cuts him off 'Russ is...' Justin looks behind him 'They're all gone'.

Myra peaks her head around the gap between Justin and John Paul and sees a shy and confused boy holding on to his bag 'Max?'.

JUSTINS RETURN EXPLAINED

Hello. A bit of insight in to how I write this show. Obviously 10 months down the line storylining it by myself is NOT very easy and I admit I've dropped the ball in a couple of places but having the break I've had I recognise when stories aren't working the way I'd hoped.

That was the case here. The Charlie/Justin story was written and decided on this week whilst the surrounding stories have been in my head for months. They were written in to replace an entirely different story that will now take place later and have much less prominence. There's so few surviving characters that are note worthy and Justin is one of the very few I could see fitting in with the current characters rather than bringing in further new characters.

MONDAY AUGUST 24#

Mercedes and Myra are at war over what to do about Max with Myra insisting that Jacqui be left to live her life and put herself first for once whilst Mercedes is adamant that her sister should be told about Max's arrival. Justin is quick to chime in that Max isn't a baby and they should speak to him but he says he wants to stay with Justin. Realising this isn't a viable option Justin tells him that he can stay with him for a while but he needs to be with The McQueens until Justin is out of hospital.

Justin and John-Paul take Max to the park to play football and whilst the two men put their past issues behind them and John-Paul opens up about his relationship with Ste, Justin is convinced that Max will be best off with John-Paul which is further highlighted when Max seems to bond with him. As they get home Max tells John Paul he wants to stay with him much to Myras delight but her smile is wiped away when John Paul sides with Mercedes about telling Jacqui.

With all the distractions and arguments going on Ben is become distressed. Phoebe notices all of the colour drain from his face as he recieves a message on his phone and runs out of the house. Phoebe eventually catches up with him and he tells her that his friend is in trouble. Phoebe says that she'll get Mercedes but Ben insists that they have to go now.

As Phoebe and Ben arrive at an old house it's all too familiar for Phoebe as she sees the abandoned items of people on the run. Ben seperates from her in the house for a while and she comes face to face with a hooded figure who reveals herself as Deena. Phoebe tells Ben to run but is paralysed with fear herself as Deena grabs her by the hair and tells her she is going to pay for putting her away for three years. As Deena pulls a knife out she is struck on the head by Ben who grabs Phoebe, shakes her back to reality and tells her they have to leave.

Debbie and Frankie put on a united front and reclaim Debbies room at Graces flat insisting that Debbie signed a tenancy agreement and they're not going to be bullied out by Trevor. Theresa is not happy about them being there but Trevor can't be bothered with the aggrivation and tells them to do what they want. When Theresa tries to push Trevor to get them out he suggests to her that she moves back out asking why she's even living there in the first place. An enraged Theresa floods the flat and makes it look like it was Frankie. Theresa is put out when Trevor is uncharacterisically calm about it.


TUESDAY AUGUST 25

Things between The McQueens continue to be heated as Mercedes and Myra clash. Michaela invites John-Paul, Max and Matthew to stay in Libertys room whilst she away in order to get away from the chaos leading Myra to accuse her children of abandoning her. As Mercedes mimicks Myras complaints she is opening the mail and has her first pay cheque from their television show. A delighted Mercedes tells Myra that she's flying the nest too!

At Michaela's she rants to John-Paul about Louis although John-Paul defends him stating that he has been heartbroken about it ever since and he didn't even actually do anything. Michaela isn't happy that her brother knew about Louis' supposed infidelity but John-Paul ensures that the attention is kept on Max. Michaela encourages Max to talk about Russ but it turns out he may not have been the doting father they had believed as Max recalls that he spent most of his time living with his grandparents because 'Daddy lived on the boat'.

Phoebe and Ben have been hiding out all day trying to avoid questioning by The McQueens, however Nana knows a lying child whens he sees one - after all she's a McQueen - when she catches Phoebe sneaking to the bathroom she stops her in her tracks and is quick to notice a cut on her head. Phoebe says she fell over and Nana asks whether Ross has been knocking her about which she firmly denies. Continuing on her 'Jessica Fletcher' mission Nana waits until Ben is in the bathroom and grabs takes his phone.

Later, as Ben comes down for a glass of water Nana is waiting for him and asks who Deena is. He shrugs it off and she holds up his phone telling him he should really get a lock. Nana accuses Ben of setting a trap for Phoebe and he snaps telling her that he's not the only one keeping secrets. She plays dumb but he tells her that he's been watching her and he's seen her medication 'You're dying. You're dying and you haven't told a single one of your girls - which betrayal do you think would hurt them more?'. Phoebe walks downstairs at the end of the conversation and asks what betrayal. A scared Ben says he's sorry and runs out of the back door again. This time, Phoebe doesn't chase him as Nana passes her his phone.

At the hospital Nancy hasn't slept a wink as she awaits news on when Justin can go in for his bone marrow donor. Greg comes to visit her and support her but she has zoned out over the prospect of potentially losing someone else in her family and can't connect with him. When he tries to hold her hand she pulls away and a bottle of painkillers falls from her bag. Knowing her past he snatches them from her and rushes to the bathroom - she follows him and pleads with him not to throw them away. He begins scattering them in to the toilet as she scrambles for the ones that hit the floor he picks her up and holds her face towards the mirror 'Look at you! LOOK! You are the only one who has been there for that boy his entire life and you are the one he needs when he gets out not this person - chasing broken bills across toilet floors! You. Nancy Osborne. Teacher, journalist, nosey and sometimes snobby brat. Beautiful. Personable. The real you'. Nancy lets out a scream before punching the mirror. Greg asks if she feels better and she tells him she never actually took the pills. He takes her hand and they leave the bathroom.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26

Phoebe is feeling the weight of Bens betrayal but can't help think that all is not right as she reads the messages over and over again Myra and Nana try to convince her that she's better off without him but recalling her own time with Deena she knows that fear can make people do bad things. Knowing she can't go to her family for help she turns to Robbie and tells him that she believes Ben is in trouble - Phoebe is unaware that Ross is in the bar and has heard the whole thing. Before Robbie leaves Ross insists on helping.

Phoebe turns on the location settings of Ben's phone and heads to the old house knowing that Deena will go looking for him. Deena isn't shocked to see Phoebe but Phoebe is shocked to see that Deena already has Ben who is absolutely petrified and is begging Phoebe for forgiveness as Deena has a rope around his neck ready to kick a chair out from underneath him. Phoebe tries to talk Deena down but she has revenge in mind and vows to ruin Phoebes life. Phoebe tells her she can't ruin it any more than she has.

As Phoebe edges nearer to Deena she becomes irrate. Robbie and Ross are hiding upstairs in the house when they hear a noise. They break in to a locked room and find a group of terrified foreign girls who are tied up. As the boys untie them Deena hears the commotion and storms past Phoebe kicking the chair in the process. Phoebe desperately tries to free Ben from the noose as Deena runs upstairs. As Robbie and Deena get in to a struggle Deena drops her phone and Ross uses it to call the police. Phoebe comes running up the stairs and charges as Nina throwing her to the floor. As Ross leads the girls and Ben outside Robbie and Phoebe spot a petrol can that has been knocked over. Moments later Phoebe and Robbie emerge as the house goes up in flames. Ross asks what happened and Robbie tells them they have to go.

Mercedes is viewing flats in Trevors old building when she bumps in to him. He tells her that he's moving back in to his flat now that the fire damage has been fixed, telling her that staying in Graces flat brings back bad memories. Mercedes tries to call his bluff by saying that Grace has been in contact but he gives her a smile and tells her to pass on his love. Mercedes puts in an offer on the flat so that she can keep an eye on Theresa and Kathleen-Angel.

Mercedes makes a phone-call telling someone 'There's plenty of room. I'll see you tomorrow'

With everyone constantly at the hospital Tom decides to spend more time with his neice Holly and asks her whether Alan ever talks about the case he's been working on with Jack. He tells Holly that he found something interesting but she's distracted by Harrys arrival much to Toms annoyance as he soon becomes the third wheel. Whilst she's in the bath Tom takes Judes keys and heads to the office to find the clues he left behind and make them more visible however he is shocked when he finds all of the files in the bin. Tom steals the entire file and takes it home where he sees that Alan has made notes all over the page referencing specific details about the girl.

THURSDAY AUGUST 27

After news gets back to Esther and Carley that Phoebe was in trouble they go to visit her and she gives them the full story about Ben. Carley gives Phoebe props for having the patience with him and says she'd not have been so caring. Phoebe tells them that Robbie has taken Ben to see Tegan to get checked up on as they need to avoid hospitals. Esther asks whether they've called the police and Phoebe simply says that it's been dealt with. Phoebe talks about how she can't believe that Ross went with them after what she'd done and Esther tells her that he's in love with her.

Carley puts the idea out that the three of them should get a flat together 'because I definitely am homeless in about three weeks' but Phoebe says she wants to be able to keep a closer eye on Ben and help him the way The McQueens helped her. Carley asks how she copes with such a big family saying that she only has one brother who is constantly running away from boarding school to prove a point. The girls head to 'The Dog' to get some food and Carleys face drops as Robbie arrives with Ben. Tom greets Ben and asks where he's been. A shell shocked Carley walks over to him and Phoebe asks what's going on.

Esther comes downstairs and reacts in the same way 'Alex, what are you doing here?' Robbie asks who Alex is and Carley says 'Alex...is my brother'. Some lengthy discussions see Ben/Alex reveal that he got kicked out of boarding school before Easter. He tells her that he snuck on the coach trip to France and was living there until he got in trouble with the police. He says he was too scared about what their step-dad might do and so he just never went home until two months ago when he got there and somebody else lived there. He didn't know where she was and so he stayed with friends some nights on on the streets on others.

Phoebe heads home but gets the sense the entire way that she is being followed. Phoebe calls out to see if anyone is there and walks on. As Phoebe gets close to the arch way she sees someone hiding at the corner 'Robbie?'. Phoebe starts running as a very angry and injured Deena comes tearing towards her. As Phoebe runs around the corner she is blinded by car headlights and sudden silence. The car has hit Nina. Phoebe tries to see who is in the car but she can't. When the headlines turn off Mercedes steps out of the car 'Mercy?'. Mercedes gives her a smile before Jacqui gets out of the other side 'I leave you lot alone for five minutes'.

Tom has become utterly convinces that Alan knows more about the missing girl than he's letting Jack know but when Tom tries to speak to Jack he dismisses him as he's got bigger things to worry about with Charlie and Justin going into theatre. Tom doesn't know where to turn to so he goes to see Greg and asks what he'd do if he knew someone was keeping a really important secret from someone, Greg asks what the secret is but Tom says that he can't tell him. Greg tells Tom some secrets are better left unsaid.

Later, Tom goes to see Holly again but she tells him he's busy until he blurts out that he thinks Alan is a murderer.

FRIDAY AUGUST 28

Phoebe, Jacqui and Mercedes are sat in silence in the car as tensions begins to brew. Mercedes counts down to three on her fingers before Jacqui goes off on one about how they're all always in trouble and she's here to pick-up Max but is already on a McQueen crime spree probably shuffling a dead body half way across Chester. Mercedes tells her 'she's not dead you numpty she was was still trying to speak when you bashed on the head with the car boot and anyways you were the one who yanked the steering wheel when you saw Phoebe legging it through the village like we're blimmin' Thelma and Louise'. Jacqui asks who they just ran over and when Phoebe tells her a snarl creeps across Jacquis face 'The woods'.

As they get to the woods Deena comes around and finds herself tied to a tree with the car lights shining on her as Jacqui and Mercedes step in front to create silouhettes. They nod at each other with a smile about how cool they look but Jacqui stops smiling as she steps over to Deena. She places her hand on her face before digging her nail into Deenas cheek as she tells her 'You are a very lucky woman right now Deena, you see - I do yoga. I am very peaceful person. I even tried for a short time to grow a herb garden but - well - that didn't really go very well. Thing is Deena I like my peaceful life without gangsters threatning to kill my family, the local burning down every other year or scraggy little dogs pimping out teenagers for profit and harassing my Phoebe'. As Jacqui speaks she presses the nail in harder. Phoebe is shocked to see this side of Jacqui 'I've been to prison Deena. I didn't like it. But I will do life if it means getting you out of hers and you know there's really only one thing that's going to get me a life sentence - do you know what it is?' Deena doesn't answer so Jacqui rips off the gag 'Sorry, I didn't catch that?'. Deena begs to be let go and swears to stop doing what she's doing. Jacqui gives her a smile and loads everyone back in to the car. Mercedes reverses back with speed and stops just before she hits Deena. They then rev off leaving Deena covered in mud and tied to the tree crying out for help.

When they get back to Hollyoaks they head straight back to Mercedes new flat and Jacqui rushes inside after seeing Trevor. She lays in to Mercedes for not telling her that he lived in the same building and Mercedes brushes it off 'Get over it Jac! He's threatened to kill all of about a millio times he's puppy. Anyways he's shacked up with our Theresa so it doesn't look very good in the missus if you go and bury their family now does it'. Jacqui can't quite believe what she's hearing and starts tearing into Mercedes yet again but Phoebe jumps to her defence 'And where were you eh Jacqui? Where were you when Browning tried to kill aunti Myra? Where were you when Jim died? When Carmel died? Where were you when Mercy went to prison or when I got attacked? Sunning it up in Spain living in some buddhist temple drinking green tea and reading tarot cards? You weren't there! You don't get to come back in after two years and at like we're all an inconvenience for you! You left us!'

Jacqui makes her apologies and decides that it's time to face Trevor but as she steps in to the corridor she backs out of it and tells the girls 'there's a far scarier monster to deal with first'.

Myra is watching television with Max, Nana and John-Paul and asks John-Paul if he's got a date as he keeps checking the time. He awkwardly avoids the answer before hearing a key in the lock. Mercedes and Phoebe lead the way 'Oh you're back are ya'. 'Yeah I am' Myra is stunned to see the voice belongs to Jacqui and two have an intense stare off 'Anything you'd like to tell me mother?'

JACQUI WEEK
MONDAY AUGUST 31

A big day for Jacqui as she decides to bite the bullet and face the ghosts of her past. Trevor is minding his own business in the aquarium as the door dings and in walks Jacqui closing the door behind her. 'I think you and I need a chat'. Trevor delights in seeing Jacqui but he notes that she has no fear to her this time around. She tells him that it's over - she's not going to play games. He's made threats to her family for years and he's all talk. Trevor sounds it sounds like a challenge and she tells him he's a lone wolf amongst a pack of lions and to back off. Trevor tells her that his 'evil ways' are far behind him but Jacqui laughs in his face 'If I so much as see a single tear running down our Theresas face I am coming for you'.

As she leaves she walks straight in to the next part of her life - Tony who is understandably gobsmacked to see her. She opens with asking how Diane and the kids are but he tells her they left six months ago and he hasn't been able to get hold of them since - Jacqui asks what he was playing at sleeping with Sinead and he's not happy the news got to her. He asks what she's been doing and she tells him she runs a bar in Alicante and that she briefly dated a man named Alejandro but he was 'as much of a liar as the rest of you'. Jacqui is surprised to see Harry come out of 'The Hutch' and he seems happy to see her. Jacqui explains why she's back but insists that she's not staying. Tony asks why she was talking to Trevor and she says she was clearing the air. Harry drops in that Tony saved Trevors life to which Jacqui smiles in disbelief and walks away.

Tom has gone in to see Holly whilst Jude and Alan are out on a lunch break. Holly isn't comfortable with going through files but Tom is adamant. Holly looks in the recycling bin folder on Alans computer and finds loads of school photos one of them is a class picture that features himself and the missing girl in the same photo. Tom tells Holly that he is definitely hiding something and Holly says if he is a killer then they need to not involve themselves in his business. Alan arrives back from his break and asks what they're doing. Holly apologises and says that Tom asked to use the printer as his is broken and school is shut for summer. She quickly prints off a random web page - when Alan questions why Tom wants a page of womens shoes he says it's for Nancy to cheer her up.

Carley and Esther aren't getting very far with getting anything out of Alex (Ben) and so Carley decides to speak to their very absent Grandmother who says that the last thing she heard is their Mum was living in Blackpool. Carley reminds Esther it's where they used to go for family holidays as kids. Carley borrows Jacks car and the three of them head up looking for her Mum.

Esther is filled with sadness as the place reminds her of her Dad and how much she misses him. It doesn't take long for Carley to find her Mum as she's eating fish and chips in their favourite spot. Carley runs straight up and starts shouting at her for being so neglectful that she didn't even tell her fifteen year old son she was moving but she has no words. Carley soon realises why as David, the abusive step-father emerges with drinks. Carley slaps her Mum and tells her that this is the last she will ever ever see of her or Alex telling her 'The only way you're going to learn is when they're shovelling the soil back on top of your coffin which they might aswell do now because you're dead to me'. Carley tells Alex he's staying with her and storms off.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1

As Mercedes moves the last of her stuff out of The McQueens Jacqui tells Myra that she'll be taking Max back to Alicante and not to try and stop her. Myra says that both of them should be around family but Jacqui says being dragged up around this family is the last thing he needs. John-Paul is quick to jump to Myras defense reminding Jacqui that whatever happened in their upbringing they've all been older enough to be responsible for their own actions for years. Max tells Jacqui that he doesn't remember her and wants to stay with John-Paul which breaks her heart.

Nana talks to Myra about why she's so desperately holding on to Max knowing full well that it's not about him being Tinas baby. Myra tells Nana that she's worried they're all going to move on and forget about her saying the only one of her babies she has left is John-Paul and 'he'll be gone as soon as he finds a fella'. Nana tells Myra that her kids have all left home a million times and they all come back because it's home. She needs to let them have the space to make their own choices but Myra snaps back saying that Nana never allowed her that 'You made one of the biggest decisions of my life for me and we've all been paying for it for years'.

Jacqui goes to the hospital to see Justin and is surprised that Ste is there citing that she didn't know they were friends. There's an atmosphere between Ste and Jacqui following her betrayal of John-Paul and she dismisses him to which Ste says he's looking after Justin. Jacqui says she didn't realise Justin went that way and he laughs leaving Ste dejected. Jacqui wants to talk to Justin about Russ or more so about Max - what he knows about him, what he'd want to do and what happened to The Owens.

After Jacqui goes Ste returns to the hospital room and has some food for Justin. He tells him that there's room at the house since Leela moved out so he can come and stay with him whilst he recovers. Justin makes a joke about Ste being his care nurse but it's clear that Ste may want something from it.

Elsewhere, Holly is full of questions at her internship and none of them are about work. She starts talking about how weird it is that she's left school and is going to University. She keeps pushing comments about school and talks about embarassing school photos asking Alan if he has any. He says no and she makes a joke of it saying she reckons she can find something online 'everythings online'. Holly brings up the yearbook picture and they laugh at his hair before Holly points at the missing girl 'Why do I recognise her?'. Alan suddenly changes his mood and tells Holly that she can finish early - she seems excited until he says he means she can finish her internship effective immediately. As she leaves he tells her doesn't appreciate people going through his things and points at the camera in the corner.

Jacqui returns later and tells Myra she's moving in but she doesn't want Myra there. Although Nana tries to put Jacqui in her place Myra agrees to give Jacqui a month to settle in and much to her dismay she turns up at Mercedes door with all of her stuff 'Girls night in!'


WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2

Cindy is furious about Hollys dismissal and insists that Jude fix things but Holly tells her that she doesn't want to continue working there whilst Jude reveals that she's called in sick for the rest of the week so that she can look for another job. Cindy wonders whether she's the only mad one in the family. Dirk asks Holly whats going on and she says she can't talk about it. He asks whether Alan has been inappropriate with her but she's adamant that isn't the case - he tells her that she can talk to him about anything and she shows him the picture telling him that she thinks Alan is hiding something. He asks whether she has spoken to Jack but Holly says that they don't want to put anything else on him whilst Charlie is in hospital.

Dirk spends some time with Tom and Holly examining the picture and realises that he recognises more than just the missing girls face in the picture. He tells the two of them that they're better off leaving it to the professionals and staying out of Alans way. Holly thinks he may be right and heads to her room but Tom isn't willing to give up that easily.

John-Paul is at the park with Max whilst Ste is out with Leah and Lucas. They take a seat on the bench and ponder how both their lives became so full of kids 'little grown ups' as Ste laughs about how Leah has got more of a head on her that him and Amy put together. Ste begins talking about good it is of Justin to come back after all of these years and praising him from all angles. John-Paul agrees to an extent and says he's impressed with the way that he's handled things with Max 'very different from the mouthy trouble maker I went to school with'. When Ste brings every conversation back around to Justin it becomes clear he may have feelings for him which John-Paul points out but Ste gets defensive. When he simmers down Ste says stranger things have happened but John-Paul jokes 'no they haven't'.

Mercedes is out for Jacquis blood after recieving a Myra shaped parcel on her doorstep but she soon takes pity on her Mum as she finds her crying in to her microwave meal for one and drinking a second bottle of Lambrini. Mercedes asks Myra why she's eating that now that they've got a bit of money and Myra tells her 'meals for one is my fate I may aswell accept it now'. Admitting defeat Mercedes agrees to a girly night but the more drunk Myra gets the more nonsense she talks and she tells Mercedes that it's her fault all of them went down the wrong path 'I made you all into liars, cheats, adulterer...resses...adulterees - bad people'. Mercedes tells her to ease up 'we even tried to corrupt Tina and Carmel and look how it turned out for them'.

Myra starts falling asleep and talking about how she should never have listened to Nana.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3

Mercedes meets her siblings for lunch whilst Max plays with Leah and Lucas. Mercedes asks if any of them know when Nialls birthday is saying that Myra sounded like she was mumbling about him in her sleep last night and maybe they need to give her a break at the minute. Jacqui and John-Paul are not on the side of doing anything that remembers Niall which quickly shut Mercedes down. John-Paul tells Jacqui that Max needs some familiarity and being here he already is making friends and Justin will be just down the road 'I know you love him but he's just lost eveything he's ever known. You're not enough'. Jacqui tells them that if she stays there's got to be some changes she doesn't want him growing up in the same envrionment they did with men in and out and crime all around them. Mercedes offers to lend Jacqui a deposit for a flat but Jacqui is thinking on a bigger scale as she keeps a watchful eye on 'The Hutch'.

Later, Jacqui tells Mercedes that she's got some loose ends to tie up in Alicante. Mercedes proposes one last 'girls holiday' before they let adulthood kick in. The McQueens are hitting Alicante. Theresa arrives at the house excited about the news but Jacqui tells her she's not going 'You think I'm going on holiday with someone thats jumped in to bed with a bloke who's tried to kill half the family? You're thicker than you look love'. A bitter Theresa runs straight to Myra to tell her about the holiday but rather than try and join in Myra offers to watch the kids to prove that she 'can do something right'.

Justin is leaving hospital after a successful operation although there's still a long way to go with Charlie. Ste takes Justin back to the house and he admits he's glad to be out of a hotel although it's weird being back in the house he used to live in with his family. Ste does his best to make him comfortable and Justin thanks him for being a mate and for looking out for Charlie. They get talking about Brendan and Justin can't quite believe what's hearing - he's surprised Ste let it happen but then says 'well you've surprised me a lot recently to be honest'. A bold Ste takes the opportunity to go in for a kiss but Justin immediately rejects him telling him 'that's not okay - you can't just do things like that'. A devastated Ste heads to his room embarrassed.

Phoebe heads to The Dog to see how 'Alex' is doing and she finds it weird to be calling him that name. He tells her he prefers Ben which is his middle name anyway. Carley hears them talking and repeatedly calls him Alex but he is defiant and insists on being called Ben. Phoebe asks why Carley is being so hostile with her and she makes it clear that she blames Phoebe for the trouble he's been in to which Phoebe reveals that Ben set her up with a psychopath and he's the trouble maker. When she sees how upset Ben is she tries to go after him but Carley blocks her and tells her to stay away.

Later in the village Ben approaches Phoebe and apologises for everything he's done. She tells him that she forgives him and he needs a fresh starts but she's not prepared when he begins asking questions about what became of Deena.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4

Charlie has the most energy he's had for days and is asking whether he can go back to school on Monday which Nancy says he can't. When Justin hobbles in to the hospital Nancy says that he looks terrible to which Justin says he hasn't slept too well. Justin engages in conversation with Charlie who refuses to speak until Justin answers his question about Becca. Justin decides to bite the bullet and much to Nancys discomfort he tells Charlie the rough truth about what happened. CHarlie asks why Justin wasn't his Dad and he tells him it was better for him then and when Charlie asks why he's his Dad now he tells him that Darren is his Dad because Darren is always there for him - Charlie asks why Justin can't be there for him too to which Nancy raises her eyebrows.

That evening Nancy apologises to Justin for Charlies abruptess explaining that he must've picked that up from her. Justin says Nancy never has to apologise to him for anything and says that Charlie right, revealing to her that he is going to stay in Hollyoaks but can Nancy live with that and what will Frankie say?

Theresa is still fuming from yet another family rejection and heads online to sell stories against them but is stunned when sees hit after hit about herself online as critics label her a dumb blonde and an attention seeker with no brains. She stumbles across a hate page that has been started by a girl she went to school with talking about how 'easy' she was - the page has over 2,000 likes.

Desperate to redeem herself and get more positive press Theresa arranges an online interview but the interviewer perfectly trolls her and she completely embarasses herself and gets absolutely torn to shreds online.

Phoebe finally catches up with Ross to thank him for his involvement the other night and he tells her he'd never let anything happen to her. Phoebe tries to explain herself and tells him that she's learnt to question that everyone could be guilty of anything after what she's seen but that she knows and that she knew he wasn't guilty because he's the kindest soul she's ever met. Ross tells Phoebe that they need to start relying on each other more because 'after Maya, after Lucy, Trevor and now Nina - I'm hanging on by a thread and you are that thread. I used to eat lucky charms for dinner with chocolate milk and now I feel like my life is a dry weet-a-bix' Phoebe looks confused but understands where he's coming from she vows that she'll be a better girlfriend and trust him in the future.

MCQUEENS IN SPAIN
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 7

As Mercedes, Jacqui, John-Paul and Michaela arrive in Alicante they're full of excitement being on their first family holiday in at least ten years. Michaela makes John-Paul promise to be 'JP' and not 'Mr McQueen' and actually have a laugh - he says he'll do his best but she insists and makes him do their secret handshake from childhood. As they walk up to Jacquis bar a man is waiting outside and Jacqui ushers them away. Mercedes asks who he is and Jacqui says it's the owner and she hasn't told him he's leaving so to leave her too it.

Mercedes quietly follows Jacqui in to the bar and watches from a corner as Jacqui seems to be aggressive to the man who is being nothing but nice to her. Jacqui stomps over and rips the menu out of Mercedes hands telling her she's not very subtle. Jacqui tells Mercedes to make herself useful and help with interviews for a new bar manager 'Ere, you'll never guess what the first ones name is Claire! Imagine if it were 'er' 'Pretty sure she's worm food Jac'. Mercedes eyeballs the C.V and sees the name 'CLAIRE BLACK' in bold. She slowly places the menu down and lowers her sunglasses as she sees Jacqui shake hands with ther interviewee - Grace.

Half way through the interview Mercedes makes a point of breaking her glass to Graces attention. Grace isn't happy to see her and whilst Jacqui is getting a broom Mercedes tells Grace 'aren't you meant to be bound and gagged somewhere?'

Elsewhere, Michaela has dragged John-Paul to a local gay bar and is challenging herself to a drinking duel as John-Paul drinks shots of apple juice as agreed with the barman - what he doens't know is that the barman has already agreed to use an apple cocktail instead and it's not long before the two youngest siblings are suitably drunk. Michaela makes an impression on the holiday goes by going 'Coyote Ugly' on the bar whilst singing Rihanna 'Only Girl In The World'. It breaks the ice as a guy named Mark approaches John-Paul and asks whether they're dating. When JP says he's her brother Mark says 'good' and gives him a smile.

Back in ChesterTheresa is determined to prove that she's not an airhead and tries to give a tell-all story about being a single mother following the death of the babies father however it very quickly comes to the attention of the press that she was at one point arrested for Calvins murder. Trevor comes to her rescue and offers to 'manage' her but what is he up to?

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8

Mercedes meets Grace at her apartment and demands to know the truth about her disappearance. Grace plays the panicked victim as she reveals that she was the one that shot Trevor and he beat her and she fled from the flat over night and never looked back. Mercedes asks about the S.O.S she got and Grace said it will be Trevor playing games with her. Mercedes tells Grace that Theresa and Kathleen-Angel are living with Trevor but Grace says that he wouldn't do anything when there's a kid involved that's why she got it.

Mercedes tells Grace she should come back to the village and tells her that Debbie has been out of her mind trying to find her but Grace says that she isn't going anywhere that man is.

Jacqui is not having much like with interviews and is refusing help from Alejandro. When Michaela hears his name she realises that it's the man Jacqui used to date and so when she sees him getting a bit too handsy Michaela jumps in and slaps him causing Jacqui to throw her out of the bar and tell her to mind her own business.

John-Paul has gone out on his own and is consciously trying to bump in to Mark. As the day goes on the sun and the beer do not make an ideal combination and this time it's John-Paul who ends up doing the same performance as Michaela. As he falls off the bar Mark is there to catch him and it's not long before they end up in a passionate embarace on the beach only the police are near by and they're forced to gather their clothes and run through the town naked. They eventually end up in the pool area of an abandoned hotel where they continue with their night.

In Hollyoaks, Phoebe is coming back from visiting Ben and is being too quiet for Nanas liking. Phoebe makes her some angel delight and a cup of Horlicks knowing full well it always sends her to sleep although when Nana refuses it Phoebe knows something is up. Eventually Nana nods off of her own accord and Phoebe rummages through her bag after Ben tells her about the medication he found - Phoebe researchs and discovers that Nana is taking high intensity pain killers associated with terminal cancer.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 9

As a coy John-Paul returns from his midnight rendez vous a curious Michaela is instantly digging and her keen observations and surprisingly accurate drunk memory deduce that John-Paul met up with Mark. She insists that he have a summer romance labelling them the best even when John-Paul reminds her that her last summer romance led to her being engaged to a complete tool. Michaela goes out looking for Mark and when she finds him she convinces him that he should go on a date with John-Paul.

Michaela leads John-Paul to a restaurant and dumps him there when they see Mark. John-Paul makes it quite clear that he's not looking for anything more than they've had and Mark smiles telling him what happens in alicante stays in alicante. Mark reveals that he's slowly building his way across the world to 'hopefully become one with "the one" again' whilst John-Paul reveals that he's had too many 'the ones' to consider another one.

Graces story isn't adding up for Mercedes and she shadows her until she gets the truth. Mercedes persistence eventually makes Grace snap as she tells Mercedes that it was Theresa who shot him. Mercedes doesn't believe her but then Grace convinces her - she got away with murder and she's thick as two short planks. That girl thinks she's invinsible'. She came to me before we spoke to you on that night - she knew Trevor and I were fighting and she told me that he needed to go and that we should frame you'. Mercedes doesn't believe her but Grace laughs 'She might be a dumb blonde but she's no victim that girl - you kicked her out, you took her kids away from her. She hates you. All of you and then you come out of prison - you literally get away with murder and get your own TV show and she gets nothing. She wanted you gone and so that was the plan - rile you up, set you up, lock you up. Thing is she panicked - she wanted it all and so she sent Harry in there to steal the money she knew he was hiding saying that I'd kill him if he didn't. Naturally as soon I saw the kid he ran scared it didn't take much to get the truth out of him - she was setting us both up'

Mercedes asks whether Trevor is going to kill Theresa but Grace says Trevor is having much more fun playing games with her 'That girl is desperate to find my skeleton in his closet - she's certainly going to find my ghost'

Louis is becoming frustrated being in the flat by himself and is annoyed when Emma arrives yet again and demands money but he demands proof that she is pregnant and the baby is his spinning her in to a frenzy she sees Jude rubbing her very small bump and says she has an offer for her.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10

John Paul is making the most of his summer romance and decides that he is going to have some more fun when he returns home telling Michaela that is doesn't have to be all or nothing whilst Michaela realises that she may feel differently. As John-Paul and Mark go on another 'strictly first names only' night out the topic of Mark long-lost love comes up and Mark reveals that he lives in Hollyoaks. John Paul winces and says 'I can in that case pretty much guarantee I've had something to do with them - it's a very small place'. Mark shows a picture of Dougie on his phone and John-Paul shakes his head 'So that would mean that the college you're working at is...' 'HCC' 'Of course. Of course it is. Well - see you there'. John-Paul throws his napkin down and walks out 'Unbelievable'.

Michaela is waiting in a bar for John-Paul when the manager recognises her from earlier in the week. He tells her that she's got something about her and offers her a role as a dancer which she seems excited about. Michaela goes to his other bar for a proper audition and tells John-Paul to meet her there. It's not long before she realises it's a topless bar and tells the guy where to go. He grabs her and she headbutts him in the nose as John-Paul walks through the door.

Back at Jacquis bar Mercedes arrives with a pissed off Grace. She briefly explains that Grace is Claires sister and Trevors girlfriend which infuriates Jacqui but Mercedes says to leave it. Michaela and John-Paul arrive just as Alejandro starts shouting at Jacqui in Spanish. Michaela jumps on his back and starts pulling his hair and suddenly it's all out brawl between Jacqui, John-Paul, Michaela, Alejandro and several of the bar staff as Grace stands calmly and rolls her eyes. Mercedes shouts for the them to stop after Alejandro pleads with Jacqui in Spanish 'He's your husband?'

Later, Jacqui has some explaining to do. She reveals that about a year ago she met Alejandro when he bought the bar from the previous owners and made her manager 'It was the anniversary of Rhys - I had a couple or four jugs of Sangria I'd have married you in that state' Alejandro is upset by Jacquis comments. She turns to him and pats him on the back 'Sorry mate it just wasn't love'. She shrugs it off and walks out followed by the crowd.

Phoebe is debating about telling Myra about the medication and asks Louis for his advice but he's obsessing over Emma and so she turns to Theresa but she's busy on her mission for fame. Eventually Phoebe decides it's time to bite the bullet and confront Nana herself only she gets home and finds her unconscious on the floor.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11

The McQueens arrive back in Chester and are oblivious to the multitude of messages they've been left by Phoebe and Myra telling them to get to the hospital. Grace is determined to make her mark as she returns and struts through the village in a full length fur coat being mocked by Jacqui and Mercedes 'It's twenty degrees you muppet'. Esther is the first to see Grace. She walks up to her and slaps her across the face, Grace is hurt. 'Seeing as you're not dead you get up those stairs and explain to Debbie why that is, right now!'. Jacqui smiles 'Not the comeback you were expecting?'

Grace stomps up to the flat where she is greeted by a stunned Debbie. Grace plays it out cleverly and says tried to call her a billion times and shows Debbie the contact in her phone book but Debbie says that's the wrong number. Grace brushes it off but thanks Debbie for her loyalty 'I hear your Mum's moved in. Great. Hope Trevor was well behaved whilst he was staying here'. Grace walks back out of the door before Debbie can say a word. At Trevors flat Theresa is playing with Kathleen-Angel when the door knocks 'That's our pizza'. Grace has taken the pizza box from the delivery guy and is holding it above her face. She slowly lowers it and watches the colour rush from Theresas face.

John-Paul immediately signs himself up for a dating site deciding that he wants to be in a continous loop of dates and pondering whether or not he should tell Dougie about his encounter with Mark. Michaela has been quiet the entire trip home and after five minutes at the house she pulls the curtains down takes one of the rings off and leaves the house 'She's always been a bit odd that one'. Jacqui, Mercedes and John-Paul slump on the sofa and plug their phones in. Mercedes turns on almost instantly 'Jesus! People still leave voicemails in 2015' - Mercedes leaps up and tells them they have to get to the hospital.

Michaela is rushing towards Ziggys flat as Mercedes car pulls up beside her and tells her to get in. She says she can't and that she's got to propose to Ziggy before she talks herself out of it. She stands in the village shouting 'I LOVE YOU ZIGGY ROSCOE'. As Ziggy comes to the window of the flat John-Paul gives Michaela a look that says 'get in'. Michaela mouths at Ziggy that she'll call him and jumps in the car. Ziggy shakes his head and goes back inside. The siblings meet at the hospital where they're greeted by Myra, Phoebe and Louis. Nana is asleep and hooked up to machines. Mercedes asks what's going on and Phoebe hands her the medication - 'What's this?'. Louis squeezes Myras hand as Phoebe tells them 'Nana...she's got brain cancer. It's terminal'.

AMY WEEK
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14

Despite currently living together Ste has managed to successfully avoid Justin since the kiss but Justin finds out his work schedule and makes sure they're home at the same time. He tells Ste to stop running away from him telling him 'Look, you're a mate - you're a good mate and you being...you know...that's fine but I'm not...you know. I'm not curious or...I never have been so just let's make that clear and then get back to normal yeah? Because I'm still a bit of a mess and it's not very easy getting up and down those stairs by myself and I had to pee in the garden yesterday'. Ste laughs and thanks him and apologises but Justin brushes it off 'You're too hard on yourself mate'.

Later, Ste sees John-Paul and asks how Nana is doing but John-Paul says she wont allow anyone to fuss over her and is refusing treatment. Ste tells him that treatment is no good which isn't what John-Paul wants to hear. Ste goes over to apologise to John-Paul and tells him he was write about him having feelings for Justin and tells him that Justins understand has made it even worse. John-Paul is amazed at how Ste manages to fall for everyone he's friends with and says they should be each others wingmen to find 'partners who are nothing to do with this village'.

Theresa spies Grace going for lunch with Trevor and worries that they may be having an affair. Grace tells Trevor that she's told Mercedes Theresa was going to shop her and she's in on whatever it takes to put Theresa in her place. Trevor relishes in watching her squirm as she tries to get famous. Grace says he doesn't know why he doesn't just kill her and Trevor says it's much more enjoyable to watch her ruin her life than to just take it from her - for now.

When Trevor gets home Theresa immediately accuses him of having an affair with Grace saying that Grace came over to the flat and threatened her. Trevor tells her to ignore it purposely drops a magazine out of his back pocket and very poorly tries to hide it from Theresa. She takes it from him and sees pictures of herself getting in to various cars with various men with the headline 'MCQUEEN ESCORT?!'. Theresa panics saying this could get Kathleen-Angel taken away. Trevor tells her he'll sort it before sending Grace a thumbs up.

Amy has gone to see Michaela and asks what she was shouting about in the village the other day. Michaela tells her she was going to propose to Ziggy with a curtain ring to which Amy laughs although the laughter causes her a sharp pain but she blames it on food. The girls go to price slice to get some bits but Amy is distracted and keeps pressing her belly she tells MIchaela something isn't right and she wants to get checked out.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15

A brief conversation with Louis leads Ziggy to realise Michaelas plan and his masculinity is feeling threatened at the prospect of being proposed to be a girl. He turns to Robbie to come up with an elaborate plan to propose to Michaela in the grandest of ways. Robbie isn't sure about the timing but Ziggy believes it will cheer her up.

Amy heads to the hospital with Michaela and is soon met by Chris. She tells him that she's sure the baby is dead as she can't remember the last time that she felt it kick but Chris says it's probably just her being anxious after everything that's happened. The doctors are quick to get Amy in despite her showing no pain. A scan immediately reveals that something is wrong with the baby - it hasn't moved since the last scan meaning that it's brittle bones have caused some bones to break inside the womb. Amy asks what it means, Chris says the doctors have told them time and time again but she wants to hear it again. Amy is given the option to deliver now so that they may be able to operate on the baby or take it to full-term which poses a risk to both of them.

Michaela is heading to Ziggys for emotional support and is greeted by a dramatic light display on the balcony of 'The Loft' with an arrow pointing to the downstairs door. Michaela walks inside to fight a fairy light wonderland with colours and sparkles everywhere. Ziggy has set up twenty three different tables each with different themes based on each date they've ever been on. She is gobsmacked. Ziggy comes downstairs in angel wings and underpants - a bad attempt at cupid. As he begins his speech and draws his arrow Michaela breaks down in tears. He stops what hes doing and wraps his arms around her trying to calm her.

Theresa is feeling smug knowing that she has Trevors support and he arranges an interview for her to explain herself and feeds her some answers but when she lands herself in it she begins to question whether or not he has her best interests at heart, She changes her mind when he punches a paparazzi that is following her around, When they return to the flat someone from social services is waiting outside.


WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16

Amy and Chris are faced with a life altering decision and neither of them can decide what to do. The way Amy looks at it everything they've tried has not worked and nothing they can try will work. Amy asks to have a couple of days with her children before she makes a decision about this childs future - the doctors allow her to leave but insist she informs them of her decision within forty eight hours so they can begin the appropriate procedures or treatments.

A broken Amy switches off completely and finds herself wondering the village where she is almost hit by Dodgers van. Dodger asks whether she's okay but she doesn't answer. He guides her in to the van and takes her back to the house. The old friends sit uncomfortably until one of the babies starts crying and Dodger just stares at Amy. Cindy comes in ask whether Dodger is going to tend to his baby but sees the look on Amy's face and says she'll do it. Dodger puts his hand on Amys leg and she grips it tightly before sobbing that her baby is going to die. Cindy comes downstairs with Carmella in her arms and Dodger shakes his head. Cindys eyes well up as she kisses Carmella on the head and walks away.

Dirk makes a very rare outing as he goes to see Myra but before he can speak about what he wants to she grabs him and hugs him. Myra tries to make Dirk a cup of tea but the kettle is broken so they go to The Magic Bean though Dirk falls as he gets there he tells her it's the longest he's walked on his new leg and apologises for making him go so far. She tells him about Nana's diagnosis and says she's going to be dead within the next few months. Dirk comforts Myra as Jude watches on annoyed.

John-Paul is prepping for the start of term when he meets Mark in the staff room and looks at his notes 'By yet another kick in the balls coincidence - I will be your tour guide' Mark laughs at the irony but John-Paul isn't particularly happy about how things have panned out. John-Paul is showing him the ropes and explaining how things go at the Uni when they bump in to Ross who quickly turns around and actually sprints down the hall 'There are some pretty interesting people here'. Ross looks back around the corner and is freaking out about seeing Mark.

The duo end their tour at the SU Bar where John-Paul asks whether Mark took the job because Dougie was a student at the Uni, telling him that would be stupid. Mark confesses that he came to Hollyoaks because he knew Dougies family were moving here and he'd gone home to be with them - John-Paul highlights to Mark that he must know he can't continue his relationship with Dougie and have his job at the same time but Mark tells him not to get ahead of himself stating 'Dougie is a charmer it wouldn't surprise me if his heart belonged to another by now'.


THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17

Chris is besides himself with worry after Amy didn't come home and he's confused when Dodger brings her back to the house. Chris thanks Dodger for looking after her but Amy asks him to stay. Chris is bemused but Dodger explains they've been friends for a long time and right now she just needs a someone who is less close to home. Chris feels isolated from his own life changing decision and goes to see Ste, his only friend in the village. Ste begins doing a prayer for him but Chris kicks off and tells him flat out that god doesn't exist before leaving.

Harry is bored at school since Holly left and is counting down the ten months until it's all over. Kaya is in a similar boat and the once enemies are forced to become allies again as they realise that they have spent the last year not exactly making friends with everyone else. Harry is surprised at how well he gets on with Kaya and apologises if he's taken up a lot of Hollys time confessing that he's worried she'll never see him when she goes to Uni to which Kaya says she's already dumped her.

After returning from lunch Harry begins falling asleep in class and so Kaya asks to go to the bathroom and sets the fire alarm so that they can get the rest of the afternoon off. Harry asks how Kaya has the balls to do things like that when her Mum is the head teacher but Kaya says he Mum wouldn't notice if she walked around the school on fire.

Jude is bothering Cindy telling her that she's bored living in the flat alone and wants to move in with Cindy but she insists there's no room and that's when Holly drops the bombshell that she's moving in to halls. Cindy says she's not old enough but Holly admits that Jude signed the consent form. Cindy is not happy but Holly insists she'll be fine and it's just down the road. A reluctant Cindy agrees but tells Jude she's still not moving in - as Cindy goes downstairs Holly tells jude to just start slowly moving her stuff in as she moves her stuff out 'Mum's too lazy to pack all your stuff back up'

As Holly is packing up her room there's a knock at the door. It's Marilyn. She congratulates Holly on her early Uni placements and wants to invite her to give a speech as a charity fundraiser the school are having to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the school being open. Holly isn't sure but Cindy says she'll do it. Marilyn tells her that they raised thousands at the twentiet anniversary fundraiser and to keep October 23rd free.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18

As Amy's deadline draws closer she goes missing again only this time Ste knows exactly where to find her. Ste arrives at the church with Leah and Lucas and they sit at the back as Amy questions the existence of god. She asks why he took Sarah or if he took Sarah. Why her Mum is the way she is, why Ste went through everything he did, why this is happening to her 'I see all of these things and I think how can you be real? How can you be so cruel?'. She lights a candle 'And then I look at Leah and at Lucas and I see you in them, I see peace and happiness and the sun and joy and when I look at them you are real, when I look at the man Ste has become and the fact that I have found a man like Chris - when I look at those things of course you're real but if you are - I hate you. I hate you so much'.

Ste approaches her with the kids. Leah and Lucas sit either side of her as Ste sits behind her. Chris soon arrives and Amy stands up and turns to him 'I know what we have to do'. He nods at her and holds her hand as she blows the candle out.

Amy returns to the hospital and tells the doctor that they've made their decision
Amy goes to church with Ste for an answer - her and Chris make a decision. Ste waits with Leah and Lucas, reading them a book. He is soon joined by John-Paul and Michaela and then by Nancy and then Dodger who all wait as the times goes by.

As soon as Amy has delivered the baby the nurse hands her to Chris and Chris takes her over to Amy. 'She looks like your sister' Chris says. Amy says they should call her Sarah. After about twenty minutes Nancy and Ste come in with a camera and Nancy takes some candlelit photos of Amy and Chris with the baby. As the hours pass the candles burn down and Amy soon realises that Sarah has passed away. As she realises this she herself falls asleep, exhausted. Chris takes Sarah from her arms and says his goodbyes before kissing her and handing her to the nurse. He kisses Amy before blowing out the final candle.

FRESHERS WEEK
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21

Freshers week is upon the village and Dougie, Ross, Esther, Carley and Nina are all about to embark on their second year despite the odds being stacked heavily against them following a turbulent first year they are determined to live life to the fullest. Thanks to a liason with the accomodation officer Dougie has secured two bedrooms in the students halls for an extra year however a lack of organisation leaves Dougie sharing with Ross whilst Carley hides her brother Ben in the other room with her.

Things get off to an ever so uncomfortable start when the gang discover that Holly is one of their new room-mates. Ross is immediately welcoming but it's obvious that Holly and Dougie aren't too comfortable to be around each other given their shared history. Room-mate number two arrives and the boys are stunned to silence when Luke Carpenter walks in and immediately kisses Carley but they don't have time to ponder this development as the final flat-mate arrives - Jason Roscoe. Jason strides in with confidence and breezes over to Holly pleased to see her, patting Dougie on the shoulder as he walks past him 'No drama this year then' smiles Ross. Dougie goes to walk out and Carley asks whether Dougie is going to tell him about Mark 'Not now, no'.

Jason heads to freshers fayre with Holly who is still shocked to see him saying she thought he'd done a runner but he tells her he just needed some head space. She asks whether it's from Dougie but he doesn't reply. She tells him it's okay to speak to her about it but he brushes it off. Louis has caught word that Jason is back in town and immediately hassles him about Emma, asking for what happened that night - he tells him that Emma is in the village. Jason doesn't want to know and tells him to leave him alone.

The flatmates all unite in the SUBar where Hollys age has seemingly gotten around pretty quickly as she's refused a drink. All of the group watch in shock as Nina debuts her new look, a shaved in mohawk and bad-ass clothes. She storms the room like nobodies business and glides straight past her friends. When Carley tries to speak to her she walks around her. Esther crosses her in the door way and she looks right through her before leaving again.

Dougie decides that they can't let their unfortunate circumstances get them down and raises a toast to all seven of them to have a new beginning. As Dougie takes the first sip of his drink Mark walks through the door. Ross whispers to Carley 'code red, code red'

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22

A rather hungover Carley and Ross are walking around the freshers sports fayer in their pyjamas and sunglasses feeling sorry for themselves and people watching / judging the freshers 'they're all so little. We were never that little'. Ross perks up when he sees Phoebe carrying around an information pack - she tells Ross that Holly convinced her to enrol and John-Paul pulled a few strings at the last minute to get her on a part-time course to which Ross is of course delighted.

Carley asks whether she's making the right decision by being with Luke but Ross says if she likes him and she trusts him 'and he's the good twin' then go for it. Esther has different ideas though and as Ben chirps to her about getting his own room because Carley is staying with Luke, Esther tells Carley that she's put a deposit on the flat above price slice. Carley goes to buy some drink to celebrate and Luke approaches Esther telling her he knows that she doesn't like him and gets where she's coming from but she's going nowhere. Phoebe asks whether Ben is okay staying there and he says he'd rather be back at hers to which she tells him she'll work her charms on Myra. Esther asks Holly for her help getting in to the flat.

Another freshers event sees Kaya sneak in through a fire exit. Ross tells her she shouldn't be there but Holly tells him to relax. The two younger girls get in to full party mode and are getting a lot of attention from boys. Holly becomes concerned when Kaya starts flirting with a group of lads and when Jason sees one of them put something in her drink he hits him but the guy runs away whilst Jason is tending to Kaya. Holly and Jason take Kaya back to halls and put her in Hollys bed as they stay up talking all night at which point he tells her what he said to Dougie in Spain. Holly asks Jason outright if he's gay and if he's always been gay. He tells her he's not but that he's fallen in love. She tells him if he's in love then he should fight for it.

Dougie and Mark meet up and Dougie is for probably the first time in his life - lost for words - Dougie recalls taht he'd heard Mark was coming back to England a few months ago but didn't think it would happen and certainly not Hollyoaks. He asks whether he's back for him and Mark flat out says yes. Dougie says he doesn't know how he feels about that and Mark asks whether there's someone else. Dougie jokes there's been several someone elses but no 'you's'. In an attempt to break up the awkwardness Mark kisses Dougie who is initially hesitant but the old spark between them is very much intact as they begin tearing each others clothes off.


WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23

After learning from Robbie that Jason has seen someone spiking drinks in the SU Bar Nina is on a mission to stop them but her meeting with bar manager and the student president falls on death ears and so she decides to be there day and night as long as the venue is open which causes problems with her course tutor as she misses her first lessons of the year after falling behind last year. Phoebe offers her support by taking a shift with her - she tells Nina the story about Deena which leaves her stunned. She asks how she ever got over it to which Phoebe tells her she never did but thanks to the people around her she learnt to live with it.

Dougie returns to halls after a night with Mark and is surprised to see Kaya there but Holly explains that she slept in her room as she got too drunk last night. Kaya says she wasn't drunk her drink was spiked and Jason verifies the story. Dougie warns her not to go near the bar again and Kaya leaves in a strop. Later, Dougie goes to Jasons room to thank him for helping Kaya out. He asks about his summer but Jason isn't feeling very chatty. As Dougie goes to leave Jasons says they should go for a drink some time and talk properly. Dougie quietly accepts.

Once they get to their drink things are quite normal between them and they have a laugh. When Dougie toasts to Jason getting into Uni and being back in Hollyoaks Jasons asks what's new with Dougie and who the guy was in the SU Bar. Dougie says he's a long story and Jason knows where it's going. Jason deters by asking Dougie whether he'd object to him taking Kaya on a date. THough Dougie is completely taken back he tells Jason that if he's good enough to save her on a night out he's good enough to take her on a well-lit, afternoon date with no alcohol or sexiness but is Jason gaging reaction.

Back at halls Holly discovers that she is taking the same course as Luke and so they spend a large portion of the day together. She is surprised at how much knowledge he has on the loopholes of law particularly when it comes to death caused by other people. When they get back to halls Holly is un-nerved by the topics of conversation as Luke gives her some pretty intense reading about unsolved murder cases. Whilst Luke is in the shower Holly decides against the book and puts it back in his room but she finds another book - one made up of newspaper clippings about Lucy's crime spree and copies of her hospital chart. She hears the shower stop before she can have a proper look at it and rushes back to the kitchen.

Luke sees the book he leant her and asks that she not go in to his room. She apologises before heading to her room and locking the door.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24

John-Paul is feeling sorry for himself as he spies Mark and Dougie in the village but Michaela reminds him of his new rules and encourages him to put himself out there. Ste needs distracting from all the troubles within his family and with Amy and invites John-Paul for a night out. John-Paul is worried that alcohol may impair his judgement when it comes to Ste and so he drags Michaela and Ziggy along and the three of them live it large however when John-Paul and Ste both report back that they like the same guy Ziggy and Michaela are stuck in the middle. Ste eventually wins the attention of the guy leaving John-Paul deflated.

Ziggy tells John-Paul about his failed attempt at proposing to Michaela the other day saying it felt inappropriate after she told him about Nana and so he told her that Robbie was hosting some kind of weird dinner night at The Loft. He tells John-Paul that Michaela is the loudest most obnoxious person he's ever met, she's messy, she's rude and she snores like a monster and he loves her for it. When he asks John-Paul when will be a good time to propose John-Paul tells Ziggy he just did as Michaela is stood behind them. 'Uh duh! Course I'll marry you ya softy'. Ste has heard the whole thing and after seeing John-Paul on his own he says goodbye to the man and asks John-Paul to dance. At the end of the night they eat chips on the bench and Ste said he's really glad they got back to being friends again.

Esther and Carley are stunned at the state Jude has left the flat in it's as though she literally walked out in the middle of a meal and left half of her stuff there. Esther calls her annoyed about it but Jude quickly shuts her down reminding her that she only had twenty four hours notice to actually move out. The girls invite the rest of the gang over to help them make something of it and Esther quickly notices how uncomfortable Holly is - Holly doesn't want to ruffle any feathers with her new social group but tells Esther that something about Luke leaves her on edge.

Jason goes over to Louis' to see if he wants to join them and notices how particularly low that that Louis is. He joins him for a while and Louis explains everything that's gone on. Jason further verifies that Emma and Louis didn't sleep together that night and Louis ponders whether she's even pregnant. Jason goes looking for Emma and calls her out on the fact that she stole his phone and bank card when she went back to the boys and he asks her whether she's lying about the baby and she laughs at him. He says it's not a joke and reminds her that they DID sleep together that night.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25

Phoebe has spent the majority of freshers week being completely sober and looking after her friends - that's no different tonight as she continues to observe their behavioural patterns from afar she can see Esther and Hollys issues with Luke, Carleys doe eyes ignorance, Jasons eyes lingering on Doug who has that smitten smile on his face, Nina trying to hold the face of a warror whilst having the heart of a kitten and Ross...cluelessly floating around with last nights U.V party make-up still encrusted on parts of hair.

When Kaya comes over to hang out with Holly she is brushed aside as Holly has an lecture and is experiencing her very first hangover so Kaya decides to spend time with Dougie instead but he's not paying any notice. Kaya asks whether he's loved up because he always gets like this when he is. Dougie says that Marks in England for which Kaya forgives him as she loves Mark, she's less forviging when Dougie says she can't join them today. Phoebe feels bad for Kaya - it's clear that she desperately craves attention and so Phoebe tries to introduce her to Ben but it falls on death ears when Jason enters. He shows little interest at first but when Dougie emerges Jason becomes very playful and asks Kaya out infront of Dougie.

Phoebe pulls Jason aside later and tells he better not be trying to get at Dougie through his sister but Jason dismisses her.

As the final night out of Freshers week dawns upon the students Phoebe once again joins Nina on guard and Nina is suspicious of everyone, so much so that she's drawing attention to herself and Phoebe tries to get her to calm down. Nina remembers Jasons description of the guy and recalls him mentioning a tattoo on his lower arm. Nina points him out to Phoebe and goes to charge at him but she holds her back. Phoebe tells her to just keep an eye on him.

Throughout the night Nina and Phoebe are watching the entire group like a hawk until a glitter cannon and smoke machine go off and they lose him. A while later they see Holly go to pick up a drink and Phoebe sees the guy put a small bottle back in his pocket. Nina smashes the drink out of Hollys hand and as another glitter cannon goes off Nina and Phoebe push through the crowd after the guy. They follow him outside and give chase - luck is on their side as man in the street responds to their calls and grabs the guy slamming him to the floor and holding on to him. The hero turns around to look at them - it's Freddie.

August 24 - 28, August 31 - Sep 4, Sep 7 - 11, Sep 14 - 18 and Sep 21 - 25 all up now. There will be no further posting in this thread as I've reached the same point in the year as I started last year (yes I've done 260 episodes).

I will be starting a new thread 'Hollyoaks 2015-2016' with the episodes from September 28th - October 23rd going up over the weekend. Hope you've enjoyed the new returns and updates. Feedback appreciatd.