Disaster has struck Hollyoaks as an out of control plane, flown by Jez Blake (Jeremy Edwards) has smashed into the village, triggering carnage and a huge explosion that has ripped apart the already tricky wedding of Tony and Diane Hutchinson (Nick Pickard and Alexandra Fletcher).
At the heart of the action – and rightly so – are Tony himself as well as the beloved Darren and Nancy Osbone (Ashley Taylor Dawson and Jessica Fox).
And already, one much adored soap icon is dead, with a character breathing their last in quite literally crushing scenes.
Following the crash, the plane debris collapsed on them, and they instantly knew that they weren’t going to make it out alive.
Saying goodbyes was the only option.
For those who aren’t up to date, look away now as I am about to deliver the heartbreaking news of who has been killed off.
After years of huge stories, including a popular relationship with Juliet Nightingal, homelessness, and a topical group self harm plotline, Peri Lomax (Ruby O’Donnell) has succumbed to her injuries and is no more.
Yep, I shed a tear or ten too, and I have a heart of stone.
We should have really seen it coming. When someone in a soap is happy and full of joys for their future, soap law dictates that they will soon be utterly heartbroken or dead.
Peri was over the moon with her engagement to soulmate Tom (Ellis Hollins), who had assured her that he absolutely wanted to be with her forever and got down on one knee.
But tragedy inevitably followed and when Tom pledged to find some help, Peri begged him to stay with her.
In scenes that showcased Ruby’s talent, she shared her love with Tom and told him he would be the best dad.
At this point, Leela (Kirsty Leigh Porter) and Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) raced to the scene and were met with the harrowing scene.
As Peri and Leela shared their final loving words, a piercing scream gripped poor Leela before she then sunk to the ground and wailed for her lost daughter.
And what a performance from Kirsty, utterly incredible I am sure you agree.
But anyway, RIP to Peri, gone but not forgotten. It brings an end to over a decade in the show, with Ruby joining as a youngster.
Well, she’s still a youngster of course, but even younger.
I chatted with Ruby after watching the episodes in which her alter-ego died, and she was optimistic both about how she made her exit, and her own future.
She mused that it was probably the best time for Peri to go, and was delighted that she was a centrepiece of the show’s pivotal and unforgettable 30th anniversary.
She added that she is very much hopeful for the future, and we agreed it wouldn’t be long before I would be interviewing her for her next project.
As for back in the village, well this IS Hollyoaks so we’d be naive if we thought there wouldn’t be further casualties. It’s highly possible that someone else might meet their doom, surely.
With Darren, Nancy and Tony in such danger, could Hollyoaks really kill off one of show’s biggest ever characters?
And what of Jez and Clare?
Do not miss the next episode which contains some huge shocks in the climax of the disaster, not to mention that long-awaited Brookside crossover.
After all that, we can FINALLY relax.
Oh, wait… there’s still a Hollyoaks Later. Don’t breathe a sigh of relief yet!
