Hollyoaks bid farewell to numerous characters in what proved to be a truly explosive week that forever changed the eponymous village.
The lives of all those who live in Hollyoaks were altered forever when Jez Blake (Jeremy Sheffield) and Clare Devine (Gemma Bissix) accidentally crashed a plane into The Love Boat.
The incredible stunt, which proved a real treat for fans of the show, was in honour of three decades of Hollyoaks, which celebrated the big 3-0 last week.
In the aftermath of the crash and the subsequent explosion, fans were left fearing the worst for their favourite characters, with various village icons’ lives left hanging in the balance.
But just who lived and who died?
If you missed out on all the action or want a reminder about the fates of our beloved Hollyoaks characters then you’ve come to the right place as we’ve got all you need to know.
Who died in the Hollyoaks 30th anniversary plane crash?
Peri Lomax
There were tears aplenty as Peri Lomax (Ruby O’Donnell) took her last breath after she was caught in the crossfire of the blast.
The nurse-turned-wedding-planner, as viewers know, had reunited with childhood sweetheart Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins) just weeks earlier and planned to get married.
But after Clare and Jez’s plane came thundering down on the Love Boat, Peri pushed her fiancé out of the way of falling rubble, putting herself in the firing line instead.
In truly heartbreaking scenes, the fan-favourite passed away with her mum and long-time confidante Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) by her side, telling her that she’s always been her hero.
With heartbreakingly authentic performances from stars Ruby and Kirsty-Leigh, it’s safe to say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Grace Black
Another casualty of the 30th anniversary week was none other than Grace Black (Tamara Wall), who was accidentally shot by Clare amid her efforts to board the plane and flee the village with daughter Tori.
Grace subsequently woke in hospital with son Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) by her side, urging him to tell Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith) how sorry she is for grooming her into exploitation earlier this year.
Rex broke down in tears as Grace flatlined and was pronounced dead.
Discussing her reasons for leaving the show, actress Tamara told Metro: ‘‘I think there was just no redemption for her as a character. I didn’t want her to go to prison, I wanted the big dramatic exit, and I think I got that.’
Jez Blake
Serial killer Jez Blake finally met his end amid the anniversary celebrations. Despite crashing the plane into the village, the villain survived the blast and subsequently crawled onboard the Love Boat, where he took Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) hostage.
Dodger momentarily got the upper hand, handcuffing the killer to the railing, but Jez broke free and attempted to inflict more torment. In a shocking moment, he was pushed overboard and to his death, falling into the active propellor blades.
Griff
Though not a casualty of the plane crash, rapist Griff was confirmed dead earlier this week by Donny Clark (Louis Emerick).
Griff, as viewers know, raped Dodger moments after his associate Sully (Harry French) beat up Donny, who was forced to watch the attack.
When Donny secured his freedom at the hands of Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas), the two men gave chase, with a car crash ensuing.
Griff crawled from the wreckage and, seeing red, Donny attacked the rapist, with subsequent scenes seeing him confirm that Griff died.
Who else faced death danger in Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary?
Tony Hutchinson
While not directly caught up in the plane crash, Tony found himself public enemy number one due to his infidelity and all the lives he’s ruined with his lies.
On the eve of his wedding, he was shot by an unknown assailant and remains in hospital. The question is: will he pull through? And what’s more, who is to blame? The character had made many an enemy – so it could literally be any one of them.
Nancy Osborne
Nancy was not only caught in the plane crash, with debris from the aircraft landing upon her, but she was also in the firing line when The Love Boat blew up.
The head teacher of Hollyoaks High was taken to hospital and it was touch and go for a bit, but Darren and Frankie are both hopeful that she’ll be okay.
Is she out of the woods? And if so, will Darren be able to find a way to move forward in the wake of learning that Morgan is not his daughter but Tony’s?
Who else has died in Hollyoaks in 2025?
- Robbie Roscoe
- Martha Blake
- DS Jasmine Bolton
- Ian Stone
- Bobby Costello
- Tommy Odenkirk
- Dilly Harcourt
- DI Alistair Banks
- Abe Fielding
- Dennis Savage (confirmed dead this year, murdered off-screen previously)
Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
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