Hollyoaks is set to air a special episode on Wednesday (September 2) in which Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) vanishes while on a trip to a spa with Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) and Leela Lomax (Kirsty-Leigh Porter). The episode was filmed at Runcorn Shopping City and includes a guest appearance by Phoenix Gulzar Brown, daughter of Spice Girls icon Mel B.
In the episode, Ste convinces the group to stop for a bathroom break, but his behaviour suggests he may have other reasons for being at the shopping centre. As Ste wanders through the unfamiliar surroundings, Leela and Mercedes wait in the car, unaware that they are being watched. Mercedes' romantic rival Gemma Johnson (Tisha Merry) has sent henchmen to deal with the McQueen, according to the Daily Star.
The episode concludes with Ste vanishing into the crowd, leaving no trace. In upcoming scenes, a defeated Leela and Mercedes return to the village determined to find answers. With Ste recently having relapsed, the community comes together to investigate, and everyone falls under suspicion.
Ste's lover-turned-enemy James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) is named as a top suspect, alongside recently released convict Sienna Blake (Anna Passey). The storyline will continue throughout Autumn, with a peak in early October centred around Chester city centre. Hollyoaks is due to release a new Autumn trailer on Monday, September 7.
Actor Kieron Richardson commented on filming at the shopping centre, saying: "I loved filming Ste vanishing in Runcorn Shopping City with real-life shoppers, over 70 supporting artists and an amazing crew." He added that the episode was "predominantly all shot in one take."
The episode also sees the return of Ste's son Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis), who shares an emotional reunion with his sister Leah Barnes (Charlotte Riley) after returning to the village.