Hollyoaks' Ste Hay 'works out' James Nightingale is 'still alive' in huge twist

Hollyoaks' Ste Hay, played by Kieron Richardson, is convinced that James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) is still alive and embarks on a mission to find proof in the upcoming week.

Ste delves into the internet for hints about James' demise and confides in Leela Lomax (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), expressing his belief that his spouse survived last year's car explosion.

Leela, however, insists that Ste's imagination is getting the better of him and urges him to concentrate on his son Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis), who needs his father's support following his release from the young offenders unit.

Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed) reassures the family that they have managed to get Ste back on track after his wild theories about James being alive. However, at the garage, Rex Gallagher (Jonny Lavey) is seen packing up tools and a balaclava.

Ste keeps an eye on Rex as he hunts for clues about James, suspecting something suspicious is happening, reports the Mirror.

Elsewhere, Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) has a date with Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) and surprises him with a kiss in The Dog flat, despite their divorced status. Marie is concerned it might be too soon.

The duo later agree on a morning filled with tea and cake, but sparks soon fly between them. The fun and laughter are cut short when Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher) returns early from her test.

Later in the week, Diane gives Tony the cold shoulder and a heartbroken Diane blames her drinking for their separation. Upon seeing them together, Marie begins to reconsider.

Tony seeks relationship advice from Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor-Dawson), who is himself in a turmoil over JJ (Ryan Mulvey) and Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith) as he awaits his results.

In the hospital, JJ