DS Ryan Knight was finally arrested for the murder of his wife Amy Barnes after a dramatic showdown with his lover Ste Hay!

Holy moly! It all happened in Hollyoaks last night (Tues) as crooked copper Ryan Knight was finally arrested for the murder of his wife Amy Barnes on their wedding night last year.

Earlier in the episode, shown on Channel 4, Ryan's lover Ste Hay confronted the copper himself after discovering Ryan not only murdered Amy but also tried to drown Ste's sister, Tegan in the bath after she threatened to expose his killer secret.

But Ste had murder on his mind, as he ran the bath water and threatened to drown a terrified Ryan!

However, Ryan managed to escape Ste's clutches and it wasn't long before the lovers turned enemies were fighting it out in the living room! As Ryan got the upper hand, it looked like Ste was about to become the killer copper's next victim!

Luckily, Ste's sister Leela Lomax and best friend Tony Hutchinson barged into the flat in the nick of time to save Ste. And with Ryan now under lock and key, the nightmare is finally over. Or is it?

Check out this sneak peek of what's to come in Hollyoaks this Spring. It looks like we may not have seen the last of Ryan after all. Argh!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptY5i1gCFsg&feature=youtu.be

Ste Hay stands trial for the murder of Amy Barnes – and guest star Kate Garraway reports on the verdict…

Ste Hay stands trial for the murder of Amy Barnes in a massive week for Hollyoaks, starting on Monday 4 September. In fact the trial is so big that Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway - guesting as herself - even pops up to report on the verdict.

So, will Ste be found guilty of murdering Amy or is someone else responsible for her death...

Which of the suspects will be found guilty? Did DS Armstrong, Ryan Knight, Harry Thompson, James Nightingale or Ste Hay murder Amy Barnes?

Amy Barnes lost her life shortly after marrying Ryan Knight. The couple were planning to move to the US with her kids Leah and Lucas meaning their father Ste would no longer feature in their daily lives. But who killed the mum?

ste -hollyoaks

Amy's widower Ryan Knight has always maintained Ste killed his wife - but now he's on Ste's side and reckons Armstrong's the murderer…

So big is the trial that presenter Kate Garraway bases herself in the village, reporting on the action as it unfolds!

Ste's lawyer James blames Ste for ruining his relationship with John Paul. Was it motive enough to kill Amy and frame Ste for murder?

harry-hollyoaks

Did Harry have a go at Amy for attempting to take Leah and Lucas away from his beloved, their doting dad Ste?

Let's not forget DS Armstrong. He's got form. Had Amy found out he was stalking her? Did he kill to silence her?These five all have a motive. But there's only one killer. As the case reaches an end, who is found guilty of Amy Barnes' murder?Watch Hollyoaks on C4 from Monday 4 September.

New dad Kieron Richardson was fighting tiredness as he took to the red carpet at the British Soap Awards

Kieron Richardson revealed he was so tired caring for his newborn children Chase and Pheobe he'd resorted to layering on fake tan.

The Hollyoaks star became a dad with husband Carl two weeks ago... and was barely getting used to his new routine.

He told What's on TV at the British Soap Awards: "We kind of planned it, we were having IVF, we knew we were going down this route, we knew we'd get babies at some point and now they're here and you can't really prepare yourself... You think you can by buying everything, but until they're in your arms and that overwhelming feeling of love and after a couple of days when they start opening their eyes and you're feeding them, oh my god, it melts your heart."

Despite his Soap Awards nomination as Best Actor Kieron admitted he was desperate to get back to his family.

Would he prove to be better father than his drug addict, jailbird Hollyoaks character?

"I feel that Ste's a brilliant dad in the way he absolutely adores and loves his children, but I feel like his choices are quite questionable. So I hope I'm not going to make the mistakes Ste's made, but shower them with the love that Ste showers Leah and Lucas."

Hollyoaks won three awards, including best on-screen partnership for Richard Linnell and Kassius Nelson for their roles as Alfie Nightingale and Jade Albright, scene of the year for Jade saying goodbye to Alfie and the outstanding achievement award, which was won by the soap’s veteran star Nick Pickard after 21 years on the show.

Kieron announced the news on Twitter with a picture on Friday afternoon. He revealed the twins' adorable names and their actual birthday...

Kieron Richardson has announced the birth of his twins, which he will raise with husband Carl Hyland.

The Hollyoaks actor revealed that the couple were expecting twins back in December and that they would be using a surrogate.

Kieron and Carl got married in 2015 with several Hollyoaks co-stars present at the lavish celebration.

On Friday afternoon (26 May) Kieron posted a picture on Twitter and Instagram to confirm the arrival of his twins.

The twins, a boy and a girl, are adorably named Chase and Phoebe Rae. They were actually born on Monday, May 22, 23 minutes apart at 18:11  and 18:34.

Kieron's fans were quick to offer their congratulations. One user said: "Beautiful names. congratulations 🍼🍼💙💖".

Another added: "Congratulations to you both! now the sleepless nights begin 😁 enjoy every minute because they don't stay little for long x".

In April the actor revealed that he was working on a documentary with All 4 which tracks his experience of becoming an LGBTQIA parent in Britain.

In an interview with the Mirror last year the actor revealed that the couple had been trying for a family for months. He said: "Unfortunately, like anyone who is trying for a baby through IVF – whether they are gay couples or not – it is a lottery."

Thankfully the couple were eventually blessed with good news and now they have finally welcomed their new additions to the family.

Kieron shared a picture from filming on the documentary last week and fans responded eagerly to the news.

With two new arrivals on the scene we can imagine the actor is going to be very busy. The documentary is due to screen later this summer.

Kieron plays Ste Hay in Hollyoaks and has been on the show since 2006. He was only meant to appear for seven episodes, but was quickly made a permanent character by producer Bryan Kirkwood.

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson was in fear for his job after appearing to reveal on This Morning that his character, Ste Hay, is the killer of his ex, Amy

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson became flustered and joked that he might have 'lost his job' as he hinted that his character is the killer in the soap’s storyline about the murder of Amy Barnes.

The actor seemed to spill the beans after being questioned by This Morning hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby about his character Ste Hay’s involvement and the possibility that another person is involved in the whodunit.

Kieron’s spot on the ITV show came after it was revealed on Hollyoaks that Amy (Ashley Slanina-Davies) had been found dead hours after marrying Ryan Knight (Duncan James).

https://youtu.be/Ebf3AiCfFfE

Speaking about the possible murder suspects, of which he said there were 'six or seven', he explained how it may not be Ste – despite him being a lead suspect – because he blacked out and woke up covered in blood during the episode, but that he has no recollection of why.

Kieron added: “All I can say is Ashley Slanina-Davies, who plays Amy Barnes, is absolutely fantastic.”

Holding up his hands to simulate an attack, he added: “Even in the final scenes, when I was with my…”

Kieron suddenly broke off from his sentence to cover his face.

“Oh no. Is this live, live?” he asked.

Laughing, Holly and Phillip tried to divert the attention from Kieron’s apparent blunder and quizzed him further over the other suspects.

Kieron appeared distracted throughout and later said: “I can’t really concentrate right now because I feel like I’ve lost my job.”

He asked: “Have you got any jobs going here? Because I might need one.”

Phillip teased the actor – who has appeared on the Channel 4 and E4 soap for over 10 years – by pretending to be on the phone to the 'Hollyoaks press office', and said: “You don’t need to go back in.”

Holly told Kieron 'you’re making it worse!' and threw a cushion at him before he ran out of the studio.

The relationship of Ste and Amy has been one of the soap’s major plotlines for many years.

Ste is one of the prime suspects for Amy’s murder, as she and Ryan were set to move to America with Ste’s children, Leah and Lucas.

When Ste Hay decides to get medical advice about his blackouts in Hollyoaks, he's left reeling....

Ste Hay's health continues to be a serious worry and tensions between him and Amy's new man, Ryan, boil to the surface in Hollyoaks.

Harry insists Ste can't carry on like this and pushes him to make an appointment with the hospital.

But when Ste goes along for the appointment he's devastated to learn the extent of his problem and what's triggered it...

Harry tries to comfort Ste when he's given bad news at the hospital.

Earlier, Ryan and Ste square up to each other and tensions flare when Leah goes missing during an argument.

Harry fears for Ste's health and insists he gets some tests done to see what's triggering his dangerous blackouts.

As Ste awaits the results his nerves are in shreds.

It's not good news. Ste's stunned when he's told exactly what's caused his condition. Is it something he can do anything about or has the damage already been done?

It's not good news. Ste's stunned when he's told exactly what's caused his condition. Is it something he can do anything about or has the damage already been done?

There's worse to come when Amy and Ryan tell him they want full custody of Lucas and Leah.

Ste's in bits. His whole world is imploding.

Is this latest blow enough to give him a reality check? And how far is Ste prepared to go to get his life back on track?Watch Hollyoaks on Channel 5 from Monday, October 10

Kieron Richardson turned method actor in an unusual episode of Hollyoaks in which Tony and Harry intervene to try and get Ste off drugs

Lives are on the line when Ste Hay finally confronts his drug demons in a special three-hander episode with Tony Hutchinson and Harry Thompson. Kieron Richardson reveals all to Soaplife…

Cameron (Cameron Moore) got Ste back on drugs to destroy him. Is Ste well and truly hooked now? “Yes. It’s not that he feels great when he takes the crystal meth. It’s that the comedown is so bad so he needs to take more to feel normal. The addiction is spiralling out of control."

How hard is it for Ste (Kieron) to hide his habit? “It’s quite difficult, although it looks pretty obvious. However, he gets a job at the Bean and he tells his friends and family the reason he’s so hyper is because he’s so pleased about this new opportunity. But all he’s really thinking about is his next hit.”

What happens when he starts work at the Bean? “Obviously, he’s in a bad way and he tries to hide what’s really going on from Kim [Daisy Wood-Davis] and Esther [Jazmine Franks] by making out he doesn’t feel well.”

How does he react when he loses his drugs? “He thinks they are somewhere at the Lomaxes' and he panics. He starts throwing cushions around and looking down the back of the sofa and ripping open drawers. He tells Tegan [Jessica Ellis] and Leela [Kirsty-Leigh Porter] he’s lost his HIV medication. They help him look, then he’s terrified they’ll find his crystal meth and realise he’s addicted.”

Then little Rosie is sick… “And Ste’s horrified she’s taken his drugs. It’s an awful moment for him.”

How does Harry find out Ste is on drugs? “He finds him having withdrawal symptoms, curled up on the kitchen floor. That was one of my favourite scenes as it’s the first time you really start to feel sorry for Ste. There’s a point where you wonder if Harry will fight for the love of his life or walk out on him.”

Can you tell us a bit about the special episode? “It’s very exciting and intense. We filmed a special episode with just Ste, his boyfriend, Harry [Parry Glasspool] and friend Tony [Nick Pickard] and it was so powerful. I made myself feel poorly for real. It’s unlike any episode of Hollyoaks you’ve ever seen. It’s a bit of a nod to the film Trainspotting. Harry and Tony are trying to fight for Ste’s life. They lock him in the flat to try and stop him getting more drugs and the comedown is horrific. The audience goes through it all with Ste.”

Will Ste get off drugs? “He goes into rehab for 28 days, but you’ll have to wait and see what happens.”

Hollyoaks, Channel 4

As desperate Ste Hay hits rock bottom, can he be saved from total self-destruction in Hollyoaks...?

Nico's unconscious in hospital with a panic-stricken Maxine and Sienna by her side. When Nico wakes up, Sienna considers letting her move back into the flat. Meanwhile, the police raid The Tugboat, and Peri’s horrified when she realises the meth belonged to Ste. As Cameron promises Peri she won't have to live with Ste any more, Harry finds Ste curled up on the kitchen floor and realises he's back on drugs.

Meanwhile, Diane's having last-minute nerves about saying goodbye to Rose. Tegan meets Diane in The Bean and asks her not to go but realises it’s Diane’s dream. As Tony and Diane are getting into the taxi, a desperate Harry rushes towards them begging for help with Ste. Tony heads to the Lomaxes’, giving up everything to help Ste kick his habit, as Diane gets into the taxi and leaves for France with the twins.

Also, Zack, Cleo and Holly are delighted when Lisa tells them she's booked everyone tickets to Ibiza using money from The Tugboat.

The leavers' boat party is in full swing when disaster strikes in Hollyoaks...

Ste's been up half the night on a high and is on a comedown when Zack calls everyone to the village to announce that he and Lisa are hosting a leavers’ party on the boat before everyone goes off to uni. Ste panics when he can’t find the drugs he had in his pocket and storms off from the party. Ste lies to Leela and Tegan that he’s lost his HIV meds and they turn the Lomaxes living room upside down looking for them – but when Rose then suddenly starts being sick, Ste panics that she’s taken his drugs!

Meanwhile, Peri and Nico try to get into the party on the boat but are knocked back. The Lomaxes are relieved when it turns out Rose has just got a virus but Cameron urges Ste to find the drugs. Meanwhile, Nico picks up Ste’s bag of meth from the floor of The Tugboat. She tries to get Jade to take it but sensible Jade says no. Cleo, Harry, Holly and Zack are discussing whether to go to HCC instead of their chosen universities, when Peri lets out a blood-curdling scream… Nico's face down in the river!

Also, Tony has second thoughts about going to France when he finds out his job is for a junior cook.

Cameron's no help as Ste Hay tries to turn over a new leaf in Hollyoaks...

Ste tries to hide his meth habit from Harry as he prepares for his first day working at The Bean. Ether sends him home when he’s unfit to work, so he swipes £400 from the petty cash tin at the garage and wants to call his dealer. Ste’s determined to stay clean… but then Cameron offers him some more drugs.

Elsewhere, Cameron can’t believe Lisa’s lazy attitude at The Tugboat. Both Cameron and Zack agree with Sonia when she calls Lisa a “bone idle brat”, leaving Lisa out for revenge. Lisa calls Sonia using a fake accent and lies that Jade has been rushed to A&E. Sonia rushes to the hospital, leaving the garage unmanned. Freddie’s furious when he returns to find money missing, and sacks Sonia!

Joe and Mercedes are overwhelmed at being parents to Lexi. Mercedes is annoyed when Joe leaves her alone with the kids, so she pinches his wallet to get a makeover and a new dress.

Jade’s heartbroken by the spiteful picture Peri has posted of her, while Peri starts to feel guilty. Her guilt doesn’t last for long, though, because then Nico overhears Jade shouting at Peri, and tells Peri she’ll help her get back at Jade.

Hollyoaks’ luckless Ste and boyfriend Harry suddenly have no roof over their heads and are out on the street. Kieron Richardson gives the inside story to Soaplife…

Starry were living with Myra (Nicola Barber-Lane)… Why does she chuck them out?

“They break an ornament that Nana McQueen bought her for Christmas while they’re being naughty on the sofa and she loses it. They try hard to find places to stay, but soon all their options dry up and they’re in trouble. They end up at the Osbornes', as they pretend Esther’s coffee shop was burgled and they saved the day. However, Ste thinks Harry’s in the shower, so he gets naked in the bathroom, pulls back the curtain… and it’s Jack [Jimmy McKenna]. He kicks them out, so they end up sleeping rough at the Folly.”

That can’t be good…

“It’s their lowest point. The weather’s miserable, they’re really cold and hungry, and they have nowhere else to go.”

What do they do next?

“They see an opportunity when the Roscoes want a chef to cook a meal to celebrate Jason [Alfie Browne-Sykes] passing his firearms fitness test. Ste offers, then asks if they can stay, but Freddie [Charlie Clapham] says ‘No’.”

So Ste does something drastic, right?

“Sleeping outside was so horrendous that Ste doesn’t want Harry [Parry Glasspool] to do it again and he begs Tony [Nick Pickard] to make him come home. He loves him and he doesn’t want to see him suffer.”

We hear you’re working with the homeless charity Shelter for this story…

“Yes, they’ve been working with our research team and we plan to spend a day with them down in London. When the character of George was homeless, we all slept outside in the village overnight and that gave me a taste of what it might be like. It was so cold. I often chat to homeless people in Manchester and offer my spare change. They’re ordinary people just like me and they’re often there through no fault of their own.”

Will Ste’s fortunes improve?

“Well, I’m dressed as a homeless person right now. I have a beard and curly hair, so no! There are some more things coming up for Ste, which I can’t talk about. At one point, his life will be in jeopardy again. There isn’t any light at the end of the tunnel and I’m glad. I wouldn’t want it any other way. The day he’s just asking for a drink at The Dog is the day I’ll put his tracksuits in the bin and give up!”

Hollyoaks, Channel 4

Will Ste choose estranged husband John Paul, teen lover Harry - or more booze and drugs? Hollyoaks’ Kieron Richardson reveals all to Soaplife…

Drug addict Ste is in a bad way in the run-up to Christmas. After being beaten up by a dealer, he spends the night sleeping outdoors, he hasn’t taken his HIV medication, he’s using drugs, he’s drinking too much and he doesn’t know which lover to choose: John Paul or Harry?

“Yet again, Ste’s feeling isolated,” Kieron says. “He always chooses the wrong path and this Christmas he has to face the consequences.”

Who finds Ste after he’s been sleeping rough?

“Ziggy [Fabrizio Santino] and Celine [Sarah George] find him. He’s taken to hospital and he’s told how dangerous it is for him not to take his medication. His life is totally out of control.”

He tells Harry he’ll kick the booze and drugs. Will he?

“He’s said it many times, so I don’t believe he truly means it. However, there’s a moment where he thinks ‘Yeah, I’m going to take control’ because he knows, at this rate, he’ll have no kids, no family and no Harry in his life.”

What happens when he decides to sort himself out?

“It goes horribly wrong. He’s about to throw away his cocaine when the police knock on the door. What Harry [Parry Glasspool] doesn’t know is Tony [Nick Pickard] called the police because having Ste put away is the only way Tony can keep him away from his son.”

And what about John Paul?

“They have this pact where, if they still love each other on Christmas Day, they’re going to meet up and try to make a go of things. John Paul [James Sutton] is a super nice guy and the sort of man Ste should choose. But he isn’t in the right state of mind to pick the guy he wants to be with.”

How does Ste feel about Harry getting a football scholarship in California?

“Initially, Harry doesn’t tell him about it. Ste knows he’s meeting this guy called Chad, who’s helping him to get the scholarship.”

Describe the scene when Ste meets John Paul at the archway…

“John Paul gets down on one knee, but Ste realises Harry is there, looking shocked. When they’re both stood in front of Ste, he feels really confused. He can’t decide, but one of them gives him some advice about what to do.”

Will Ste have a happy Christmas and New Year?

“Not really. His problems will continue. He won’t be able to conquer his addictions that easily and I’m glad about that. This is my first proper acting gig and I’m up for the challenge. Our director says Ste’s been having a 10-year nervous breakdown and it’s set to continue.”

Hollyoaks, Channel 4

Hollyoaks is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a week of must-see episodes, and things are really heating up between the village's secret lovers, Ste and Harry.

Trouble is, Harry's dad, Tony, still has no idea the student has been sneaking around with his best buddy, Ste. And then there's Ste's estranged hubby, John Paul, who is still in love with him. Complicated!

"One minute it's Harry chasing after Ste. Then Ste realises, 'Actually I really love him.' So it's Ste chasing after Harry," says Kieron Richardson, who plays Ste. "Every episode, there's a twist of their feelings."

We caught up with Kieron and co-star Parry Glasspool to get the gossip on the 20th anniversary episodes, who the Gloved Hand Killer could be and whether Parry minds getting his kit off for the soap's sexy scenes!

"When you first get your scripts it's a bit weird," says Parry, who plays Harry. "But you get used to it after the first 10 times! It depends how in shape you're feeling on the day. You do get a bit self-conscious, but it's fine now."

Kieron adds: "To be fair, if you had a body like that you wouldn't mind getting your kit off. It's kind of inspired me to go to the gym more because I felt ridiculous next to Parry without my top on. But I'm slowly getting there!"

Don't miss Hollyoaks's 20th anniversary week from Monday, October 19 on Channel 4. Watch our interview with Kieron and Parry, above. "]

Hunky Harry goes all out to seduce his secret man, Ste, in Hollyoaks!

Uh-oh! Will Tony accidentally discover his son, Harry, is secretly snogging his best mate, Ste?

Sinead's matchmaking goes very wrong when she locks up the wrong guy with Harry in Hollyoaks!

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson says he's honoured to be at the centre of an HIV storyline, but is feeling the pressure to play it convincingly.

Kieron, who plays Ste Hay in the C4 soap, told What's on TV at the National TV Awards: "To go into my ninth year on the show and to go into a storyline like this I feel massively honoured, I feel proud, but I also feel the pressure, knowing that HIV does exist massively, especially within the gay community, so I have to get this right; the show, the writers, we all have to come together. You don't want to offend anybody, you just want to be the voice.

"The episode aired last night and we got so many messages last night going we didn't know easy it was to go and get a sample done. It takes 60 seconds and if 1-2 people go and get themselves tested because of this it can only be a good thing."

Watch an interview with Hollyoaks' Kieron Richardson and Stephanie Davis, above.

Hollyoaks’ James Sutton tells Soaplife how Ste is arrested and John Paul is in Scotland with Lockie just a day before their wedding!

As John Paul and Ste prepare for soapland’s first ever gay church wedding, everyone is hoping for a happy ending… But when the stag do goes wrong and John Paul ends up in Scotland it will take a miracle to get them both to the church on time. “It is one of those classic situations you see in the movies, where the couple are desperately trying to get to the church. It’s very light-hearted and fun,” James tells Soaplife.

So, the McQueens will finally have something to smile about… won’t they?

Why does John Paul want to marry Ste (Kieron Richardson)?

“They are in love and he wants to cement that relationship. John Paul and Ste have both been through so much, so in a sense they are very similar. Ste has had his problems with drugs, but then John Paul had the rape to deal with. They’ve both pulled one another through various problems and are stronger for it.”

What goes wrong at the stag do?

“Both John Paul and Ste are dressed as Geri Halliwell. People said I looked quite sexy in the dress! Things go a bit wrong, there is an incident with some police officers, John Paul goes on the run with Lockie [Nick Rhys] and they end up in Scotland!”

Ste must be going mental…

“Well, Ste is in a bit of trouble of his own. Because he is wearing the same clothes as John Paul, he gets mistaken for him, gets arrested and is locked up.”

But the grooms do get to the church in time…

“Ste is released and is waiting for John Paul. Ste thinks that the wedding is off, but then John Paul turns up at the church.”

Is it a beautiful wedding?

“It is classic and romantic. But remember, the McQueens are there, so there is potential for drama.”

Like what?

“There is a bombshell in the form of Sinead [Stephanie Davis]. She can’t let anything go and has a big old mouth on her. She might cause some trouble.”

Will the wedding be a chance for the McQueens to forget all their recent tragedies?

“Yes, it is an opportunity for them to celebrate for a change. It is nice to have some love, laughter and smiles. There is a lot of love in that family and it is nice to see it. The Christmas episode really is a happy day for them.”

How do you feel about the upcoming storyline, which sees Ste being diagnosed as HIV Positive?

“We relish the challenge of doing storylines like that. It is going to be hard for John Paul and Ste, but they are strong as a couple and this is another hurdle they will set out to overcome together.”

Hollyoaks, Channel 4. Click here for dates and times.

Hollyoaks' Ste Hay is to be diagnosed HIV positive after having unprotected sex with a stranger.

The Channel 4 soap is to work with sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust on the storyline - the first time a gay character in a British soap is to be shown living with HIV.

Kieron Richardson, who plays Ste and who came out publicly in 2010, told The Guardian: "My first HIV test was after one of my first gay sexual experiences. I was a bit stupid and had to get fully checked out and one of the tests was HIV and I remember thinking, 'Oh God, if I've got it, I'm going to die.' Waiting for the results was terrifying. I associated HIV with the 1980s."

The actor added it is 'a massive honour' to portray this story, adding: "And if people think I'm HIV positive in real life, let them."

Soaps have tackled the issue before - most famously EastEnders' Mark Fowler, played by Todd Carty in the 80s and more recently Emmerdale's Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick) - but both characters were straight.

Hollyoaks executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said: "We have wanted to tell this story for a long time and while HIV can affect anyone, infection rates in young gay men remain too high and to ignore that is to do the gay audience a disservice. Hollyoaks is in a unique positon to be able to talk directly to millions of young viewers and if the safe-sex message is not coming through education we can help with that both on screen and through multi-platform support.

"2015 is Hollyoaks' 20th year and to make that our 'year of safe sex' felt right for a show built upon telling rites of passage stories. With Ste's HIV and other stories for our teenage characters we will explore the many implications of unprotected sex and hope to encourage thoughtful debate amongst our audience."

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson has revealed Ste Hay is terrified off his shock one-night stand being exposed.

Viewers of the Channel 4 soap were given a big surprise when gay Ste slept with his straight friend Sinead Roscoe after they got drunk together at the LGBT '70s disco.

Ste couldn't remember what had happened until Sinead (Stephanie Davis) reminded him, and he is now desperate to keep it a secret from on-off boyfriend John Paul McQueen (James Sutton).

Kieron told Hollyoaks' official website: "I think Sinead secretly probably loves it a little bit, because now she's got one up on Ste because maybe she could now blow the whole thing up to John Paul.

"So where does this leave Ste and John Paul now? Ste can't tell the truth with what's happened, because then it'll be devastation all over again.

"He's now got feelings for John Paul, but he's slept with Sinead, and if John Paul finds out then John Paul's going to dump him forever. John Paul's obviously going through everything he's going through, so Ste doesn't want to upset him any more. It leaves Ste in a very difficult situation."

But Kieron thinks Ste is best off getting his guilty secret out in the open.

He added: "I think Ste should be honest and should tell John Paul, but I [also] think that Ste shouldn't, because he's going to get in a lot of trouble and Ste's had enough tears! If John Paul ever did find out, though, I think he wouldn't touch Ste with a bargepole."

Hollyoaks has revealed the tragic outcome of the Lomaxes car crash.

In a shock storyline screening this week, viewers saw Danny (Stephen Billington) and Sam (Lizzie Roper) Lomax's car hit by a van just after they had finalised plans to move to New Zealand with most of their family.

But last night (August 5) E4 showed what the result of the smash was in their First Look episode, confirming that both characters died at the scene.

Police officers visited the Lomax family home, where they broke the tragic news to daughters Tegan (Jessica Ellis) and Leela (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), as well as Danny's son Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson), who was there to hear it.

The crash scenes were filmed in June, but had been kept under wraps to surprise viewers that the actors were leaving their roles after a year on Hollyoaks.

Stephen has been shooting films Still Waters and Enemy Of England, while Lizzie is starring in one-woman show Julie Burchill: Absolute Cult at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Ste is out for revenge when he discovers Finn is John Paul's rapist...

Hollyoaks' Kieron Richardson says he was in 'complete shock' to learn he had a Best Actor nomination at the British Soap Awards.

The actor, who plays Ste Hay in the Channel 4 soap, told What's on TV: "I can't believe it, I'm in complete shock. The category, before the short list came out, was fantastic anyway. I was thinking not in a million years would I ever have a chance to be surrounded by these people... But then a couple of weeks ago when we got told – it was just complete shock."

Kieron won Best On-Screen Partnership at the soap awards with ex Hollyoaks star Emmett J Scanlan in 2013 and said he missed the man who played his abusive partner.

"I miss Emmett extremely and it's so weird... they called us 'Stendan', Ste and Brendan, and it was so massive and you don't realise it at the time, you just come to work and you do your job, you forget you're on telly and obviously you have Twitter nowadays and you get this instant reaction. But these two characters were adored and it's crazy that I played one of them and it was affecting people's lives."

Kieron added: "I do miss him and he's on BBC3 now, In the Flesh, on Sunday nights and his scene partner is called Keiron and I'm like, 'That's me. That should be me. I could be doing that' So I get a bit jealous."

You can vote for Hollyoaks and Kieron at the British Soap Awards website here.

Watch our chat with Hollyoaks' Kieron Richardson (Ste Hay):

Ste stands trial for crashing into Sinead and killing DS Sykes! Will he plead his innocence?

Kieron Richardson tells Soaplife that Ste’s ready to plead guilty to murder and be punished for helping his mum to die in Hollyoaks…

Ste’s not really murderer so why should he go to prison?

“In Ste’s heart, he knows he did the right thing; he did what his mum wanted. But he also accepts that he took part in an assisted suicide, which is against the law.”

Doug wants Ste to change his plea. Will he?

“There’s this nice scene outside the court where Doug reads Ste his rights and says he’s being selfish and not thinking about Leah and Lucas. He tells him that he thinks nobody cares, but that’s not true, Doug does care and he tells Ste he’ll be missed.”

What happens in court?

“Ste opts to defend himself and pleads guilty, but he can’t forget Doug’s words. He’s confused. He’s behaving erratically and will either get himself sent down for 20 years or get himself off the hook.”

Has Ste explained to his children what’s happening?

“No and he’s really cross when Doug brings them over to say goodbye to Ste. He didn’t want to look at their faces knowing he might never see them again.”

And he really might never see Leah again no matter what happens in court…

“Yes. Leanne’s looking after Ste’s kids and Leah hears her telling someone that Ste killed his mum. She’s upset and runs away…”

Where will this all end?

“In early winter, viewers will see why Ste has been pushed to the brink. There’s finally going to be a bit of light at the tunnel!”

Hollyoaks' Ste Hay is set to be joined by his three sisters on screen - Leela, Tegan and Peri.

Ex-Emmerdale actress Kirsty-Leigh Porter portrays Leela, Jessica Ellis plays Tegan, while Ruby O'Donnell has been cast as youngest sister Peri in Hollyoaks.

The trio, along with brother Ste (Kieron Richardson) and parents Danny (Stephen Billington) and Sam Lomax (Lizzie Roper), will be seen together for the first time when they rally around Tegan after she gives birth to a baby girl within hours of arriving in the village, without having any idea that she was even pregnant.

Hollyoaks' executive producer Brian Kirkwood previously said that he was interested in introducing Ste's siblings to viewers.

"Ste is undoubtedly one of our most important characters, and I'm so impressed with everything Kieron has done in the role. He's become a real star in the past few years," he told Digital Spy.

"I was conscious of the fact that Ste was languishing on his own with no family around him, so that's something we're going to change by bringing in Ste's sisters. I'm eager to bring in a strong female force."

Tegan, Leela and Peri's first scenes will be shown on Hollyoaks in October.

Hollyoaks' Ste Hay is to seek comfort in the arms of his arch rival's boyfriend.

When Danny Lomax falls out with boyfriend John Paul McQueen he decides to take revenge by making a move on Ste - his arch enemy.

Kieron Richardson, who plays Ste, told Inside Soap magazine: "At the start of the week, Ste is in the most vulnerable place emotionally that he's ever been. He's just helped his mum to die, and has hit an all-time low.

"So when Danny approaches and offers to buy him a drink, they get chatting - and one thing leads to another.

But Danny (Stephen Billington) can't go through with cheating on JP and leaves before anything happens.

However Keiron revealed: "Obviously, Ste and John Paul are total enemies, so Ste revels in the saucy secret he now shares with Danny, because it's getting one up on John Paul."

So Ste lets slip what happened between him and Danny and he and JP come to blows, before the teacher pulls them apart and manages to make up with JP.

Later Ste sees Danny getting into a car with a mystery woman. Kieron teased: "Usually in soap you get one really huge cliffhanger a week, but Hollyoaks seems to do it every single episode.

"So there's set to be a shock that will excite viewers and make them want to tune in to the next episode..."

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson says he wants to win sexiest male at the British Soap Awards 'for gay people".

Kieron, who plays Ste Hay in Hollyoaks, is shortlisted for the award and told the Liverpool Echo his reasons for wanting to win.

He said: "It's a bit of a laugh, but being competitive I want Hollyoaks to win as many awards as possible.

"There are two people from Hollyoaks up for the same award, so that will split the vote - people who love Danny Mac (who plays Dodger Savage) will vote for him and people who love me will vote for me, whereas Corrie fans will vote for their own.

"I love Danny to bits. He's better looking than me. But I've got good cheekbones and an alright face. I'm doing it for all the people who hate going to the gym and love eating crisps, burgers and kebabs, and also for gay people."

The 27-year-old actor, whose Hollyoaks character is also gay, announced he was gay in an interview with This Morning in 2010.

Sexiest Male is one of two awards Kieron has been nominated for - the other is best on-screen partnership with Emmett J Scanlan, who played Ste's lover Brendan Brady.

His Sexiest Male nomination is for a category where the shortlist is chosen by fans.

Kieron said: "I've got to do so many things in Hollyoaks, from comedy to domestic abuse storylines twice. It's been really testing but the great thing about working with people like Emmett is I've learned so much. I've never seen anything like the gay domestic abuse storyline on TV before. It was massive with the audience."

Ste is reeling from the events of last week and Doug has to be cruel to be kind with him while he is pining for Brendan. George finds a drunk Ste sat outside the pub and offers to take him home, but both in a vulnerable state, they end up in bed together...

Desperately searching for answers, Dr Browning talks Myra through Mercedes' final moments before she went missing but Myra puts it all down to her daughter's games. Carmel, on the other hand, is more worried about her sister and wonders whether Browning could have killed her.

Will wants to give his Mum another chance, but Patrick is determined to stop anyone getting near Anna. Texas and Will manage to see her and Will resolves to find out the truth about Patrick...

Meanwhile, Frankie starts to ruffle some feathers as she prepares for Esther's return home.

As Brendan arrives in court he's irked that his attempt to make Kevin change his plea has backfired. Brendan maintains his innocence and pleads not guilty to ABH and sexual assault. But with everything going against him, Brendan's frustrations boil over with devastating consequences...

Meanwhile, Seamus offers Cheryl an offer to rival Nate's proposal when he announces he's put an offer in for The Dog and wants Cheryl to run it with him, but will it be enough to keep her from her manor house in Ireland? Outside, Ste likens Brendan to Seamus. Uncontrollable, Brendan beats Ste to a pulp.

The Osbornes are ecstatic as they plan the re-opening of the pub to tie in with Cheryl's engagement party, but Darren is being over-confident about getting his license and their celebrations are short-lived when they hear some shocking news.

Also, as Walker learns the magnitude of Kevin's deceit, Kevin is in mortal danger.

John Paul makes it his mission to infuriate Ste at the careers day by undermining him in front of the students. Ste struggles to contain his emotions but it's clear he's wound up by Doug's new acquaintance. Later, the pair end up fighting in the back of the deli van.

Darren fails to turn up to Oscar's consultant appointment, which only sours Nancy's mood further - he's well and truly in the dog-house. Later, chaos continues to reign in the Osborne household as Nancy is forced to confront her worst nightmare, but there more heartache yet to come.

The McQueens are penniless and in dire need of furniture, desperate times call for desperate measures! Jacqui spies a flyer "cleaners needed!" - this could be the answer she's been looking for. However, she already knows the interviewer, Trudy, from her prison days.

Also, Cindy finds a place to live but it's horrible and Holly tells her mother about her new career choice, rinsing - like mother, like daughter!