Hollyoaks airs tragic overdose for Joel Dexter

Note: This article contains discussion of child loss and drug dependency.

Hollyoaks spoilers follow from Thursday's episode on Channel 4 streaming, which doesn't air on E4 until Friday.

Hollyoaks has aired a tragic overdose for Joel Dexter.

Joel and his wife Leela have been going through a traumatic time recently, following the death of their son Noah. Leela tragically lost Noah during the 27th week of her pregnancy.

After Noah's emotional funeral, a grieving Joel secretly turned to drugs again and was seen passing out in an alleyway.

In yesterday's (August 28) episode, Mercedes helped Joel to fake a drug test. In return, she wanted him to provide an alibi for Warren, who was recently arrested under suspicion of murdering his mum Norma.

hollyoaks joel dexter
Channel 4

Related: Best streaming services in 2024

Tonight's (August 29) episode saw Mercedes explain that she needs Joel to give an alibi to Warren, as there's a two-hour window that Warren can't account for on the day of Norma's murder.

Joel felt torn, not wanting to go to prison if the police found out. "I know it's a lot to ask, but he is your dad, and he is innocent," replied Mercedes.

When Leela spotted the pair talking, she confronted Mercedes, accusing her and Joel of having an affair. "Just because your fella's locked up, it don't mean you can nick mine," she angrily said.

hollyoaks mercedes mcqueen
Channel 4

Related: Hollyoaks star Iz Hesketh explains show exit in beautiful message

After Leela walked away, Mercedes threatened Joel, saying that she will tell Leela about his drug use if he doesn't help Warren. "Look, Joel, I know this isn't nice. But for Warren, I will play dirty," she warned.

Joel rushed after Leela and assured her that she had nothing to worry about. She was therefore shocked to arrive home while he was making a statement to the police, confirming that he was with Warren on the night of Norma's murder.

When Leela realised Joel hadn't told Warren about his statement, she headed to the prison to get their stories straight.

hollyoaks leela and joel
Channel 4

Related: Hollyoaks' Donny to accuse Ethan of being Blue in shock scenes

Worried about his son's involvement, Warren said: "Joel needs to know that people care about him. He has to do the right thing, be a good provider. And if he can't do that, he can't cope."

While Leela met with Warren, Joel was seen secretly calling his dealer and asking for "something".

As Leela arrived back in the village, she found Joel unconscious on the street and quickly called an ambulance. "Wake up, Joel!" she screamed.

Will Joel be able to recover?

Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.

From September 9, Hollyoaks will air Mondays - Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm.

Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.

Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage


Organisations including Sands and Tommy's are able to offer help and support to anyone affected by baby loss.

For more on drug addiction and dependency, including information and support, please visit FRANK or Action on Addiction.

You Might Also Like