Two iconic Hollyoaks faces stage returns and bring chaos in their wake

Imran and Leah are back – and they’re making their presence felt (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) and Misbah Maalik (Harvey Virdi) are set to get the shock of their lives in Hollyoaks next week when Leah Barnes (Charlotte Riley) and Imran Maalik (Ijaz Rana) stage a return to the village.

Their comebacks aren’t the only shock in store, however, as the pair are now in a relationship and their arrival sets tongues wagging as the glamorous couple walk into the village hand-in-hand.

Ste and Misbah are flabbergasted and want answers, with Leah revealing that her and Imran are moving back to the village, having purchased a place by the river.

Ste only visited her a few weeks ago and thus he wants to know why she kept this information from him. Leah admits that she didn’t want him to get carried away with her relationship and newfound wealth.

Leah, played by Ela-May Demircan for 14 years, left Hollyoaks post-time-jump in 2024, when it was revealed that she slept with brother Lucas Hay’s (Oscar Curtis) boyfriend Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass), giving birth to his son in subsequent scenes. 

The character headed off to America to become a lawyer, leaving baby James in the custody of Ste. Dillon later left the village with his one year old son.

Imran, meanwhile, was last seen in the village in 2023 after he decided to embark on an exciting new chapter of his life, moving to London to share a flat with brother Sami (Rishi Nair), who left the eponymous village a number of years prior. 

But it seems life has been kind to them in the years that followed, with Imran and Leah back in the village – with money aplenty.

In a bid to mark her return, Leah decides to throw her and Imran a welcome home party at The Dog, taking Ste shopping to get him something to eat to the event.

Talk about making an entrance (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Misbah, meanwhile, is incredibly confused about Imran and Leah’s careers, with Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) forced to step in and help her understand it all.

At the welcome home party, Misbah is proud of Imran and his achievements, Vicky avoids eating and Ste takes advantage of the free food and gifts from Leah.

Later, Vicky feels like she wants more out of life, given how successful Leah has proven to be. Leah is quick to remind Vicky that she’s beautiful and has her own business.

Ste and Misbah are left reeling by Leah and Imran’s returns (Picture: Lime Pictures)

With chemistry evident between Vicky and Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer), Leah has an idea, informing Imran that she’s found her next project.

But just what is she up to?

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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