Hollyoaks Later was shot entirely on location in Liverpool city centre and Merseyside as the dark Channel 4 soap spin-off returns after five years for a one-off special
Dan Laurie Deputy Editor of Screen Time
07:00, 14 Oct 2025
Esme Dixon brings escapism for Frankie Osborne in Hollyoaks Later(Image: Lime Pictures)
After a five-year break, Hollyoaks Later is set to return next week.
The revival of the Hollyoaks spin-off was announced earlier this year in celebration of the Channel 4 soap’s 30th anniversary.
The special episode will welcome back beloved characters Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) and Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter), as well as introducing new face Gemma (Tisha Merry).
Over its 17-year run, Hollyoaks Later has been known for delivering some of the most thrilling twists in soap history, and fans can anticipate the same high-stakes drama in this Autumn special.
The late-night spin-off will continue from where the Hollyoaks crossover episode leaves off on Wednesday (October 22), with Brookside merging into Hollyoaks Later as the teens party in Liverpool and Donny Clark (Louis Emerck), Gemma and Warren escape ‘the Close’ for the affluent suburbs, their lives hanging in the balance, reports the Mirror.
The teens head to Liverpool as they try to navigate their friendships in the confusing aftermath of child exploitationREAD MORE: Hollyoaks Ant Hutchinson star breaks silence as exit confirmed after two yearsREAD MORE: Hollyoaks’ O.B star Darren Jefferies’ life eight years after Channel 4 soap exit
At John Lennon airport, Hollyoaks’ globe-trotting rebel, Theresa risks her freedom and Dodger Savage’s (Danny Mac) police career by engaging in illegal smuggling, while running away from a seemingly glamorous influencers life that has taken a wrong turn.
Shot entirely on location in Liverpool city centre and Merseyside, Hollyoaks Later delves into the lives of teenagers Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass), Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis), Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) and Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith) as they try to navigate their friendships in the confusing aftermath of child exploitation.
Set against the backdrop of the mesmerising yet ominous urban landscape, the young characters attempt to erase the trauma of recent months with varying degrees of success.
The youngsters attempt to erase the trauma of recent months with varying degrees of success(Image: Lime Pictures)
Fresh face and Brookside inhabitant Esme Dixon (portrayed by Yasmin Davies as the daughter of Brookside’s Jacqui Dixon) offers Frankie a much-needed distraction.
Nevertheless, criminal masterminds Sully and Griff pose a significant threat to Hollyoaks’ undercover law enforcement officers and the broader community. With hidden truths jeopardising the foundation of essential family bonds, whom can you rely on when self-doubt consumes you?
Criminal masterminds Sully and Griff pose a significant threat to Hollyoaks’ undercover law enforcement officers and the broader community
This marks the first Later instalment since 2020, which became the second most-watched Hollyoaks episode ever, featuring serial murderer Breda McQueen’s demise at the hands of her son Sylver McQueen using a knitting needle, whilst Tony Hutchinson (Nick Packard) was rescued from a blazing pig farm where he’d been imprisoned.
Discussing the Hollyoaks Later reveal, returning star Jamie Lomas commented: “It’s great to be back for Hollyoaks 30th celebrations and what better way to return than a Laters.
“Warren has been busy since you last saw him, wanting to rebuild his empire and start afresh after the heartbreak with Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe).”
Donny Clark and Warren Fox flee Brookside Close
Jorgie Porter, returning following her maternity break, remarked: “It’s really exciting to be a part of Laters, I’ve been in so many over the years and they’re always my favourite – Hopefully I get a swear word this time.
“Theresa is scheming with an unlikely business partner and its fun to see her living life on the edge again.
“It’s incredible to time my return with the Hollyoaks 30th birthday week too, I couldn’t miss it.”
Hollyoaks Later airs on E4 on Wednesday, October 22