Hollyoaks star reveals worrying future of Ste and Lucas's dark storyline

 "A lot of stuff is going to happen."

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson has hinted that there's a long way to go with Ste and Lucas Hay's child-to-parent physical abuse storyline.

The dark plot intensifies in today's episode as Lucas violently lashes out at Ste again – unfairly blaming him for the latest problems in his relationship with Dillon Ray.

Kieron and co-star Oscar Curtis, who plays Lucas, first announced the story in June. Since then, Ste has been suffering in silence over the worrying behaviour that Lucas is displaying behind closed doors.

Speaking exclusively to us earlier this month, Kieron explained: "There's two relatively extreme violent scenes between the two of them before we get to the 30th [anniversary]. Then a lot of stuff is going to happen after that.

I do think Oscar's been amazing and we're working with PEGS [Parental Educational Growth Support], who are an organisation who have guided us through it.

"With all of the stuff we've been told, we're trying to seed that into our scenes to make it as truthful as possible."

He continued: "There's been a few times when we've filmed a scene and you can hear a pin drop afterwards, because we're trying to make it as raw and real as possible. It's something that's real and people are going through it out there.

"If there's one thing the show does well, it's the issue-based stories. So it's definitely going to be one to watch – not just before the 30th, but I think it's something that's going to be heavily focused after that, if we both make it out alive!"

The situation could soon become even more complicated, as Ste has just learned that Dillon has feelings for him. Ste immediately tried to shut this down, making it clear that he doesn't feel the same way, but there's sure to be a furious reaction from Lucas if he ever finds out…

Admitting that he was stunned by the plot twist, Kieron continued: "After being in it for nearly 20 years, I got told this aspect of the story and I couldn't speak! I had to keep it to myself because Nate [Dass] who plays Dillon didn't know at that point.

"It was quite a shocking moment and I think it's going to really shock the audience. Dillon is going out with my son for a start. He's also slept with my daughter, who he's had a baby with. So I'm the granddad to his son and I'm trying to help him and he's coming onto me! It's all a bit cheeky and naughty."

Asked whether it's all over for Ste and Rex Gallagher – his main recent love interest – Kieron replied: "I wouldn't say that the door is closed. Both characters are going through a lot individually. I think when they get together it's a release for them – just to have someone to talk to, to be with, or to cuddle at night time.

I think they would love nothing more than to be together, but circumstances that happen, coming up to 23 October [Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary], they might not be able to be together all the time..."

Kieron was chatting to us at an exclusive photoshoot for the Inside Soap Awards 2025. He's up for the Best Actor prize this year after another eventful time for Ste.

Reflecting on the recognition, he smiled: "To be up for Best Actor again this year is amazing and I give myself a little pat on the back! But I've got to be honest, even though I'm very pro-Hollyoaks, I'm very aware of how amazing [EastEnders star] Steve McFadden's been.

I'm working really hard now so maybe next year I really will deserve it! Even though I've done some things that I'm pleased with, I'm not going to lie, it's going to go to Steve McFadden and he does deserve it. I think some people should be more honest about it!"

He continued: "I do genuinely think, though, that we deserve Best Soap – just because of the year that we've had. Our story team have worked like no other – to be put in the position of going from five episodes to three episodes and work out a vehicle to do that. They've brought in this new audience and we've gained traction and younger viewers.

"I think the story team deserve the award – and it is our 30th anniversary so we deserve it!"