Nadine Mulkerrin has a theory over how the secret is revealed…
Could Sienna Blake ultimately play a role in exposing their scandalous secret?
Cleo and Dodger have been sneaking around behind Theresa's back in recent weeks, creating a ticking timebomb which threatens to tear the McQueen family apart.
We caught up with Nadine while she took part in a big photoshoot to celebrate Hollyoaks' nominations at the Inside Soap Awards 2026.
Nadine is up for the Best Actress prize, as well as Best Storyline for Cleo's postpartum psychosis.
All the pictures can be seen in the next issue of Inside Soap magazine, which is out tomorrow (25 August). In the meantime, you can see exclusive footage from the shoot at the top of the page – and read on for Nadine's DS Q&A..
"I am thrilled and honoured – I was very happy when I heard. It's amazing to be nominated.
"Cleo's postpartum psychosis is the story that I'm most proud of from the past year and the fans gave it a really positive reaction. I received so many comments, and the charity that we were working with were really happy with the awareness that we raised."
Why should fans vote for Hollyoaks as Best Soap this year?
"We've had plane crashes, affairs, murders, endless drama always! We still also love to make you guys laugh and we like to tackle the big issue-led storylines head-on. And we also brought Brookside back – talk about nostalgia!"
What's coming up next for Cleo?
"It's all to do with Theresa and Dodger, although I haven't filmed the reveal yet of Theresa finding out about Cleo and Dodger's affair. I'm anxiously waiting for that script!
"I just can't wait to see how Theresa reacts. Honestly, I'm like: 'Are my days numbered here?' I think she might try and kill me!"
"It was on the backburner but there were little feelings there, they had a little kiss and then Dodger got with Theresa. We had the 'will they / won't they' dynamic and in the end they've just given in to their desires, naughty people!"
Do you worry about getting a storyline where your character may be disliked by the audience for a while?
"No, I think we shouldn't worry about that – if anything, it's quite freeing when your character gets to make a really bad decision! It's something I'd never do in my own personal life, so getting to act that out is fun to explore.
"Cleo does make bad decisions, but I like it! The more bonkers the storyline – like being locked in a cupboard for a year – the more I thrive and I enjoy it. I'd much rather that than crying all the time!"
Do you think Cleo feels any guilt about the affair?
"I do think she feels some guilt. I think all Cleo really wants is to be loved. She needs some therapy – I've seen that a lot in the comments, people saying: 'Cleo in therapy, please!'
"If I had to pick anything for Cleo, she really needs to work on her self-worth and stop seeking validation from men and hopping from relationship to relationship.
"I think she does really love Dodger, it's just so unfortunate that he's got a child and is in a relationship with her cousin. It's really bad and I don't know how the McQueens are going to react. They might not stand by Cleo. They might have just had enough of her nonsense – and I almost don't blame them, to be honest!"
They've all had affairs themselves, though…
"Exactly – pot kettle, Mercedes!
"I quite often have a little daydream and wonder what the writers are going to do next. I wouldn't be surprised if Sienna is somehow involved in the unravelling of Cleo and Dodger, because at the end of the day, she's not very happy that we shopped her into the police.
"Sienna does not forget, so if she was out for revenge against anyone, it'd probably be Cleo and Dodger. She had her suspicions about Cleo and Dodger the whole time, so she'll have been proven right if she finds out about their relationship.
"She's not going to be happy. Maybe she tells Theresa, who knows?"
Who do you think Cleo is best suited to?
"I think Cleo needs to be on her own, so that's number one! But if she had to pick a partner, I think it'd be Joel. I think he is her soulmate. But maybe I'm biased – do you think that might be connected to Rory? Maybe!"
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