Episode 6461

Time changes everything as we join Hollyoaks village a year on, after four seasons pass outside The Dog in the Pond.

Landlord Tony Hutchinson surveys his kingdom. Inside he pauses as he looks longingly at family photos, while some of the Hutchinson clan get ready for the school run. Did all of his loved ones survive the motorbike crash that smashed through the McQueens’ house?

We follow Tony around the village as he passes by other residents, giving us clues on where everyone is at a year down the line.

At Casa McQueen, a party is being prepared for, as the family rally around to get the place ready. It’s busy as the residents mill about their daily lives, but for some the day is going to be a difficult and painful reminder.

Tony picks up flowers from Sienna to lay on a grave – and he’s not the only one paying respects.

The Osbornes and Lomaxes also stand solemnly to pay their respects at gravesides. But as well as the anniversary, people are moving on and love is in the air for a couple who are celebrating their engagement.

The weight of the day bears heavily on Mercedes, who is struggling as a single mum and with the events of the last 12 months, but she is pushing through with a business to run and one-year-old twins to look after.

At the hospital, Tony looks like the weight of the world is on his shoulders as doctors tend to a patient. There’s no update. He puts on a brave face and rallies to raise a toast at Casa McQueen. It’s been a tough year but he believes they have weathered the storm. There’s a gasp of relief when a familiar face is brought round.

Tony’s optimism is catching, as another couple decide it’s time to take the next step in their relationship. Happier news is coming for another resident as they go into labour and the Lomaxes have a race to the hospital.