Hollyoaks’ James steps up for Ste after Rex’s death but can he help him heal?

James is doing everything he can to support Ste following Rex’s tragic death, but upcoming Hollyoaks scenes raise an important question about whether anyone can truly help someone through such overwhelming grief

After recently reconnecting with his ex-husband, James throws himself into helping Leah and Imran prepare for their wedding. Keen to keep everything on track, he even organises a wine tasting event at The Hutch as excitement builds for the couple’s big day.

His efforts are clearly aimed at easing some of the pressure on Ste, who has been trying to keep his emotions under control since losing Rex.

However, events soon take a heartbreaking turn when Ste learns that Rex’s body has been released from the mortuary and he must begin arranging the funeral. The news forces him to confront the reality of his loss, making it impossible to keep burying his emotions.

James can offer practical support and a familiar shoulder to lean on, but some moments simply cannot be fixed by those around us. As Ste finds himself overwhelmed by grief once again, James is left watching someone he cares about struggle through one of the darkest periods of his life.

Their renewed closeness has already prompted questions about where their relationship could eventually lead. For now, though, romance appears to be the last thing on Ste’s mind as he tries to come to terms with losing Rex while also supporting Leah during such an important time in her life.

With Rex’s killer still unidentified, Ste is also living with the uncertainty that comes from having no answers. That ongoing mystery means every reminder of Rex carries even greater emotional weight.

Whether James can help Ste begin rebuilding his life remains to be seen, but his quiet determination to stand by him could prove more important than ever as the heartbreaking storyline continues.

Hollyoaks streams first from Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4, with episodes then broadcast on E4. Follow all the latest Hollyoaks news, features and interviews on SoapLandTV. Images: Lime Pictures