Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Thursday’s (May 16) episode that is now available to view on Channel 4 streaming. The episode in question will air on E4 on Friday May 17 at 7pm.
After months of torment and manipulation at the hands of the local headmaster, Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis) was finally free to be himself as he experienced true love in all its glory, sharing his first kiss with Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass).
Not crying at all.
The teen, as viewers know, was subjected to traumatising conversion therapy courtesy of Carter Shepherd (David Ames), who – knowing that he was struggling with his sexuality – preyed on the school pupil’s vulnerability.
Lucas came to realise that he was gay last year shortly after the arrival of Dillon, who he developed feelings for.
Dillon felt the same way but what should’ve been a heartwarming tale of young love and self-discovery was poisoned by Carter’s toxic teachings, which left Lucas so confused that he began to self-harm.
Knowing full well that Carter was up to no good, Dillon was desperate to stop Lucas from fleeing the village with the conversion therapist and therefore he told his mate earlier this month that he loves him.
Deeply confused and full of self-loathing, Lucas retaliated with violence, putting both himself and Dillon in hospital, where the truth about his ordeal was finally exposed to his loved ones, with Lucas bravely coming out to dad Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson).
Having come to the realisation that what Carter put him through was completely and utterly cruel, Lucas finally felt free to be himself as he confessed his feelings for Dillon and subsequently apologised to him.
The teen was on the cusp of an exciting new era, but going back to school proved much more challenging than he had anticipated, with a question about religion and sin on an exam paper triggering his ordeal, as he fled the school hall and locked himself in a nearby classroom, barricading the door shut.
Nancy Osborne (Jessica Fox) heard the commotion and soon got involved, pleading with Lucas to let her in. But Lucas wasn’t listening, with tears streaming down his face as toxic Carter’s words replayed over and over in his head.
Dillon and Leah Barnes (Ela-May Demircan) were summoned to the scene, with Nancy explaining the situation. Fearing Lucas might self-harm, Dillon asked for some alone time and, when everyone else had left, he urged his friend to open the door and let him in.
Lucas claimed that Dillon deserved someone better – someone who wouldn’t hurt him – but Dillon, like many times before, refused to abandon him in his hour of need.
With Dillon’s unwavering support on display, Lucas un-barricaded the door, allowing him entry. Once inside, Dillon took it upon himself to hook his phone up to the speaker, playing some music in the hopes that it might ease Lucas’ worrying mind.
Ever so thoughtful.
Lucas couldn’t help but smile, branding his fellow classmate ‘soppy’ for his taste in music as Sam Smith’s Stay With Me sounded aloud, a tune which would become the soundtrack for a pivotal moment for the two as a heart-to-heart ensued.
Reminding Lucas of all that he’s been through, Dillon reiterated just how brave he is, encouraging him to find the joy in figuring out who he is as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.
Not having thought of it like that before, Lucas pondered the prospect of a ‘whole new Lucas’, but Dillon was quick to stop him in tracks.
‘Maybe not a whole new Lucas’, he said. ‘It turns out that there are a lot of things about the old Lucas that are pretty special’.
Lucas was taken aback by Dillon’s kind words, though proceeded to put himself down again, claiming that he doesn’t deserve him. ‘You do’, responded Dillon assertively, as he closed the gap, with the two boys now closer than ever before.
Dillon leaned in for a kiss, which took Lucas by surprise. Fearing that he wasn’t not ready, Dillon swiftly apologised.
Lucas, however, was quick to dispel such a theory, instead revealing that his hesitation was in relation to his appearance due to how much he’d been crying.
But Dillon wasn’t having any of his self-doubt. ‘You’re beautiful!’, he said. And just like that, he went in again for a kiss and this time Lucas didn’t hesitate for a second, with the two boys locking lips for the first time ever.
Looks like it’s true what they say. Love really does conquer all.
A beautifully written – and remarkably uplifting – scene, helmed by understated and yet very powerful performances from stars Oscar Curtis and Nathaniel Dass, who have proven themselves absolute powerhouses on a number of occasions in this past month alone.
As for what’s next for Dillon and Lucas, the subsequent episode will see the two boys discuss the immediate future, though Dillon will make quite clear that he’s happy to keep their romance under wraps for the time being – if that’s what Lucas wants.
Hollyoaks streams weeknights at 7:30pm on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
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