Nikki Sanderson, Stephanie Waring, and Nick Pickard are amongst the cast involved in a jaw-dropping hour-long episode as Eric Hutchinson (Angus Castle-Doughty) sets a disturbing plan in motion.

Misogynistic Eric, armed with a crossbow, threatens the lives of a number of women during a siege at The Dog, airing tonight at 7pm on E4.

Streaming the siege live to his incel community, Eric locks the doors of The Dog during his late sister Verity’s wake and threatens guests with a crossbow. At the hospital, Mason decides to no longer protect Eric and get help for the women in danger when he notices Eric’s live stream on the Men’s First site and quickly warns his parents Dave and Honour.

Misogynistic Eric, armed with a crossbow, threatens the lives of many women residents.

Dave rushes to The Dog and, in heart-breaking scenes, he’s stopped from running in and saving his daughters as he begs police to intervene. Tony and Beau come up with a plan to save Diane by convincing Eric to let the men leave. There is, however, some doubt over whether Diane will survive after a snippet from the soap’s New Year trailer, visible above, sees Tony declare that Diane is dead, has Eric murdered her…

Brand-new images show Maxine, Cindy, Zara, Lizzie, Zoe and Serena looking fearful whilst Eric goes on a tirade.

Will the women manage to outsmart Eric in time to save themselves, or is the village about to be struck with grief… In the episodes that follow, residents come to terms with what Eric has done, and men educate and better themselves to allow for a safer village.

Hollyoaks, Tuesday 10th January on E4 at 7pm, and Wednesday 11th January on Channel 4 at 6pm. Stream first on All 4.