In the latest explosive twist on Hollyoaks, returning villain Clare Devine-Banks has dropped a bombshell by revealing she has terminal cancer. But is she telling the truth, or is this just another calculated move in her ongoing web of deceit?
The episode opened with Clare walking through the hospital dressed in full funeral attire, mourning her husband Alistair Banks — the corrupt detective — whose funeral she was not allowed to attend. As she passed patients receiving chemotherapy, a flicker of unease crossed her face, foreshadowing the shocking claim to come.
Later, in the village, Clare intentionally bumped into Dodger Savage, lamenting that her adopted daughter Tori hadn’t been allowed to attend the funeral. Then, she dropped the news:
“This morning, before the funeral, I had a follow-up with my oncologist. The latest round of chemotherapy hasn’t worked. My cancer’s come back. I’ve only got a few months left to live.”
Dodger appeared sympathetic and bought her a drink at Casa McQueen. When he asked for details about the diagnosis, Clare evaded the questions, calling them “private.” However, the suspicion was growing.
Sienna Blake soon confronted Clare, warning her to stay away from Tori. Clare fired back, asking if Sienna would really threaten a “dying woman” — a line overheard by DI Donny Clark. But Sienna wasn’t buying it:
“That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, and I would know.”
While Donny remained skeptical, Dodger appeared to be taken in. But Sienna was quick to remind him:
“She’s a pretty horrific person. Lying like this would be nothing to her.”
Earlier in the episode, Clare had mentioned hair loss — and by evening, she was seen in the village wearing a headscarf. Dodger spotted her and offered to help carry her groceries. But it soon became clear that he was playing along. While Clare thought she was manipulating him, Dodger was secretly searching her flat for clues about his missing nephew, Dennis.
He even went as far as shaving Clare’s head for her — an emotional moment on the surface, but clearly part of a larger ruse. As he left, he texted a police contact, indicating that his trust in Clare was all for show.
The episode closed with a chilling image: Clare staring at herself in the mirror, newly bald, and smiling.
So, is Clare truly dying — or is this just her most twisted lie yet? The game of cat and mouse continues, and Hollyoaks fans are left questioning everything.
One thing is certain: with enemies closing in and secrets on the verge of being exposed, Clare Devine may have finally met her match. Or has she?
