Hollyoaks fans 'work out' truth about Tommy's brother - and Joel 'didn't do it'

Hollyoaks viewers believe they've pieced together a significant plot twist as the soap finally unveiled the connection between Joel Dexter and new character Tommy Odenkirk.

Devotees of the popular drama will be aware that Tommy has been shadowing Joel for reasons yet to be disclosed, attempting to ingratiate himself through counselling sessions with Joel's wife, Leela Dexter (played by Kirsty-Leigh Porter).

However, it turns out that Tommy isn't a certified therapist. Earlier this week, he went to extreme lengths to convince Joel to undergo therapy himself, to which Joel eventually consented.

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Tommy dropped by to propose an immediate therapy session for Joel, during which he overheard a spat between Joel and Leela. Leela later found out that Tommy had sided with Joel when he confided in him about their issues.

Infuriated by Tommy's meddling, Leela implored Joel to cut ties with him, confessing that Tommy had once tried to kiss her, reports .

Joel interrupted one of Tommy's therapy sessions with Jez Blake (Jeremy Sheffield) to challenge him about his inappropriate conduct. In a heated moment, Joel threatened Tommy and hit a cupboard door – revealing a disturbing shrine dedicated to Joel.

Understandably taken aback, Joel demanded an explanation. Tommy confessed that he has been lonely since his brother sustained a head injury a year ago and slipped into a coma.

Tommy delved into the complex history with his brother, detailing how he was tormented during their childhood and adulthood by him. When Joel considered turning him in for his fixation, Tommy shared a photograph of his brother Billy, yet was taken aback that Joel had no recollection of him.

The plot thickened as Tommy brought Joel to the hospital bedside of his comatose brother Billy Odenkirk (portrayed by Marcus Christopherson), aiming to trigger Joel's memory about the circumstances leading to Billy's critical state.

Emotionally, Tommy expressed his gratitude: "Now I finally get the chance to thank you for saving me from him, and for being my hero," he declared. "Him lying there like that – you did it. You put him in that coma."

The storyline has sparked intense speculation among viewers online. A curious fan speculated: "On one hand I could see Joel beating this man into a coma IF he was high on drugs, but at the same time I also feel like he didn't do it... #."

Another viewer suggested disbelief, posting: "I don't think it was Joel. it has to be Tommy." Meanwhile, another is eager for the next installment: "I can't wait til Mondays episode."

One simply hinted at deceit: "framed." With a flashback episode set to unravel the mysteries of the past year, fans are left on edge wondering what exactly happened with Joel.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am