Hollyoaks fans 'work out' Mercedes McQueen's new romance amid Tony Hutchinson's jailing

Hollyoaks fans are speculating that Mercedes McQueen (portrayed by Jennifer Metcalfe) is on the brink of a new romance following the tragic death of her son Bobby Costello (Zak Sutcliffe).

In recent episodes of the Channel 4 drama, Tony Hutchinson (Nick Packard) was wrongfully arrested and jailed for Bobby's murder. Bobby, an escaped prisoner, had crossed paths with Jez after discovering that the serial killer had taken the life of his social worker Ian.

Jez Blake (Jeremy Sheffield) went to extreme lengths to hide his crimes, leading to the brutal murder of Bobby in shocking scenes. His body was subsequently run over by Tony.

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Mercedes is determined to prove that Chester legend Tony is responsible for her son's death. However, upcoming scenes reveal that Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher) is organising a fundraiser at The Dog to assist Tony with his legal costs, something Mercedes won't take lightly.

But bringing Tony to justice might not be the only thing occupying Mercedes' thoughts. Observant viewers are predicting she will start a new romance with Darren Osborne (Ashley Dawson), reports the Manchester Evening News.

Darren and his wife Nancy (Jessica Fox) have been fraught with worry following their daughter Morgan's disappearance, causing tension between them.

However, more heartbreak is looming as it's confirmed Darren is not Morgan's biological father, revealing his wife's infidelity.

Hollyoaks fans are convinced that the grieving Mercedes and troubled Darren will find solace in each other and begin an affair.

One fan speculated on X: "Gonna make some theories for what I think will happen in #hollyoaks within the next year: Darren will end up in a relationship with Mercedes."

Another chimed in: "Bet with the Tony and Nancy stuff, Mercedes and Darren are gonna be a item next #hollyoaks."

A third responded: "Oh dear god don't even come up with that."

"I definitely think Mercedes and Darren are gonna end up having an affair or something #hollyoaks," another added.

While another declared: "Loving the Mercedes and Darren interaction #Hollyoaks."

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