Village newcomer Abe (Tyler Conti) was revealed to be the half-brother of Joel (Rory Douglas-Speed) in last night's Hollyoaks.
The character was introduced to the soap last month as the love interest of Cleo (Nadine Mulkerrin), who has been mulling giving things another go with former flame Joel.
After Joel instead decided to propose to his girlfriend Leela (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), Abe blurted out the shock revelation that he and Joel are related.
The pair share a mother, Marie - played by soap legend Rita Simons - who will be making her debut in the coming months.
"I know Joel went away to young offenders from the age of 15, so they don't have much history," said Conti of the twist. "I think deep down, he wouldn't like to admit it, but Abe is completely jealous of him.
"Joel got away from the abuse of his mum and his step-dad. Joel makes it out like he didn't have a family, he was left by himself, but Abe sees it like that was his escape, and Abe never got that.
"I think that ties in with Cleo, an ex-girlfriend of Joel's. Abe sees Cleo as an escape from his family - he thinks maybe this is his way out. He's made that into 'I love Cleo so much' which I do think he believes."
Hollyoaks continues weeknights at 7pm on E4 and from 7.30pm on Channel 4 streaming.
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