John Paul is left incredibly concerned for Carter’s wellbeing (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Carter Shepherd’s (David Ames) health is the subject of much concern in Hollyoaks later this month as he starts to take pain medication for a recurring back issue.

The high school head teacher, as viewers know, is grappling with his true feelings after a twist last month confirmed that he’s been fighting his same sex attraction since he was in school.

The character was introduced as part of a conversion therapy storyline, which has saw him conduct the abhorrent practice on a number of men, with John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) briefly drawn into his web.

John Paul, however, worked out what Carter was up to and called him out over it, with the newcomer revealing that he also had feelings for men when he was younger, but that his father urged him turn away from ‘sinful’ thoughts, which is what influenced the path he took in life.

Chemistry ensued, with John Paul and Carter having sex. Carter, however, regretted what happened and subsequently slept with Maxine Minniver (Nikki Sanderson), much to the dismay of John Paul, who isn’t pleased to see the educator using Maxine to hide his sexuality.

All the stress seemingly takes its toll on Carter, with upcoming scenes seeing him take Freya Calder’s (Ellie Henry) old painkillers due to incessant back pain.

Carter discusses his ‘demons’ with John Paul (Picture: Lime Pictures)

John Paul, meanwhile, is set up by Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher) on a date with Scott Drinkwell (Ross Adams), which neither man is particularly enthusiastic about.

Carter, however, struggles to take his eyes of John Paul, who starts to enjoy Scott’s company. Maxine notices his distance and thus Carter apologises, asking her to accompany him to the school’s Christmas party as his date.

Afterwards, he takes more painkillers, with Sally St Claire (Annie Wallace) later commenting how she’s pleased that his back is seemingly on the mend.

Freya, meanwhile, finds out about Carter and Maxine and is hurt she wasn’t informed earlier, breaking down over the fact that she knows so little about her dad, with John Paul trying to offer her some comfort.

Passion will ensue between John Paul and Carter once again (Picture: Lime Pictures)

At the school Christmas party, Carter takes more painkillers, with John Paul voicing his concern, revealing that he’s very worried about him. Carter responds by opening up, telling him that although he’s trying to fight his demons, sometimes he wants them to win.

The headteacher, who shares another moment of passion with John Paul in upcoming scenes, comes to believe that someone is out to get him and his suspicions are confirmed when he finds his office in tatters.

The culprit is Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis), who admits to the act while also confirming that he’s stolen Freya’s old painkillers, suggesting that they try them. Freya and Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass), however, refuse to do so.

Will Lucas be caught out? What’s more, why did he trash the principal’s office?

One to watch: Friday December 8 from 7:30pm on Channel 4 streaming or watch on TV on Monday December 11 at 7pm on E4.

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Carter’s wellbeing is the subject of much concern after a number of shocking developments.