Carter and John Paul were caught on camera – but by who? (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Thursday, January 4’s episode and beyond which are available to view on Channel 4 streaming as part of the show’s Christmas and New Year boxset.

Carter Shepherd (David Ames) has been struggling with his sexuality and has developed feelings for John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) after they spent the night together a number of weeks ago.

The head teacher, however, believes that being gay is a sin and therefore has been practising conversion therapy, much to the horror of John Paul, who begs him to put a stop to the abhorrent practise in upcoming scenes.

Carter struggles to resist temptation in scenes over Christmas and New Year, especially when he sees John Paul going out to the gym in a tank top. The two share something of a moment together, which ends with Carter threatening to have John Paul fired.

But despite the headmaster’s threat, John Paul continues to try and help Carter, urging him to put a stop to the conversion therapy and accept who he is.

The deputy head’s words of advice seem to help, with Carter subsequently letting him in, agreeing to do as JP asks, with the two sharing yet another kiss outside the school.

This time, however, their moment of passion is caught on camera.

The culprit is none other than Gareth, one of the men who has been attending Carter’s group sessions, and he proceeds to blackmail the headmaster, pushing him to the floor and berating him for giving into what he believes to be sin.

Carter is terrified that Gareth will post the video online, which he threatens to do, which leads to more conflict between the school principal and John Paul, despite the fact that they were finally starting to see the possibility of a future together prior to Gareth’s blackmail.

Gareth is the culprit – and he’s blackmailing Carter (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Will Gareth release the video in a bid to crush Carter? What’s more, will Carter go back on his word and begin practicing conversion therapy again?

Or can John Paul convince Carter to be true to himself and ignore Gareth’s threats?

Hollyoaks’ Christmas and New Year boxset is available to watch on Channel 4 streaming now.

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