Hollyoaks has pulled no punches since it leapt into its new era following a time-jump. With three shorter episodes replacing the full five, the soap has more to pack into less time and they are really going for it when it comes to eventful and impactful episodes. And, in what is one of TV and streaming platforms’ most powerful scenes of the year, Jennifer Metcalfe has delivered a powerhouse performance – one which may be the best of her career so far – as Mercedes McQueen’s cancer battle was laid bear.
We know Mercedes often as a feisty character who lurches from one romantic disaster to another – often losing love interests to grisly outcomes along the way. But she has entered her most vulnerable territory of all time , with her true pain and fear following her diagnosis being exposed. Alone, Mercedes listened through tears to supportive messages recorded by her loved ones, and danced in her underwear without her wig and with her stoma bag on display.
With incredible acting from Jennifer paired with impactful writing, production and direction, not to mention the careful details on prosthetics, the scene hit many, many emotions ranging from sorrow and empathy for the character through to pride and strength towards her. Given she has been a central cog to the show for 18 years, viewers have Mercedes close to their hearts and, of course as statistics will tell us, so many will be able to relate to the hard rollercoaster of physical and emotional turmoil she is on. Whe.