Exclusive – Hollyoaks star confirms future of Cleo's two romances (2025)

Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

Hollyoaks favourite Cleo McQueen is still picking up the pieces following Abe’s harrowing abuse, and is now embarking on a new relationship with Sienna – but she’s been accused by the Blakes of drugging her new lover. Her recent night of passion with ex Joel has also divided viewers, but actress Nadine Mulkerrin loves the debate.

“The good thing about Cleo is that everything she does gets a reaction – whether that’s positive or negative,” she explains. “The fans are talking, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Nadine joins Inside Soap for a chat about what the future holds for Cleo, and what it’s like working with her real-life partner Rory Douglas-Speed…

Hi, Nadine! How’s Cleo after being accused of poisoning Sienna?

"Cleo has a moral compass and, as a nurse, likes to help people – so this false accusation hurts! She’s intelligent but she can’t quite see that it’s the naughty Blakes meddling in her relationship. She really cares about Sienna, so she’s just feeling attacked."

What has the viewer reaction been like to this new romance?

"It’s been lovely to see. We’ve not had that many scenes together, but after the infamous shower scene, fans were immediately claiming ‘Clienna’ and rooting for these two women. I’m rooting for them, too! They’re cute, so me and Anna [Passey, who plays Sienna] try to make it as good as it can be."

How did you feel about revisiting Cleo and Joel’s relationship?

"Me and Rory love working together. I think sometimes the crew feel a bit awkward for us! It’s so easy to work with him and so lovely; it’s my little safe space. Filming Cleo and Joel’s one night stand was a really nice day on set. I watched that scene back and there’s not very much acting required."

It's a love triangle that has viewers talking...

"It's a beautiful triangle. Cleo and Joel have so much history, and I think the fans love that we're together in real life. But Rory and Kirsty-Leigh [Porter, who plays Leela] are so good together on screen, their baby loss storyline last year was so impactful. I get the sense that we've spoilt Cleo and Joel now – they're too toxic and maybe it's just not meant to be. But who knows?"

For more exclusive chat from Nadine on her character’s latest drama – pick up Inside Soap, out now.

Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.

Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.

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