Hollyoaks viewers are convinced they’ve worked out who is the real father of Leela Dexter’s baby as Channel 4 soap fans say it’s not her husband Joel Dexter
Hollyoaks fans are threatening to report to Ofcom after “working out” who got Leela Dexter pregnant. The popular character (played by Kirsty-Leigh Porter) is hurriedly taken to the hospital next week when her waters break unexpectedly, with Abe Fielding (portrayed by Tyler Conti), the estranged brother of her husband Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed), at her side.
The revelation that the firefighter was pregnant came after the Channel 4 drama fast-forwarded a year into the future. Ahead of her hospital induction, Leela is anxious but Joel quickly comforts her, assuring her that all will be well.
However, the ex-priest’s focus soon shifts as he receives a voicemail from Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin), asking him to leave her alone. As viewers know, Cleo is currently held captive by Abe in the flat, while her loved ones believe she is in Bali.
The contentious voicemail infuriates Leela, leading her to kick Joel out for contacting his former partner. Before she can be induced, Leela’s waters break and Abe escorts her in the ambulance, reports the Mirror.
Unaware of the unfolding events, Joel heads to Price Slice where he thinks he hears Cleo singing from the window. Is he on the verge of discovering Cleo’s plight at the hands of Abe?
At the hospital, Leela’s labour is advancing and she’s fraught with worry that complications might arise. Joel, preoccupied with finding Cleo, overlooks her calls, while Abe assures Leela that Cleo is far away.
Eventually, Leela gives birth to a healthy baby. She’s eager for Joel to be by her side. Joel makes it to the hospital later to see their newborn, but questions linger about his paternity.
Fans have taken to social media to speculate, with one writing: “It’s looking like Leela has either fallen pregnant with a random off screen or slept with Abe and it’s his baby? After the superb acting of losing a child this would be a step too far on Joel.”
Others expressed their concerns, with comments such as: “Got a bad feeling Leela’s cheated/Joel isn’t the dad #hollyoaks.”
and calls to report the show to Ofcom if infidelity is confirmed: “If Hollyoaks have made Leela cheat on Joel i swear i’ll report them to Ofcom #hollyoaks.” Another viewer suspects: “I bet it’s Abe’s kid.”
The couple has been through heartbreak before, as fans remember their devastation over the loss of unborn baby Noah, which occurred over a year ago in the show’s timeline.
Despite the joy of their new arrival, further turmoil seems imminent, with Leela later seen in tears, unable to stop crying. She confides in Joel that she’s simply overwhelmed, but whether this is the full truth remains to be seen.
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am
