The young character Peri Lomax has been central to Hollyoaks since 2013. In October 2025 she met a sudden, violent end a moment that has ignited both shock and debate among fans. Here we unpack exactly what happened to Peri, why she left the show, how she died on-screen, and how the cast and audience are reacting.
Who is Peri Lomax?
Peri Lomax arrived in the soap in October 2013: the youngest member of the Lomax family, portrayed by actress RubyO’Donnell. Her character arc has included teenage motherhood, bullying, hospital dramas and more. Her long-running presence made her one of the familiar faces of Hollyoaks.
The exit announcement: What’s official?
In mid-October 2025 viewers were surprised to see an unannounced departure for Peri. According to official records, her final appearance aired 21 October 2025. From what we gathered, the decision appears to tie into the show’s 30th anniversary push and a major stunt storyline rather than a slow-burn exit.
How did Peri die on Hollyoaks?
Here is how the events unfolded on-screen:
- A dramatic plane crash on the “Love Boat” set triggered a chain reaction of explosions and debris.
- Peri pushed her former partner Tom Cunningham out of harm’s way, putting herself in danger.
- A large chimney or ship-like object fell and crushed Peri in the wreckage. Reports say she died after being trapped under a chunk of the debris.
- The scene aired late in the episode and was kept largely under wraps beforehand, meaning fans had little warning.
On-screen and in-story implications
From a narrative standpoint, Peri’s death served several functions:
- It concluded a major disaster arc tied to the anniversary of the show.
- It eliminated a legacy character, raising the stakes for other long-running cast members.
- It triggered ripple effects: grief among family, investigation of safety protocols, dramatic fallout. (Typically seen in soap-exit planning.)
Why did Peri leave the show?
Several factors likely combined to produce Peri’s departure:
- From a production angle, the show needed a high-impact exit to mark the 30-year celebration. The stunt storyline around the boat explosion appears timed accordingly.
- From a storyline perspective, Peri’s journey had covered major arcs from teenage mother to nurse, from bullying to heroics so writers may have judged her exit timely.
- From an actor perspective, Ruby O’Donnell may have been ready for a new chapter; though no public statement specifies this yet.
Fan reaction and cast comments
The reaction has been swift. On social media, loyal fans of Hollyoaks are expressing shock and sadness. Some posts describe Peri as “one of the last constants” in the show. Meanwhile several actors and insiders have commented on the emotional weight of filming the sequence.
For example, co-star Jennifer Metcalfe reportedly said she was “really gutted” over the loss of Peri’s character.
Impact on Hollyoaks storylines
Peri’s death opens multiple avenues for future drama:
- Her daughter Steph Cunningham‑Lomax is left orphaned (narratively) or at least bereft of her mother, which will drive a next generation arc.
- The Lomax family is fragmented—parents, siblings, friends all must respond to the loss, enabling grief, guilt and tension storylines.
- Investigations will likely follow regarding the explosion and safety failings, giving the show a chance to spin new plots around liability and legacy.
What this means for legacy characters
When a long-term character leaves in such final fashion, it raises the bar for what’s to come. In our experience covering soaps, this kind of exit signals that the production is going “all in”. Hollyoaks watchers should expect:
- More major stunts or character casualties in coming months.
- A sense of “no one is safe” which can heighten viewer engagement.
- An opportunity for new arrivals or returns to fill the void so keep an eye on upcoming cast announcements.
Timeline and key milestones for Peri’s exit
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 4 October 2013 | Peri Lomax makes first appearance. |
| 21 October 2025 | Final appearance aired; character dies in the explosion. |
| Post-exit weeks | After-effects episodes air: funeral planning, investigation, cast reaction. (In current run) |
Answers to your burning questions
- Was Peri Lomax killed off?
- Yes. The character died during a dramatic explosion sequence in October 2025.
- How did she die in Hollyoaks?
- She was crushed by debris (a falling chimney) after a plane crash on the Love Boat set.
- Why did she exit the show?
- The exit appears to be part of the show’s anniversary stunt arc and the conclusion of her long-term journey. No official actor departure statement has been publicly detailed yet.
- Will the actress return?
- As of now no return has been announced. The death appears permanent for narrative integrity.
- What happens to Peri’s daughter, Steph?
- Storylines upcoming will centre on Steph coping with the loss and her guardianship situation; further previews indicate the Lomax family will step in.
- How are fans reacting?
- Shock, sadness, some critique. Dedicated viewer forums note this marks a turning point for Hollyoaks. One post simply read “can’t believe Peri’s gone who’s left now”.
- What does this mean for future Hollyoaks storylines?
- Expect major shifts: grief arcs, major investigations, new characters stepping in, and higher stakes stunts. The show is signalling a bold new era by removing a familiar face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who killed Peri in Hollyoaks?
There is no assassin or individual killer. Her death resulted from an accident in a large-scale stunt sequence. Debris from the plane crash and explosion triggered the fatal injury.
Is Peri Lomax really dead on Hollyoaks?
Yes. The series presented a definitive death. Given the dramatic nature of the exit and the body recovery depiction, the show treats it as permanent.
Why did actress Ruby O’Donnell leave Hollyoaks?
The production has not released a full explanation. It appears the character’s arc reached a natural endpoint aligned with the anniversary storyline.
When did Peri’s final scene air?
It aired on 21 October 2025. This episode included the explosion sequence and her death.
Will Peri’s death change Hollyoaks’ tone?
It likely will. The removal of a legacy character raises the emotional stakes. We anticipate a shift into more intense, unpredictable territory.
What impact will this have on other characters?
The Lomax family, Steph Cunningham-Lomax, and wider school/medical setting storylines will feel the effect. Grief and retribution arcs are already emerging.
Are there upcoming spoilers for Peri’s death aftermath in 2025?
Yes. Early preview material indicates investigations into the explosion’s causes, archival flashbacks to Peri’s earlier stories, and a major memorial sequence involving many core characters.
Conclusion
Peri Lomax’s final chapter on Hollyoaks ends in the kind of big, bold stunt that the series reserves for milestone moments. We've observed that when a long-standing character leaves through a dramatic exit like this, it signals a change of tone and direction for the show. For viewers, it offers both closure and a new beginning. As the Hollyoaks team navigates the fallout, understanding what happened to Peri gives meaningful insight into where the show is heading next. Stay tuned the ripples of Peri’s exit will be felt for months to come.
