Hollyoaks Christmas and New Year episodes to get early release

 Deck the hall with boughs of Hollyoaks.

Hollyoaks viewers are in for an early Christmas surprise as Channel 4 announces it will release all of the festive episodes early.

Just as in previous years, Hollyoaks will release its Christmas and New Year episodes in advance and fans will be able to catch all of the festive episodes on All 4 on Friday, December 16.

Following the success of last year's festive box set, Hollyoaks is continuing the tradition for the fourth year in a row meaning soap fans can get their fix at any time in the lead up to Christmas.

The episodes will feature a McQueen wedding between Prince and Olivia, which is rocked by the return of Prince's brother Hunter.

Promising a heartfelt, thrilling and unexpected Christmas for the residents of Hollyoaks, the soap has offered some teasers ahead of the festive release.

Love is in the air for Mercedes when Felix joins her and the McQueen's for a Christmas dinner, but Mercedes' murderous son Bobby is unimpressed with the partnership.

Already troubled by her serial killer son's behaviour, Bobby will attempt to murder Felix in an act of arson on Christmas day that puts DeMarcus in harms way.

Elsewhere Juliet's cancer diagnoses looms large over the festivities as she is encouraged to open up to her nearest and dearest about the diagnosis.

Two villagers left with broken hearts will seek comfort in each other as Shaq and Peri grow ever closer.

Romeo Nightingale will make a brief appearance from abroad offering his best wishes to Prince ahead of his big day having previously served as best man.

Finally, the big wedding, Prince McQueen is supposed to marry Olivia Bradshaw but as his twin brother Hunter returns for the nuptials, a huge act of betrayal threatens to ruin the day.