Hollyoaks fans praise Kieron Richardson for powerful performance which led viewers to tears
His character battles drug abuse
Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson has received praise from fans of the show after his emotionally powerful acting skills during the show's first three-hander episode.
Warning spoilers
Kieron, who plays Ste Hay in channel 4 soap, played out his character's addiction to crystal meth and the struggles of trying to come off drugs.
During E4's first look episode, which aired on Wednesday night, Ste struggles with his addition as boyfriend Harry and Harry's dad Tony come together to help him.
Fans were quick to praise the actor for his 'incredible' performance with some admitting the episode brought them to tears.
Kieron's fellow cast members also praised his performance.
The actor then thanked fans for their support.
The episode shows Ste begging Harry to let him leave as he shouts “I can’t just come off it, Harry. I can’t. It doesn’t work like that." As Ste struggles without the drugs, eventually he smashes a child's piggyback in an attempt to get money to buy more drugs.
The story then tracks back to Ste's past when his withdrawn symptoms get worse. After attacking Harry, the episode brought back memories of Ste's domestic violence storyline with ex-girlfriend Amy Barnes.
The next scene then showed Ste spitting at Harry and shouting “I’m so glad I hit you, you snivelling little daddy’s boy and I hate you" in a desperate attempt to get out.
After Tony explained Ste's past to his son, Harry stormed out in shock before later returning to take care of his boyfriend.
The full episode will air on Channel 4 tonight. (Thursday 15th July).