User:Servz/Who Shot Warren?

"Who Shot Warren?" is a storyline from the British soap opera Hollyoaks. It began in episode 6407, originally broadcast in the United Kingdom on 28 June 2024. The storyline follows long-standing character Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) being shot by a masked assailant – creating a new mystery whodunit storyline. The story was originally announced on 19 June 2024. It was heavily speculated the shooting would end in Warren's murder, however Warren survives the attack. The shooter instead decides to make Warren's life a misery under the identity of "Blue".

Creation and development
On 19 June 2024, it was reported that established character Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) would be shot, but fans were promised Warren would not die. Lomas announced his exit from the soap opera in March 2024. It was further announced on 24 June 2024 the production team for Hollyoaks had lined up a new mystery "whodunit" storyline surrounding Warren. Speaking on the characters exit, Lomas stated: "I'd decided to leave a long time ago. When I went to boss Hannah [Cheers] and told her my decision – Hannah and the story team have been planning my exit for a long time. Hollyoaks does amazing stories and this is going to be brilliant. It's a real rollercoaster ride from start to finish. I'm really excited for the fans to see where they go with this." The scenes aired in the episode transmitted and dated 28 June 2024. A follow-up announcement came to light on 2 July 2024 – Hollyoaks had introduced a "huge summer storyline for Warren Fox", noting "his tormentor is just getting started". This new identity, "Blue", who is a notorious gangland criminal, had set his eyes on Warren. It was reported by newspaper tabloid The Sun on 9 July 2024, Norma Crow (Glynis Barber) was set to be murdered in a "dramatic exit storyline" as part of "twisted revenge" on Warren for his actions. Barber had announced her departure prior to the report after being part of the major cast cull. The scenes were set to be transmitted sometime in summer 2024, a result of the "dangerous" storyline Warren was currently facing. A permanent return from Grace Black (Tamara Wall) was also revealed at this time after the production team for Hollyoaks had confirmed it in the Summer trailer for 2024. The summer trailer teased Warren's misery and eventual demise.

Wall spoken out on Grace's part in the storyline, teasing "future drama". Wall believed the "bad Grace" had returned as she locked Warren and Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) in Mercedes' unfurnished restaurant Casa McQueen whilst Mercedes was giving birth with no medical attention. She added: "She got a bit too soft at one point… I think at the moment, because Curtis is in care, and she's fighting to get him out of care, she's only got herself to look after so she's got no fear, so watch out. There's a few adventures coming up, and a few dramas that take a turn for the worst…." Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen) teased a "brilliant outcome" to the "Blue story". Porter also confirmed a huge stunt to come and praised writers for how the storyline is evolving. She referred to the culmination as "incredible" whilst adding viewers are "in for a shock". Wall, once again, spoken out on the Blue mystery when she promised a "shocking" reveal. A bomb threat twist was imposed upon announcement on 16 July 2024.

Suspects and motives
Mercedes (Jennifer Metcalfe), who was initially thought to be a suspect prior to the airing of the shooting, was the first person to be confirmed as not being Warren's shooter as she had watched it happen. The first suspect that had suspicion thrown upon them was Freddie Roscoe (Charlie Clapham). Tamara Wall, who plays Grace Black, confirmed Grace was not a suspect on 15 July 2024.

Reception
George Lewis of Digital Spy had already branded the scenes of Warren's shooting as "dramatic" prior to the broadcast. His colleague Stefania Sarrubba cited Warren's fate that was not initially revealed in the same episode as a "major cliffhanger". Erin Zammitt, also from Digital Spy labelled the bomb threat as a "terrifying turn".