As revealed in our picture preview, Brendan Brady will be at the centre of the expensive stunt scene after he takes his temper out on a gas fireplace during a visit to his family's old holiday home.
When the cottage blows up following Brendan's reckless act, the show's popular bad boy will be left in a terrible state - to the shock and devastation of his half-sister Cheryl.
Digital Spy was present to watch the explosion scene being filmed a few weeks ago, and we can now reveal some behind-the-scenes gossip and pictures from the day.
© Digital Spy
© Digital Spy
Pictured: The cottage used for the explosion with last-minute preparations taking place outside.
Filming took place on a beach near Wirral Country Park in Merseyside in a cottage which currently houses a real-life family.
After the Hollyoaks team scouted out the location and secured the co-operation of the family in question, they paid for the residents to go off on holiday while the stunt was filmed - with the promise that their home would be back in good condition again by the time they got back!
To make the cottage appear more derelict than it normally would, the exterior walls were made to look older and dirtier, adding to the dark atmosphere of a place which holds bad memories for Brendan.
Naturally, the Hollyoaks team weren't about to put one of their most popular stars in too much danger, so there was a stunt double used for the actual explosion.
The guy in question had a full beard trimmed down to a Brendan-style moustache that very same day, as the hair and make-up team worked carefully on his appearance before he filmed the key scene.
© Channel 4
Pictured: Emmett Scanlan with his stunt double.
Actor Emmett Scanlan did do some takes of Brendan falling away from the house due to the impact of the blast, but obviously without the actual explosion! These will no doubt be seamlessly slotted in alongside the stunt double's scenes in the episode.
Things in pre-recorded TV rarely happen on time, and this was no exception as the explosion was originally due to take place at 2pm, but didn't happen until closer to 5pm due to delays with other scenes being shot on the day - as well as the extensive preparation required.
When we arrived on-location at lunchtime, crowds of local residents were already gathering after hearing gossip about what was in store - and many more had arrived in the evening when it finally took place.
With everyone watching, Emmett's stunt double had a handful of practice runs at falling through the air and onto a nearby crash mat, before the big moment arrived and he had to do it for the dramatic stunt itself.
© Channel 4
© Channel 4
© Channel 4
As you'll see from the pictures, the big scene is looking very impressive and it was definitely worth the wait when we watched it from the beach. Having perfected his fall, Brendan's double was well-prepared and everything seemed to go smoothly.
Lots of the local residents actually filmed the stunt on their camera phones, so we've been quite surprised that it hasn't popped up on YouTube early - to our knowledge, at least! The only rule for people watching was that they weren't allowed to cheer or clap after the explosion, because the scene was still running and silence was crucial for the aftermath.
Show bosses are obviously keeping tight-lipped over whether this really will be the end for Brendan, but whatever happens, it sounds like the events of Hollyoaks Later will have a big aftermath in the main 6.30pm show.
© Channel 4
Chatting on the filming day, Bronagh Waugh - who plays Cheryl - told Digital Spy that her character will never think of Brendan the same way again after Later, whether he pulls through or not.
Bronagh also let slip that producers have gone for a Western theme in the Brady storyline, so watch out for any influences in the characters' costumes and the way that the scenes have been shot.
We've also heard that there'll be some flashbacks to Brendan's childhood in the episodes, so viewers can look forward to finding out more about his past.
Hollyoaks are hoping to keep some of the Brady-related twists under wraps until transmission, so if you're keen to find out exactly why Brendan is so emotional and angry at the cottage just prior to the explosion, the episodes themselves next week will explain everything!
Hollyoaks Later returns to E4 on Monday, September 17 at 10pm.
Below, we present a full collection of behind-the-scenes pictures from filming.
Photo gallery - Behind the scenes at the Hollyoaks explosion:
