Hollyoaks kills off fan favourite as Liam Donovan murdered by sister Grace Black

Hollyoaks aired a shock death during its E4 episode on Wednesday night, leaving many fans reeling.

Liam Donovan was killed off in tense and surprising scenes, as his own sister Grace Black caused his death.

The character went off the rails following the death of his brother Jesse earlier this year, with him desperate for someone to blame.

He took a dangerous path leading to a feud with Warren Fox, with both characters trying to end the other for good.

But Liam went too far in the latest episode as he kidnapped John Paul and Sylver McQueen to get back at James Nightingale and Mercedes McQueen - before also taking sister Grace Black and friend Maxine Minniver hostage.

(Channel 4)

He very quickly lost the upper hand though, after informing Mercedes it was James and Grace who had shot her last year.

Giving Mercedes a gun to get revenge, she instead turned it on him - only to discover it was a water pistol.

As Warren - joined by Brody, Goldie and Joel - attempted to rescue those under siege, the police were also soon on the scene.

Hollyoaks' Liam was killed by sister Grace Black (Channel 4)

Hollyoaks killed off Liam Donovan in a shocking twist (Channel 4)

Those inside the pub managed to make an attempt to flee Liam when Warren burst in and tackled his enemy to the floor.

As everyone ran, Liam managed to grab Mercedes and dragged her towards the stairs.

But Grace screamed out to him and managed to save Mercedes, before causing Liam to lose his balance and topple over the stairs.

Mercedes McQueen watched Grace murder Liam (Lime Pictures)

She was holding on to him by his tie, the only thing saving him from the drop, as he begged for his life while dangling from the top of the steps.

He told her they were family, only for Grace to chillingly say: "I'm not a Donovan, I'm a Black," before letting go and watching him drop.

Liam was shown laying dead on the floor in a pool of blood, as a horrified Mercedes and Grace watched on from above.

Hollyoaks: Liam was shown dead at the bottom of the stairs (Channel 4)

Fans were stunned by the twist and the shock departure, and the fact Grace killed her own brother.

Liam's death brings an end to the Donovan clan, with his brothers Jesse and Adam, mum Tracey and dad Glenn also dead.

Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6:30pm on Channel 4, with the next episode at 7pm on E4.