Hassan: I'd love a happy ending

Hollyoaks star Karen Hassan is hoping things run smoothly for Lynsey Nolan and Riley Costello - but isn't feeling too optimistic.

The pair are set to come clean to Mercedes Fisher about their relationship, and Karen reckons the path of love will not run smoothly.

"I'd love her and Riley to be happy together but I just can't see it being easy, not with (Rob's former flames) Mitzeee (Minniver) and Mercedes. Those two are like dynamite and I think Lynsey kind of bows down to them so we'll see what happens," she said.

"I think Riley and Lynsey are quite suited. I know he normally goes for the WAG type like Mercedes and Mitzeee, the feisty types, but I think Lynsey makes him softer and gentler and she makes him laugh, which is always a good attribute to have with a couple.

"Obviously she's besotted with him. I think they make a really, really sweet couple. I hope things run smoothly but in soapland nothing ever does!"

Mercedes is set to react badly when she hears news that her friend Lynsey has got together with her ex, but Karen hopes the pair can patch things up.

"I love working with Jen (Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes) and I know she enjoys the scenes we do together as well. Plus I always say there aren't enough genuine girl friendships in the show.

"Ideally in Lynsey's world what would happen would be that Mercedes would give them her blessing and probably be bridesmaid at their wedding! But Lynsey knowing Mercedes as she does knows that she's probably not going to be that forgiving, which is why she's been scared to tell her. She wants to protect the friendship."