Stuck rear disc brake prevents install of rear wheel

[hayse]

Hoping for advice please.
I removed my back quick release wheel, and now am trying to put my rear wheel back on. I've done it before, but this time, the disc brakes appear to be clamped shut, so there is insufficient space to for the disc to sit correctly so I can't fix my back wheel back on.
My bike is upside down, and I've tried pressing my back brake lever, hoping that it would help release the brakes - but it's not worked.
The brakes are Axial - Juicy 5 rear disc brake (hydraulic) - Any advice would be gratefully appreciated as i was hoping to go cycling tomorrow!
Thank you
Have a fab weekend

[binzer]

You could try using a flat bladed screwdriver. Gently push it between the pads and then turn it to separate them. Start with a small one and then use a larger one 'til the pads are far enough to allow the disc to slip between them'. It shouldn't take much effort to do this, so if you feel a large amount of resistance stop and don't force it, there may be something else stopping the pads from moving. Good luck.

[hayse]

Genius!
Thank you it worked perfectly.

[binzer]

Glad to help. Enjoy the ride.

[jstan49]

It also might help that never under any circumstance should you squeeze the brake lever with the wheels off. With disc brakes at least