Hollyoaks airs harrowing scenes in Frankie and JJ story
This story discusses topics including sibling sexual abuse, rape, and self-harm.
Hollyoaks spoilers follow for the latest episode to air on Channel 4 streaming, which will air on E4 on Thursday.
Hollyoaks has aired harrowing scenes in its latest episode, as the JJ and Frankie Osbourne storyline has taken its most upsetting turn yet.
JJ used to sexually abuse his sister Frankie, and, since moving in with Darren and family, has started to do it again. Frankie has been self-harming, binge-drinking and acting out because of the trauma, but hasn't told anyone why out of fear. In fact, JJ has been lying and claiming she's been hurting him.
In tonight's (April 17) latest streaming episode, Nancy tried to cheer Frankie up by giving her some dance clothes and suggesting she join the dance squad with Vicky Grant and Leah Barnes.
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Frankie was confused as to why Nancy was being nice to her. Nancy explained that she used to be quite the troublemaker herself back in the day — until she realised one day that projecting all her anger at the world "wasn't worth the hassle". Nancy encouraged Frankie to go for the squad and make friends.
However, her happiness is short-lived when, after the dance session, she was alone with JJ.
He tried to make her get his phone out of his pocket, pretending he couldn't because of his crutches. When she said no, he grabbed her and noticed her wincing from her injuries.
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"What have you done?" he said, as he lifted her sleeve and discovered her scars.
"I thought it might make it stop... you're the one that makes me feel like this. I don't like it, I hate it."
JJ said he didn't know what his sister was talking about, before she built up the courage to outright tell him.
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"Please, I just want you to leave me alone. I don't want to play school discos anymore," she managed to say as she cried her eyes out.
To her relief, JJ said that it would stop if she no longer self-harmed and acted out, but framed it as the 'both' of them no longer 'playing' together anymore.
It didn't last, as an angry JJ confronted Frankie in the park and made her feel bad for hanging out with other people. She tried to say sorry, but he wouldn't accept her apology.
Frankie was horrified when she realised what he was talking about and reminded him about what he said earlier. But he ignored her and threw her to the ground.
The show cut back to the scene after the horrific event, when JJ flatly stated that Darren had text him about being late for dinner.
As he walked away and left Frankie there, he told her: "Don't make this a big drama, okay? You've already caused enough trouble."
Before the episode was made available to stream, Hollyoaks shared a video on Instagram featuring Darren actor Ashley Taylor Dawson speaking about the facts and figures regarding sibling sexual abuse in the UK.
He explained that he hoped the harrowing scenes in the soap reduce the stigma and raise awareness, while acknowledging how tough some of the scenes are to watch.
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Hollyoaks has been working on Frankie's story with guidance from SARSAS, which provides specialist services and resources for those who have experienced any form of sexual violence.
More information is available from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, organisations who can offer support include the NHS, Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393. Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
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