Hollyoaks confirms harrowing sibling sex abuse story for Frankie and JJ

Trigger warning: This article contains discussion of child sexual abuse.

Hollyoaks is set to highlight a common but under-recognised form of child sexual abuse, with twins JJ and Frankie Osborne (Ryan Mulvey and Isabelle Smith) at the centre of the story.

JJ and Frankie returned to the eponymous village earlier this year with mum Suzanne Ashworth (Suzanne Hall) and sister Hannah (Emma Rigby) in a bid to get to know their estranged dad Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson).

Darren, as longtime fans will remember, had an affair with Suzanne while married to Hannah, which resulted in the twins being born, but he never had a relationship with them and has only just started to get to know them.

Frankie recently accused granddad Jack (Jimmy McKenna) of touching her inappropriately after they shared a dance. The incident triggered Frankie into remembering moments of abuse she had previously suppressed.

Despite his innocence, devastated Jack moved out of the family home, telling Frankie that he’ll be there to support her when she’s ready to open up.

Darren, meanwhile, knows there’s more going on but thus far he’s been unable to get Frankie to open up about what led to the accusation.

Next week, the truth will be revealed to viewers as it comes to light that the abuse Frankie suffered was at the hands of her twin brother JJ when they were both younger.

The storyline in question will explore the dynamics of the twins within in the family, with JJ often labelled the ‘golden boy’ while Frankie is seen as the ‘problem child’. How the parents choose to investigate Frankie’s distressing behaviour will also be explored as she continues to struggle with the abuse she has experienced.

Hollyoaks has worked with charity SARSAS, who have advised on the storyline throughout the writing process and briefed the cast on their portrayals.

Discussing the story in question, show boss Hannah Cheers – who has restored Hollyoaks to its former glory – said: ‘Sibling sexual abuse is a subject matter that desperately merits attention and recognition.

‘It’s one of the most infrequently disclosed forms of sexual abuse, yet the statistics are startling. Hollyoaks is shining a light on this issue for the first time in a long-term soap storyline because we need to get this conversation started amongst our multi-generational audience. 

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‘Our research, story, script and writing teams have devoted themselves to telling this story truthfully and passionately. Huge thanks goes to SARSAS for their unwavering support in helping us take this on.

‘The performances delivered by our brilliant newcomers Isabelle Smith and Ryan Mulvey are breath-taking. I believe this story will make an impact for years to come and I am proud that Hollyoaks is still breaking new ground almost four decades on. That’s what we’re here for.’

Ben Wadey, Channel 4 Commissioning Exec for Hollyoaks, added: ‘Hollyoaks has gotten off to a trailblazing start in 2024 setting up bold new stories and introducing new characters and we’re hugely proud of the strength and quality of what is set to play out in the coming months. 

‘We will continue to be brave, never shying away from important issues and telling stories that others wouldn’t dare to. By shining a light on sibling sexual abuse in this groundbreaking and meticulously researched storyline, we hope to raise awareness, reduce stigma and represent unheard voices in a way only Channel 4 can.’

Sibling sexual abuse has been under-reported, with campaigners citing a ‘lack of societal awareness’.

 ‘It remains a hidden, chronically under-estimated and untreated form of child sexual abuse,’ said a spokesperson for SARSAS. ‘It continues to be ignored, played down, or denied by parents, professionals, and authorities as harmless or non-threatening childhood sexual experimentation that does not require attention.

‘This is despite the known life-time effects of sexual violence and abuse on the health and happiness of survivors.’

SARSAS CEO Claire Bloor concluded: ‘I was thrilled when SARSAS was approached by the Hollyoaks team to ensure that their storyline about sibling sexual abuse was portrayed in a sensitive and accurate way. It has been a rewarding process to work with them on scripts, scenes and storylines – they have remained open to feedback and suggestions throughout.

‘Continuing dramas such as Hollyoaks have the potential to reach huge audiences and create change in the national conversation. This storyline is an opportunity to shine a light on the under-researched and under-discussed topic of sibling sexual abuse. We hope that it will raise awareness of both the prevalence of this issue and the devastating impact it can have on those impacted by it. 

‘Through the portrayal of Frankie’s story, we can take a step towards removing the shame and stigma so often attached to sexual abuse and the taboo of talking about it that allows it to thrive, in silence.’

For more information on sibling sexual abuse, visit SARSAS or Sibling Sexual Abuse support, a website designed by and for Survivors of SSA.

Hollyoaks streams weeknights at 7:30pm on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4. 

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