Note: This interview includes spoilers from Thursday's E4 first look episode (January 10) of Hollyoaks, which some readers may prefer to avoid.
Hollyoaks' football abuse storyline has reached its rightful ending, with paedophile coach Buster Smith being found guilty of abusing teenager Ollie Morgan.
The show has received huge acclaim from fans this week for the powerful scenes and emotional performances in Buster's trial, with many viewers tipping young actor Aedan Duckworth – who plays Ollie – as a real star for the future.
Digital Spy caught up with Aedan today for his reaction to the trial verdict and some spoilers on what's next for Ollie.
What kind of reaction have you seen to this storyline?
"The main reaction, which is the reason we do it, is that there's been a spike in people coming forward. We've been working with Survivors Manchester and I know they'd back me up on that.
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"The wider reaction from viewers is that they've loved the storyline. They've liked how real it's been – and I really hope they've liked the outcome in the end."
Was it always the plan for Buster to be found guilty?
"To be honest, I only found out – and only wanted to find out – when we received the scripts for the trial week episodes. I liked that, because Ollie didn't know what the outcome would be himself. It could have gone either way – Buster could have been found guilty or not guilty – so for me it was better to act out the storyline not knowing either."
Has it been difficult to get into Ollie's mindset on such a tough storyline?
"Yeah, I would say it's been difficult. It's been such a dark storyline and I'm only young. I've had to put myself in those shoes and imagine that horrific situation, which was always going to be difficult.
"But it is very easy to switch off, because you've got such a brilliant environment around you at Hollyoaks. The director of this week's episodes, Sean Glynn, was brilliant – he always gave me time and helped me.
"Working with Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren), Sarah Jayne Dunn (Mandy), Nathan Sussex (Buster), Adam Woodward (Brody), Jacob Roberts (Damon), Gary Lucy (Luke) – every single person has helped me out. Any time I've been struggling to see what emotions I can add to it, they've always had my back and helped me."
How did you feel about the last-minute twist that Imran was another of Buster's victims?
"Even that, I only knew a week before filming. But again, I preferred that – it made my reaction on screen a little bit more real. It tied in well with Imran lashing out at his mum.
"For Ollie, it was difficult to get his head around at first. He went through this ordeal thinking it was just him, but then found out that his best friend could have been there with him and it would have been much easier. It was a real shock for him."
What does the future hold for Ollie? Are there positive times ahead for him, or will he still struggle?
"It's a bit of both. There'll definitely be a struggle – even though the dynamic of him and Buster has gone, it will stay with him and it'll be difficult for him to get over it.
"But his future will definitely be positive too. He's not lost his football skills, so who knows where his career could take him? His relationship with Brooke will build more. It'll be good if we can get some 'Brollie' fans!
"Obviously it's going to be quite difficult for Ollie and Imran now, because there's another dynamic that is thrown into the mix with those two. But I'm sure they'll push through it and become best mates again.
"As I'm sure you can imagine after such a traumatic event, Ollie is going to be very reliant on his family and hopefully he'll still be visiting his dad a lot – we'll see."
Would you like to explore more challenging storylines in the future?
"100%. I've absolutely loved the storyline. Portraying it, doing it justice and knowing that people have come forward, it's taught me a lot.
"When I joined Hollyoaks, I just thought acting was brilliant – you'd be on camera, mates would think you're cool, you'd learn new things – probably what any normal 16-year-old would think joining the show.
"But through my journey at Hollyoaks, I've realised that it's about more than just being on screen. If you're giving someone the confidence to come forward, it's surreal and different in its own way. If I could do that again with another storyline in the future, I'd absolutely love to do it."
What do you think the chances are that Gary Lucy will return full-time after his Full Monty tour?
"I'd absolutely love him to come back. I love Gary, he's been there for me from day one. As for chances, if I could read his mind I'd tell you straight away but I'm not 100% sure! (Laughs.) I hope it's 100% but who knows?
"I haven't seen him in his show yet, but he's sorted me tickets for March when it's on in Liverpool, so I've got that covered and I'll be taking my family along."
How does it feel to be up for the National Television Award for Best Newcomer?
"Like most times in this storyline, it's just surreal. When I was longlisted, I thought it was brilliant to get recognition for my work and thought it was awesome. I thought it was a long shot, but mad things can happen. When I found out I'd been shortlisted, I couldn't believe it."
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4. Voting for the National Television Awards can be cast on the official website.
Survivors Manchester is available to support boys and men who have been affected by sexual abuse and rape. Its website can be found at www.survivorsmanchester.org.uk and its helpline is 0161 236 2182. Local support agencies for all male and female survivors can be found at www.thesurvivorstrust.org. In an emergency, please dial 999.
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