Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Tuesday’s episode (December 3), which is available to watch now on streaming service Channel 4 and hasn’t yet aired on TV.
Note: This article contains discussion of rape and coercive control.
Hollyoaks has confirmed a harrowing new storyline for Leela Dexter, as it is revealed that she was raped during the show’s missing year.
In recent weeks, viewers have learnt that Leela is hiding a secret from her husband Joel, as she thinks he isn’t the father of her baby daughter Clara.
But it has become clear that the situation is in fact a lot darker, with Leela experiencing some terrifying flashbacks from a traumatic evening.
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In scenes which aired this week, Leela helped with the search for Darren, which took her back to the woods, where Theresa held a party for her birthday last year. This triggered more flashbacks, which led to Leela having a panic attack.
It has now been confirmed in today’s episode (December 3) that Leela was raped by Abe Fielding in the woods at Theresa's party, in a disturbing new strand to his current story.
Over the last year, Hollyoaks has played out a coercive control storyline between Abe and Cleo, with Abe currently keeping her hostage in his flat. But now it has emerged that Abe’s violent abuse spans beyond one woman.
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Hollyoaks has continued to work with Rape Crisis England and Wales and Women’s Aid on Leela’s story – two organisations that the soap has long-standing relationships with.
In a statement, Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England and Wales, said: "It’s vitally important that survivors see and hear their stories told in ways that realistically portray the devastating impact these experiences can have on them, and that the general public understand this too.
"We know that Leela’s story will resonate with many women and girls. Flashbacks can happen to anyone who has experienced trauma, including survivors of sexual violence and abuse, and they can be incredibly overwhelming and distressing."
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Katrina Kelly, communications manager of Women’s Aid, added: "This storyline is instrumental in showing that there are many different forms of abuse, and sends an important message to survivors that they are not alone."
Actor Kirsty-Leigh Porter, who plays Leela, also commented: "I think it’s extremely important and vital of Hollyoaks to tell this story. With Leela’s rape story, I found it difficult for Leela’s character to experience what she did and how vulnerable she was/is.
"But many women unfortunately feel vulnerable at some point in their lives, and that shows that this can happen to anyone. I hope everyone who has been through this gets the help and support they need."
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Hollyoaks has been working on Leela’s storyline with guidance from Rape Crisis England and Wales which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. You can access more information 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.
Hollyoaks has also worked with Women’s Aid on both Cleo and Leela’s stories, which can provide support and information on coercive control or coercive behaviour.
