Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Note: This article contains discussion of sibling sexual abuse.
Hollyoaks executive producer Hannah Cheers has revealed Frankie Osborne is set to face more danger in a new storyline.
This week’s episodes saw Frankie’s twin brother JJ face trial after being charged with her rape and sexual assault – the culmination of a powerful year-long storyline.
Before the jury could give their verdict, JJ broke down in tears and finally confessed to sexually abusing Frankie. He was then found guilty and was sentenced to two years in Young Offenders.
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To mark Frankie finally getting justice, Hollyoaks has released a special vodcast featuring actors Isabelle Smith, Ryan Mulvey and Ashley Taylor-Dawson, as well as Cheers and director David Crowley.
In the hour-long episode, available on YouTube now, the cast and crew discuss the filming of the courtroom scenes and the biggest moments from this hard-hitting story.
Cheers also set out what's next for Frankie as she begins to navigate life beyond her abuse ordeal and it seems that there's more drama ahead for the teenager.
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"Frankie, post-trial, is obviously on a journey to rebuilding her life," she said. "That has to be a journey filled with hope and potential, but also reality. And with the trauma that Frankie’s been through, there is a lot to navigate in life.
"The other thing is that she does have this incredibly strong bond with Darren and Nancy now. However, her understanding and experience of trust is still one that needs to be worked out."
She continued: "So we test the relationship between Frankie and Darren, that’s a big spoiler. And the way that Frankie copes with that will see her trying to make a go of things on her own and end up potentially in danger. That’s a big enough spoiler, I think! Lots more Osborne drama to come."
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Frankie’s new storyline may have already begun, as shortly after she returned from court, she received a follow request on social media from the mysterious Kat.
Kat and her son Jacob have become involved with Rex and she was last seen on screen when Darren inadvertently led her back to her captor after she tried to escape.
Will Kat bring more danger for Frankie?
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 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.
