Note: This article contains discussion of subject matter such as exploitation.
Hollyoaks has released a special documentary following the conclusion of the powerful exploitation storyline.
Earlier this year, the Channel 4 soap partnered with Causeway, a charity that supports survivors of modern slavery, for an arc which saw Grace Black lead a criminal operation involving drugs and the exploitation of several teenagers.
With far-reaching consequences across the village, Grace and her gang – which included Rex Gallagher and DI Alistair Banks – were eventually caught out, though it was soon revealed that Clare Devine was the brains of the operation.
As the bulk of the storyline is now completed, the soap – again collaborating with Causeway – has released a special documentary via their official media channels. Titled 'Groomed Then Exploited', the 13-minute film details stories from real-life survivors of exploitation.
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The video sees stars Isabelle Smith and Anya Lawrence. who play Frankie Osborne and Vicky Grant respectively, visit a group of students at Liverpool-based college LIPA. While there, the group discussed the importance of knowing how to spot the signs of exploitation.
Smith, whose character was one of the victims of the gang, also sat down for an on-set discussion with a survivor of sexual exploitation, who recalled her lived experience as clips of Frankie's storyline were intertwined.
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Tamara Wall, who portrays Grace, also featured in the film, with the actor speaking to a survivor of abuse who used her experience to become an educator. Wall and Lawrence also met with members from Causeway, who discussed the aims of the charity.
"We need to be able to educate people on the signs of exploitation," said one of the workers. "The more people that can spot the signs and are able to raise concerns, the more people we prevent from being exploited in the future – [that] is the ultimate goal."
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 Dillon and Frankie’s story with guidance from Causeway, which supports people affected by modern slavery and exploitation, as well as their loved ones. You can find more information on its website, and can also contact info@wearecauseway.co.uk or 03333 055 336.
