Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
This article contains discussion of topics including sexual assault.
Hollyoaks has announced a harrowing new storyline for Dodger Savage in tonight’s episode of Hollyoaks Later. With detective Dodger caught up in catching a criminal gang in the late-night spin-off, the situation took a frightening turn and he was the victim of a brutal assault.
Hollyoaks Later, which returned as part of the show’s 30th anniversary celebrations, introduced viewers to some new characters, gang members Griff (Nathan Hubble) and Sully (Harry French).
Griff and Sully targeted Warren for his riches, but Donny got wrapped up in this robbery as he fled the drama of Brookside Close.
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Dodger showed up to try and save his colleague Donny but he was overpowered, and things escalated when Griff and Sully discovered that the pair were detectives.
In distressing scenes, the gang members used violence to intimidate them, and Sully attacked Donny – who could only watch on as Griff later raped Dodger.
Hollyoaks first addressed the important topic of male rape back in 2001, when Luke was raped by his high school bully Mark.
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Since then, the soap has continued to highlight the impact of male sexual violence, working with charity We Are Survivors on a number of major storylines, including John Paul’s rape in 2013 and the footballer abuse plot in 2018.
In a statement, Danny Mac, who plays Dodger, said: "There was a massive duty of care to get the storyline right and we worked with We Are Survivors. I’ve felt very emotionally attached to this storyline and the people we are speaking to and for. It has been a real journey.
"Hollyoaks have explored similar storylines before. There is something about the way this story is going to be explored. It is definitely going to be a new version of what is unfortunately an age-old horrific event. It’s a character no one would be expecting it to happen to. No one will see this coming."
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Duncan Craig, chief executive officer of We Are Survivors, added: "I am so incredibly proud of what we have achieved with this new storyline, as proud as I am of all the stories we have told with Hollyoaks. It really is a long-term relationship which began with breaking new ground and continues today.
"Danny is an absolute joy to work with. The care and respect he has shown us at We Are Survivors, shown me as a survivor, and given to the story has resulted in an incredible and realistic portrayal of male victimhood and following survivorship.
"I know that viewers will feel so much for Dodger and survivors will want to stand by him in solidarity. Danny has given us that."
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 are continuing to work closely with We Are Survivors to tell Dodger's story, an organisation that supports male survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester and throughout England and Wales.
For more information, visit wearesurvivors.co.uk, 0r contact the 24/7 support line at 0808 500 2222.
