Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual assault.
Hollyoaks has received Ofcom complaints following an episode that featured scenes of rape and murder. Last night's episode of Hollyoaks Later saw Dodger Savage brutally beaten and raped by gang members in harrowing scenes.
Gemma Johnson organised the attack to steal Warren Fox's illegal diamonds from the policeman.
The horrifying assault was witnessed by Donny Clark, who was revealed to be under witness protection in the episode and is actually Brookside character Mick Johnson, Gemma's father.
Dodger begged him for help, but a similarly bloody and beaten Donny watched on in despair.
Following the attack, Donny saw one of the thugs attempting to escape and took revenge by beating them to death.
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After the episode aired, Ofcom received 101 complaints over the Hollyoaks Later episode.
Hollyoaks has worked alongside male sexual assault and rape survivor charity We Are Survivors on this storyline, with chief executive officer Duncan Craig saying the soap had been "so receptive to their input".
"From the writers to the directors, cast to producers, everyone has always been committed to not only tell the most realistic story we can, but understand the responsibility we have in how male survivors watching the show will feel," he said.
"They also understand so well that we want survivors yet to break their silence feel less alone."
Craig also heaped praise on Dodger actor Danny Mac, whom he described as an "absolute joy" to work with.
"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," he continued.
In a statement, Mac similarly praised the charity's involvement in the sensitive storyline, saying the soap had a "massive duty of care to get the storyline right".
"It’s a character no one would expect it to happen to," the actor continued. "I’ve felt very emotionally attached to this storyline and the people we are speaking to and for. It has been a real journey."
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its 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 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
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