Note: This story discusses topics including sibling sexual abuse, baby loss and domestic coercive control.
Hollyoaks has been praised for its “bold, unflinching, and socially vital” work after winning a major award for the fourth year in a row.
The E4 soap has again been awarded the Best Digital Support for a Programme at the Broadcast Digital Awards, with its campaigns around JJ and Frankie Osborne’s sibling sexual abuse (SSA), Leela Lomax’s pregnancy loss, and Cleo McQueen and Abe Fielding coercive control storylines highlighted.
“Hollyoaks consistently elevates difficult subjects through empathetic, platform-appropriate content,” one judge said.
“The SSA campaign was courageous, while the Here Still and Home Office Enough initiatives showed a deep understanding of how to use digital to educate, support, and connect.”
Hollyoaks partnered with SARSAS for the SSA storyline, with content featuring real survivors leading to an increase in individuals coming forward.
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Additionally, a Here Still baby loss campaign that saw people share their experiences via TikTok led to a huge increase in views, with Leela actor Kirsty-Leigh Porter sharing her own real-life experience of baby loss, while a Home Office Enough campaign shining a light on abusive behaviours and advice from Women’s Aid gained nearly 3 million views.
One judge praised the “inclusive” campaigns that highlighted “important dialogue”, adding: “They weren’t just one-off efforts.
“Hollyoaks has consistently used digital content to address important issues, maintaining a strong connection with the audience over time.”
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Another judge added: “This went beyond supporting material by thinking deeply about who was cast to perform these roles. It felt incredibly well integrated.”
Other shows shortlisted included Big Brother, EastEnders, Glow Up, I Kissed a Girl and The Rap Game UK.
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.
Organisations including Sands and Tommy’s are able to offer help and support to anyone affected by baby loss.
Organisations including Women’s Aid and Refuge can provide further support and information on coercive control or coercive behaviour.