Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks’ Cleo McQueen will reach out for help as her harrowing baby storyline continues. The issue-based plotline is exploring the topic of postpartum psychosis after the arrival of her first child, Joseph.
The character recently gave birth to the baby boy 28 weeks early, before suffering a haemorrhage and requiring emergency surgery. However, Cleo drew concern after Sienna took her to see Joseph in the neonatal intensive care unit, where she was adamant that the baby wasn’t hers.
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She was later given a bear with a camera at the hospital by Mercedes in order to watch the baby from afar, before beginning to bond with the newborn. Yet, when the bear was moved away from the child, Cleo still believed she was watching him.
In follow-on scenes set to air next week, the new mother returns home as Sienna moves in to support Cleo. As she struggles to produce milk for her son, Cleo feels like a failure. She then admits to Sienna that she is struggling. Will she be able to help?
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Hollyoaks has teamed up with charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis for the storyline, with the topic especially important given many mothers who experience the condition don’t exhibit depression symptoms.
“It’s been a new challenge taking on the role of motherhood and the difficulties that being a mum can bring, especially the strain it can have on your mental health,” said Nadine Mulkerrin, who portrays Cleo.
“We had a consultation with Action on Postpartum Psychosis whilst filming this storyline, and it was helpful to hear other people’s experiences,” she continued. “My heart breaks for poor Cleo.”
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Dr Jess Heron, the CEO of Action on Postpartum Psychosis, said in a statement: “Responsible portrayals of postpartum psychosis on popular TV shows such as Hollyoaks are invaluable.
“With greater public awareness, partners, friends, family members and frontline health professionals will be more able to quickly spot the signs and seek specialist emergency help as soon as possible.”
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 working closely with Action on Postpartum Psychosis to tell Cleo’s story, the national charity for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis – a severe but treatable mental illness.
Visit app-network.org for more information about postpartum psychosis, and to access urgent help and peer support.