Hollyoaks spoilers follow, while this article contains discussion of transphobia and suicide, which readers might find distressing.
Hollyoaks has announced a special episode dedicated to Ro Hutchinson in his transition storyline, set to air next Monday.
Ro came out as trans last year, and while he is accepted by his parents, he has suffered some horrific bullying at the hands of Arlo Fielding.
Arlo’s transphobic abuse, which included taunts calling him to take his own life, caused Ro to turn to alcohol. Thankfully, he found solace in an LGBTQ+ online forum and an internet friend named Nina.
Ro decides to attend a trans support group, with Diane coming along too. However, in the soon-to-air episode, Ro will elect not to go, having reached crisis point.
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He contemplates suicide, but thankfully his friend Kathleen-Angel McQueen suggests seeking some help, and Ro calls up an LGBTQ+ helpline. The volunteer worker on the other end of the phone manages to talk him down.
Trans actor Emma Frankland is playing the helpline volunteer in addition to writing the episode’s script. Across next week (May 12-18), which is Mental Health Awareness Week, Emma will feature in a video interview set to be shared across Hollyoaks’ social media accounts, where she will discuss the storyline’s inspirations and collaborations.
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“Having spoken to Samaritans, Papyrus and LGBT Switchboard, the crossover of what everybody said was so similar,” she said.
“They are volunteers mostly; they’re giving up their time to be there because we know the power that a conversation has to change someone’s path and to alter the route that they’re on.”
Emma continued: “I’m really happy we’re showing Ro in this truthful recognisable place and we’re showing that there is an alternative and there is hope. Having met with real volunteers, I felt strongly that I wanted to play that part, and I think it was exciting having three guest roles in this episode, all of whom were trans.”
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The other guest actors are Mattie Packer (Casualty) and Oliver Wickham (Wednesday), who are playing characters Nina and Matt, respectively.
Meanwhile, Hollyoaks will be changing the background to include the transgender flag colours in the ad break during the episode next week.
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
Anyone who has witnessed or experienced a hate crime is urged to call the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the True Vision website. In an emergency, always dial 999.
We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.