Hollyoaks viewers were left emotionally drained as Frankie Osborne bravely revealed the harrowing truth about the sexual abuse she has endured at the hands of her twin brother, JJ.
Thursday's episode, now available on Channel 4's streaming service, saw Frankie, played by Isabelle Smith, tearfully confide in her father, Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson), about the ongoing abuse she has suffered.
This storyline, which has been unfolding for months on the Channel 4 soap, tackles the often overlooked issue of child sibling sexual abuse. The disturbing reality of Frankie's situation was first introduced in March when JJ began to encroach on her personal space late at night.
Frankie, a nine-year-old at the time of the abuse, was initially manipulated by JJ into believing that no one would believe her. The episode highlighted the devastating impact of this manipulation, showing how Frankie struggled to confide in anyone.
The episode reached a climax during JJ's celebration of joining the local football team, United. As JJ casually placed his arm around Frankie, she recoiled, an action that caught Darren's attention.
Later, JJ cornered Frankie in the changing rooms, making it clear that he intended to assault her again. He cruelly told her that she was "unloveable", but Frankie fought back, striking JJ before locking herself in a toilet, overwhelmed by tears.
From the toilet window, Frankie managed to alert Oscar Osborne (Noah Holdsworth) to her plight, who immediately informed Darren. Darren arrived just in time to find JJ in a rage. JJ claimed that Frankie had accidentally locked herself in, a story that Frankie, fearing for her safety, corroborated. However, Darren was left feeling deeply unsettled.
During JJ's celebratory party, which had been relocated upstairs due to electrical issues, Frankie chose to remain downstairs, clearly feeling anything but festive.
Sensing his daughter's distress, Darren sat with Frankie, encouraging her to talk. Feeling comforted by her father's support, Frankie took a deep breath and, in emotional scenes, disclosed the horrific ordeal she had endured.
Viewers took to social media to express their overwhelming emotions. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer wrote: "Omg Frankie and Darren have me in tears for real". Another added: "God one of best episodes of Hollyoaks in a long time! Isabella was phenomenal! The way Frankie slowly crumbles throughout the episode has the courage to open up to Darren was incredible!"
The episode left Darren deeply shaken, and upcoming spoilers confirm that despite his initial shock, he fully believes his daughter and will confront her abuser, JJ.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed on Channel 4 at 7.30pm.
If you have been affected by this story, please contact Rape Crisis England & Wales for free confidential support and information on 0808 802 9999 or their website. Alternatively, you can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414 if you are in Ireland.
