Hollyoaks: Suzanne Makes Shocking Decision Amid Frankie's Abuse Story

Note: This article discusses sensitive topics including sibling sexual abuse.

Monday's *Hollyoaks

episode on Channel 4 streaming (airing on E4 on Tuesday) saw Suzanne Ashworth make a startling decision regarding her daughter, Frankie Osborne, in the wake of JJ's abuse being exposed.

JJ has subjected Frankie to years of horrific abuse, regularly blackmailing her into silence. Last week's streaming episodes witnessed Frankie breaking down and confiding in Darren about JJ's actions. Desperate to help, Darren confronted JJ, who continued to deny any wrongdoing, falsely accusing Frankie of trying to sabotage his football career.

Darren subsequently informed Suzanne about JJ's abuse, but she refused to believe Frankie, accusing her of fabricating the story.

The episode then focused on Frankie's struggle to cope with the trauma. She confided in Darren about her reluctance to report JJ to the police, fearing being labelled a "freak". She also revealed her anxiety about Jack, explaining that his touch, similar to JJ's, triggered panic. This sheds light on Frankie's earlier accusations against Nancy, which were fuelled by the trauma of JJ's abuse.

Darren, now understanding Frankie's past behaviour, urged her to admit the truth about her fall, which was orchestrated by JJ. However, Frankie remained apprehensive, fearing further scrutiny.

Darren then met Nancy at the park, informing her that he wouldn't be able to see her before the trial as his focus needed to be on Frankie. Nancy, heartbroken and innocent, protested her innocence.

Darren then escorted JJ to the police station, threatening to end his football career if he didn't cooperate. However, JJ refused to enter the station.

Meanwhile, Frankie finally confided in Suzanne about trying to tell her about JJ's abuse when she was nine years old. Suzanne, defiant and dismissive, accused Frankie of lying. Frankie then presented her mother with excerpts from her old diary, begging her to believe what happened. Suzanne, however, questioned why Frankie hadn't reported the abuse sooner.

Later, Darren returned home to find Frankie and Suzanne hugging. But Frankie soon realised her mother had taken her phone, which Suzanne later discarded in the bin.

Why is Suzanne protecting JJ?

*Hollyoaks

streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm, followed by an E4 broadcast the next day and a YouTube premiere a week later. Selected omnibus episodes are also available on Prime Video.

*Hollyoaks

has consulted with SARSAS, a specialist organisation supporting survivors of sexual violence, in developing Frankie's storyline.

For further support and resources in the UK, please contact Rape Crisis England and Wales via their website or by calling 0808 802 9999. In Scotland, the helpline number for Rape Crisis Scotland is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are encouraged to reach out to RAINN or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.