Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Note: This article contains discussion of topics including rape.
Hollyoaks is set to air emotional scenes for Dodger Savage next week, as he finds the courage to tell his loved ones about his devastating rape ordeal. A tense chain of events leads to him speaking out about what he has been through, but will his bravery be met with love and support?
Dodger was beaten and raped by Griff in Liverpool last year, in horrific scenes that aired during the special Hollyoaks: Later episode. He has struggled to deal with his trauma and has mostly kept it to himself, with only Donny and Cleo aware of what happened.
Over Christmas, Dodger got back together with his ex, Theresa, but he has been distant from her recently. Next week, Theresa senses Dodger pulling away so asks him whether something is wrong, but he continues to hide behind excuses.
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As the McQueen house fills up with people, Dodger is pushed to the limit when he clashes with Warren…
“When Myra Pocahontas’ robot breaks, Warren offers to help Dodger fix it,” explains our insider. “But Dodger snaps and makes it clear that he can handle the task himself. Warren mocks him for not being a ‘man’s man’ which touches a nerve, as since his assault, Dodger has really struggled with his own masculinity.”
Dodger is rattled and removes himself from the situation to get some space. When Theresa finds him on the stairs, he wants to check that there’s still hope for their relationship. She assures him that they are solid but encourages him to be honest with her going forward.
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Later, Dodger overhears Warren talking about him and remarking that his behaviour has been strange since the brutal attack in Liverpool.
This is the final straw for Dodger, who feels unable to carry his trauma alone any longer. In front of all his loved ones, Dodger breaks down in tears and bravely reveals that he was raped several months ago.
It remains to be seen how Dodger’s family react in the wake of him bravely coming forward. But the next day, Dodger continues to be open with Theresa, telling her that it will take some time for him to be intimate with her.
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Theresa reassures him that she is willing to wait and wants to spend the day with him – but Dodger is desperate to find out why Sienna is angry with him in the aftermath.
Dodger later promises Warren that his intentions with Theresa are completely genuine. Will the couple be able to move forward together now?
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 continuing to work closely with We Are Survivors to tell Dodger and Donny’s stories, an organisation that supports male survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester and throughout England and Wales.
For more information, visit wearesurvivors.co.uk, or contact the 24/7 support line at 0808 500 2222.