Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
This article contains discussion of topics including sexual assault.
Hollyoaks star Danny Mac has thanked fans for their “overwhelming response” to Dodger Savage’s harrowing story on Hollyoaks Later.
What to Read Next
On Wednesday, Hollyoaks Later aired a special one-off episode as part of the soap’s 30th anniversary week, during which detective Dodger was caught up in catching a criminal gang.
Dodger showed up to assist his colleague Donny, who had tried to intervene when gang members Griff (Nathan Hubble) and Sully (Harry French) robbed Warren.
The situation took a frightening turn when the gang members overpowered Donny and Dodger after finding out that the pair were detectives.
In distressing scenes, Dodger became the victim of a brutal assault after being raped by Griff while a helpless Donny watched on.
Lime Pictures
Related: Best streaming services
Addressing the episode via a post on Instagram, Mac wrote: “Hey everyone, I want to say a huge thank you for the overwhelming response to this week’s @hollyoaksofficial episodes, especially #HollyoaksLater.
“The entire week has been huge and honestly, I wasn’t quite braced for the impact it’s had.”
Speaking about the storyline, Mac said he was “incredibly proud and honoured to have been asked and trusted” to take it on.
The post continued: “Telling this story means a great deal to me and is a responsibility none of us take lightly.
“We are working closely with the wonderful @MrMadrigalOBE @thisissurvivors to deliver it with the utmost respect and sensitivity, every step of the way, ensuring we engage as many people as possible into the discussion – we have to talk about male abuse.”
Related: Hollyoaks explained major reversal of Brookside’s ending – but did you spot it?
In the post, Mac thanked the Hollyoaks Later crew as well as the episode’s director Sean Glynn “for guiding the shoot with such care, respect and artistry”.
He also thanked executive producer Hannah Cheers for her “bravery” along with writer Emily Gascoyne for her “wonderful script”.
Finishing off the post, Mac said: “To all the male survivors out there, I personally want you to know that: We see you. We hear you. And as an ally, I will do everything to ensure this conversation gets bigger and creates action.
“Take care, Danny x.”
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’s story, 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, 0r contact the 24/7 support line at 0808 500 2222.