Hollyoaks spoilers follow. This article contains discussion of themes including grooming.
Hollyoaks has confirmed Abigail Matthews’ sinister next move as her grooming storyline involving Dee Dee Hutchinson continues.
The dark storyline was announced in July and is already in play as Abigail forms a disturbing ‘friendship’ with Dee Dee, taking advantage of the vulnerable teenager in the months after their mother Diane’s death
In last week’s scenes, Abigail looked jealous after seeing Dee Dee kissing Maddox at school, despite Dee Dee having previously ended things with him.
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After Abigail got Dee Dee to read an inappropriate passage from a book, she took her mobile number after encouraging her to enter a drama competition.
At the end of the episode, Dee Dee accidentally sent a suggestive photo to Abigail that was meant for Maddox, though Abigail took a screenshot before Dee Dee deleted it.
In scenes set to air next week, Maddox tells Dee Dee some shocking information about Abigail, and Dee Dee begins to question their friendship.
When he realises how much Dee Dee relies on Abigail for support, Maddox tells her that Abigail has advised him to keep his distance from her.
Dee Dee visits her mum’s headstone, but when Abigail turns up, Dee Dee confronts her about what she told Maddox.
Later, at parents’ evening, Abigail continues to interfere and tells the parents that they should be concerned about Maddox’s wellbeing.
Abigail tells Dee Dee’s dad, Tony, that if she doesn’t take extra tuition, she could get a low grade, so Dee Dee confronts Abigail again.
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“Dee Dee is starting to grow concerned about why her teacher Abigail is interfering in her relationship with Maddox,” said our insider.
“The week gets even worse when Abigail gives star student Dee Dee a less-than-glowing report at parents’ evening – but is there an ulterior motive for Abigail’s suggestion of extra tuition?”
Hollyoaks has worked with the NSPCC and TDI (The Derwent Initiative) on the storyline to raise awareness of grooming and safeguarding.
Readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 (www.nspcc.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline on (1-800-422-4453) or the American SPCC (www.americanspcc.org).
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.