Trigger warning: This article contains discussion of child sexual abuse.
The Osborne clan find themselves more divided than ever in Hollyoaks next week after JJ (Ryan Mulvey) is diagnosed with leukaemia.
The abuser, as viewers know, has been ostracised from his family after twin sister Frankie (Isabelle Smith) bravely told her dad Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson) that she was being sexually abused by him.
Violent JJ denied the accusations, though no-one but mum Suzanne Ashworth (Suzanne Hall) believed his lies. After more thought, Suzanne realised that Frankie was telling the truth and therefore told her daughter that she believed her.
In heartbreaking scenes, Suzanne died, with Frankie devastated over losing her mum. Hollyoaks jumped a year into the future as a way of marking its new era and, with court just around the corner, the Osbornes are hopeful that Frankie will get the justice she deserves.
Frankie, however, is struggling to come to terms with everything that has transpired and thus has been seeking solace in alcohol, much to the horror of her loved ones.
What’s more, JJ cornered her earlier this week and attempted to manipulate her into telling the court that she lied, using her mum’s memory against her – but Frankie refused to back down.
Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) worried about Frankie’s well-being on the night before court, urging her to stop drinking.
Jack (Jimmy McKenna), meanwhile, has been meeting in secret with JJ, urging him to plead guilty and accept responsibility for what he did.
What exactly JJ’s next move is remains to be seen but what I can tell you is that the day in court proves eventful, with JJ collapsing. The abuser is rushed to hospital in the aftermath and new spoilers have confirmed that he is subsequently diagnosed with leukaemia.
JJ is left reeling by his diagnosis, as is Frankie, who is furious to learn next week that Darren and Nancy are intent on supporting him through his treatment.
Conflicted, Frankie decides to tell the police to drop the charges against JJ. Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) urges Darren to speak to his daughter as she opens up about how she is feeling.
The former Dog landlady reveals that she is only getting through her battle with cancer due to the support she’s received from her loved ones, providing him with some tips on how to help JJ.
Darren and Nancy subsequently take it upon themselves to speak to upset Frankie, with Nancy offering to take on some of the care for JJ, which would allow Darren a break.
The question is: with the topic of conversation seemingly revolving all around JJ, will Frankie get the support that she needs?
