Trigger warning: This article contains discussion of child sexual abuse.
Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith) is left reeling in Hollyoaks next week when JJ’s (Ryan Mulvey) day in court ends with the abuser being rushed to hospital.
The teen, as viewers know, has been sexually abused by twin brother JJ since she was just nine years old.
JJ gaslit and manipulated her into thinking that no-one would believe her but, after years of torment, Frankie bravely opened up to dad Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson), who never doubted her for a second.
JJ was subsequently banished from the Osborne clan. Suzanne Ashworth (Suzanne Hall) believed his lies – that is, until the events of stunt week, which saw her share a heart-to-heart with daughter Frankie, confirming that she believes her.
Suzanne tragically died in the aftermath of her admission, leaving Frankie devastated by what had transpired.
To mark its reduced episode pattern, Hollyoaks took us one year into the future with a history-making time-jump, and this critically acclaimed storyline is set to continue as Frankie seeks justice.
One year on since Suzanne’s tragic death, however, and JJ proves as troublesome as ever as he uses their mum’s passing to try and get Frankie to tell the court that she’s lying.
Frankie, appalled by his audacity, storms off. Back at home, Darren fears that Frankie might not get the justice she deserves if her troubled behaviour doesn’t subside.
Jack (Jimmy McKenna), meanwhile, takes it upon himself to try and get JJ to plead guilty – as he well and truly puts his grandson in his place.
Will JJ listen to Jack? Will Frankie get the justice she deserves? The jury is still out, so to speak, and matters are complicated further when, on the day of the plea trial, JJ collapses.
The abuser is rushed to hospital – but will he pull through? If so, will he finally face the music for his actions?
In the subsequent episode, Darren tracks Frankie down at The Loft, where she and Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) spent the night. Darren tells his daughter that they need to go to hospital.
Frankie seeks advice from Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), who encourages her to go and make things right with her dad.
Will Frankie do so? And what fate lies ahead for JJ?
One to watch: Tuesday September 24 at 7pm on E4 to watch from 7am on Channel 4 streaming.
