Hollyoaks Star Brooke Vincent Says Grooming Plot Aims to Help Viewers Spot Warning Signs

In a dark twist, the pair are now preparing to start a new life together abroad.

Why Vincent wanted the part

Vincent said the plot was clear from her audition. "When I did my audition, it was very much set in stone the kind of story it was going to be," she said.

That, she said, is what made her want the job. "I just felt was such an important story to be told."

She said the character is meant to challenge assumptions. "Not every person who has bad intentions looks a certain way or acts a certain way," Vincent said. "It can very much be hidden in plain sight, which is exactly where Abigail is."

Vincent said friends and family have told her the scenes are uncomfortable to watch. Her answer: "it is uncomfortable to watch, but it's also uncomfortable to think that somebody around you could be possibly going through that."

Charity input

Hollyoaks has worked with the charities The Derwent Initiative and the NSPCC to "ensure this subject is handled with the utmost care and accuracy".

The Derwent Initiative said cases like Dee-Dee's are common but often go unreported. It pointed to a lack of understanding about abuse of power, criminality and safeguarding.

A spokesperson for the charity said the storyline will show why any "secret" friendship or relationship should be questioned. "Think about why someone would ask you to keep a healthy friendship a secret," the spokesperson said. "Speak to a friend, or family member or anonymous helplines are available."