HOLLYOAKS has shared a first look at a harrowing abuse plot which sees a son violently attack his dad.
The soap is highlighting child to parent abuse (CPA) in a dark storyline.
Viewers saw Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis) violently lash out at dad Ste (Kieron Richardson) amid a tense argument.
After Lucas’ brain tumour operation, he had been concerned about boyfriend Dillon (Nathaniel Dass).
Fans know Dillon recently went through plot.
However, Ste insisted Lucas focus on his own recovery, rather than ask about his boyfriend.
While in the village, Ste spotted Dillon attempting to steal cash from Liberty Savage’s market stall.
Dillon rocked back and forth on the ground, while declaring that he needed more spice.
Upon seeing Ste, Dillon blamed him for his poor mental state.
Ste apologised for keeping Lucas and Dillon apart and for referring to Dillon as “just an addict”;.
Realising it could help both Dillon and Lucas’ recovery, Ste invited him to live with the family.
But Lucas was left confused later on after Ste broke the news to him.
Ste explained how he’d told Dillon to break up with Lucas – as well as keep away during the operation and recovery.
Left furious, Lucas raged: “What kind of a dad does that? None of this is okay. You’ve messed with my whole life, Dad.”;
The pair’s argument soon got more heated as they pushed each other.
This saw Lucas then get violent by punching dad Ste in the stomach.
Lived experience organisation PEGS (Parental Education Growth Support) have consulted with on this storyline.
Michelle John, Founding Director of PEGS, said: “We’re proud to support Hollyoaks in bringing awareness to Child to Parent Abuse, taking a vital step towards this important issue being more widely recognised and spoken about.
“CPA is often hidden or misunderstood, and it’s vital that we start more conversations about what families are really experiencing behind closed doors.
“Being such a popular programme, we know that the Hollyoaks storyline will help parents who are experiencing abusive behaviours to feel more confident in asking for support from those around
them.
“We’re also confident it will provoke these much-needed conversations among the wider public, and we thank the production team and the actors for their commitment to portraying the storyline in a sensitive and realistic manner.
“Families experiencing CPA are not looking for blame to be placed upon their children, and this storyline reflects the need for early intervention, support and understanding as well as highlighting the complex emotions and challenges many families face.”;
While previously said: “This storyline is one that as a parent is conflicting, as you would do anything for your kids.
“We often think of parents disciplining children, but what happens when the dynamic is reversed? It’s uncomfortable, it’s emotional, and it’s real.
We’ve worked closely with experts to make sure this is portrayed truthfully, and I hope it encourages the kind of conversations that might help families going through similar situations feel seen and supported.”;
