“It gets harder – a lot harder.”
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Note: This story discusses topics including sibling sexual abuse.
Hollyoaks star Ashley Taylor Dawson has warned that life will get “a lot harder” for the Osborne family following the one-year time jump.
The Channel 4 soap unleashes a major reboot next week, as its timeline permanently shifts ahead to 12 months in the future.
Viewers have recently seen Ashley’s character Darren Osborne show strong support to his teenage daughter Frankie following the revelation that her twin brother JJ sexually abused her.
The storyline won’t be forgotten about in Hollyoaks’ new era, as another chapter of drama is set to unfold.
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy on the red carpet at the National Television Awards, Ashley explained: “12 months on, a lot of things are the same for Darren – but there are also a lot of differences after what’s been going on. We go into a year later and it gets harder – a lot harder.
“We all know what’s happened, and as it goes on, the storyline between the brother and sister and the courts genuinely just tests everything that you would do – as a human, as a father, as a family. It really tests every ounce of your soul.
“It’s been one of the most incredible stories I’ve ever been part of. It’s been a very interesting story to navigate and as you will see, it just gets harder.
“The question I would ask to everyone watching it is: ‘What would you do in that situation?’ I think everyone will question themselves and that’s what’s exciting about what’s coming up.”
Hollyoaks producer Hannah Cheers had previously told Digital Spy that the time jump would lead to “a new dilemma” as part of Frankie’s story.
In recent months, the Frankie and JJ storyline has brought new audiences to Hollyoaks, with clips from the plot regularly going viral on the show’s official TikTok page.
Several key moments from the storyline – including Darren confronting JJ, and Oscar questioning Frankie – have each been viewed over 3 million times on the social platform.
Addressing the ‘TikTok effect’, Ashley continued: “It fascinates me, because it’s really got some traction on there. Even the kids that I know – my own son took an interest and he’s there watching it.
“It’s interesting because in our generation, we were used to soaps. We were used to TV – and they’re not but they’re finding it sometimes for the first time.
“They’re going: ‘Oh my God, it’s got a real hook to it!’ You’re like: ‘Yeah, it’s got a hook!'”
On the current changes to Hollyoaks, Ashley added: “It’s like a rebirth. I’ve been there since day dot and I’m still finding it as fresh as ever. I’m really excited for what’s coming up in the future.
“I’m excited about the stuff that’s been written for me. Hannah Cheers, who has taken the helm now, was at Hollyoaks when it was at its best. She’s incredible and I fully back the show. I think it’s going onto good things right now.”
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.
