Does she believe Frankie?

Note: This story discusses topics including sibling sexual abuse.

Hollyoaks spoilers follow from Friday’s episode on Channel 4 streaming, which doesn’t air on E4 until Monday.

Hollyoaks has aired a shocking twist in Frankie Osborne’s sibling abuse storyline after JJ’s violence was exposed.

Since they were young, JJ has subjected his twin sister to horrific abuse and regularly blackmails her into remaining silent.

Thursday night’s (August 15) episode on the streaming service saw Darren share his worries about Frankie acting strangely and encouraged her to open up to him.

Finally feeling it was safe to talk, Frankie broke down in tears and told her dad the harrowing truth. “JJ… He’s sexually abusing me,” she said, leaving Darren speechless.

Friday’s episode (August 16) began with Darren reeling from what Frankie had told him about JJ.

“I never feel safe because I don’t know what he’s going to do next. I’ve done so many stupid things to not be alone with him,” Frankie tearfully explained.

Darren then promised that he believes her and that he will help her, before Frankie urged her dad not to tell anyone else because she didn’t want to get “bullied”.

“I know I’ve not been in your life for long, but I’m getting to know you,” said Darren.

“And I can see that you’re telling me the truth, and I’m so sorry. Everything is making sense now. I promise you, I’m going to do everything I can to help.”

Desperate to keep JJ away from Frankie, Darren reluctantly agreed to drive his son to a party. In the car, JJ began boasting about his football career, before Darren turned the conversation to his horrific treatment of Frankie.

JJ quickly began to cry and begged Darren to believe him. “She’s sick, she’s proper sick!” he shouted.

“Who’d say that about her own brother?! I can’t stand her! Why’s she doing this to me?!”

Back at home, JJ continued to lie about his actions, claiming that Frankie was trying to “end his football career”, but Darren saw through him.

“So, you seriously think your sister meticulously made all this up?” screamed Darren. “Self-harming, nearly killing herself. What, for this big special day of yours?”

After an angry JJ grabbed his dad, Darren’s suspicions were confirmed. “You did do it. All the signs were there and I just didn’t see it,” he said.

“I didn’t protect your sister. Your own sister, my daughter! How could I have let her down so much.”

Later, when Suzanne and Frankie arrived at the Osborne house, Darren told Suzanne about JJ’s abuse. Suzanne then started shouting at Frankie, accusing her of making it all up.

“You’re disgusting. You disgust me, it’s depraved. What the hell is wrong with you?!” she screamed. “You have gone too far this time, Frankie!”

When Darren asked Suzanne to see JJ for “what he really is”, she refused to believe her daughter’s “accusations” and asked for proof.

“This is why people don’t come forward,” said a frustrated Darren. “Because they’re terrified of not being believed.”

Will Darren be able to convince Suzanne of the truth?

Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.