Hollyoaks’ Danny Mac has spoken out on a new storyline that will saw his character Dodger Savage raped in the Channel 4 soap’s first late night spin-off in five years
Danny Mac has opened up about a shocking new storyline that Hollyoaks viewers “won’t see coming”.
Hollyoaks Later made its comeback for the first time in five years on Wednesday (October 22) evening.
During the late-night spin-off, beloved character Dodger, portrayed by Danny, was brutally assaulted and sexually attacked by gang member Griff (Nathan Hubble) in a vicious act of criminal intimidation.
Griff and his accomplice Sulley (Henry French) had set their sights on Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) and his wealth, but the situation rapidly spiralled out of control.
Detective Donny Clark (Louis Emetic) became entangled in a robbery after encountering Warren, reports the Mirror.
Dodger courageously attempted to thwart the heist in a desperate bid to rescue his partner, but found himself overwhelmed.
To prevent the detectives from exposing their identities to authorities, the criminal gang resorted to brutal violence as a means of intimidation.
Away from prying eyes, Sully viciously attacked Donny, leaving him too battered to help when Griff proceeded to rape Dodger.
This marks the second time Hollyoaks has tackled the sensitive subject of male rape, with the first instance occurring in 2001 when Luke Morgan (Gary Lucy) was assaulted by school bully Mark Gibbs in an attempt to humiliate him.
That storyline received widespread acclaim for breaking new ground at the time, and Hollyoaks continues to shine a spotlight on the devastating effects of male sexual violence as Channel 4’s flagship continuing drama celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Hollyoaks has previously collaborated with We Are Survivors on a number of hard-hitting storylines, such as when John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) was sexually assaulted by student Finn O’Connor (Keith Rice) in late 2013, and during a year-long footballer abuse plot in 2018, which saw coach Buster Smith (Nathan Sussex) exploit his students.
Discussing the storyline, Danny revealed: “There was a massive duty of care to get the storyline right and we worked with We Are Survivors [A charity supporting male survivors of sexual abuse and rape].”
He confessed to feeling deeply connected to the narrative, saying: “I’ve felt very emotionally attached to this storyline and the people we are speaking to and for. It has been a real journey.”
Danny hinted at the unique approach to the upcoming plot: “Hollyoaks have explored similar storylines before. There is something about the way this story is going to be explored.”
He added: “It is definitely going to be a new version of what is unfortunately an age-old horrific event.”
In a tantalising teaser, he said: “It’s a character no one would be expecting it to happen to. No one will see this coming.”
Hollyoaks Later is available to stream on Channel 4
If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website
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