Hollyoaks announced a new safeguarding and abuse of power storyline

The long-running storyline will be between teacher Abigail and pupil Dee-Dee.

Hollyoaks has announced a new long-running issue-based storyline, highlighting safeguarding and abuse of power between teacher Abigail and pupil Dee-Dee.

The storyline will see a grieving Dee-Dee, played by Chloe Atkinson, grow close to her Hollyoaks High teacher Abigail, played by Brooke Vincent, unaware of the legal boundaries between adults in positions of authority and trust and young people.

In the coming months, Abigail will pursue a ‘friendship’ with Dee Dee and will push to strengthen their bond when the school term starts in September. Vulnerable after the loss of her mother, Dee Dee, in turn will form an attachment to Abigail.

Hollyoaks has worked with charities TDI (The Derwent Initiative) as well as the NSPCC to ensure this subject is handled with the utmost care and accuracy.

The intention is to raise awareness and questions about safeguarding, grooming, and the importance of understanding abuse of power. Encouraging transparency with established friends and family members about new friendships.

TDI, who aims to prevent sexual offending by raising awareness and consulting with venues that could facilitate it, says that cases like Dee-Dee’s are common but frequently unreported, due to a lack of understanding about abuse of power, criminality and safeguarding.

A spokesperson said "Young people, particularly teenagers, are at a pivotal age where making good choices is hard, while wanting to be independent. The Hollyoaks storyline will highlight that in order to do that, any ‘secret’ friendship or relationships should be questioned."

"Think about why someone would ask you to keep a healthy friendship a secret? Speak to a friend, or family member or anonymous helplines are available."

TDI's Leisurewatch scheme trains public spaces, like hotels and leisure centres, to spot when abuse could be happening within their precincts. TDI also does training and consultancy for organisations seeking to reduce the risk of sexual harm.

Hollyoaks continues Monday to Wednesday at 7pm on E4 with first look episodes available at 7am on Channel 4 streaming