The new storyline follows Ro as he navigates transphobic bullying and understanding his gender identity
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY CHANNEL 4
Hollyoaks has announced that an upcoming episode will focus on raising trans youth mental health awareness, tying into Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May).
The episode will centre on teenager Ro Hutchison, who has been exploring his gender identity throughout the show. While his parents have been supportive, Ro has been seen to struggle with a lack of medical support and constant bullying at school. As a result, Ro has turned to alcohol as a form of self-harm.
However, Ro decides to seek help by joining an LGBTQIA forum, where he finds a friend Nina, who urges him to attend a trans support group. In this new episode, Ro also calls an LGBTQIA helpline where he speaks to Eve, played by award-winning writer Emma Frankland.
Alex Matheson (she/her), Director of Inclusion at LGBT Foundation, spoke about the importance of this episode: “We’re proud to have worked with Hollyoaks to shape Ro’s journey, reflecting the lived experiences of many trans people. The upcoming scenes – where Ro finds community, attends a support group, and reaches out to a helpline – highlight the hope and well-being that support services can bring.
“Airing during Mental Health Awareness Week, this storyline is a powerful reminder that no one has to navigate their journey alone. We’re grateful to Hollyoaks for working with us and LGBTQ+ communities to ensure this story feels true to life and shows the incredible impact that free-to-access helplines and support services can have.”
Working with charities like Samaritans, Papyrus and LGBT Switchboard, Hollyoaks has ensured that Ro’s storyline is not only accurate but will be able to speak to the wider trans community. By showing that help is out there with Eve’s storyline, the series hopes to show viewers that there are people there to listen, care and support.
Monica Hawley (she/her), Media Adviser at Samaritans, added: “Experiencing suicidal thoughts can feel incredibly isolating, particularly when also facing bullying and discrimination. Storylines like these remind the public that support is out there and no-one has to face their struggles alone.”
Hollyoaks airs Mondays to Wednesdays on Channel 4 streaming from 7am, then on E4 the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week post airing on Channel 4 and E4.
If you have been or know someone affected by the topics in this article, please reach out for support. You can contact organisations like Mind Out at 0300 7729855, LGBT Foundation at 0345 3 30 30 30, or Samaritans at 116 123.
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