First look at harrowing Hollyoaks abuse plot as son violently attacks his dad in brutal scenes
The soap is highlighting child to parent abuse (CPA) in a dark storyline.
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Viewers saw Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis) violently lash out at dad Ste (Kieron Richardson) amid a tense argument.
After Lucas' brain tumour operation, he had been concerned about boyfriend Dillon (Nathaniel Dass).
Fans know Dillon recently went through a terrifying exploitation ordeal plot.
However, Ste insisted Lucas focus on his own recovery, rather than ask about his boyfriend.
While in the village, Ste spotted Dillon attempting to steal cash from Liberty Savage's market stall.
Dillon rocked back and forth on the ground, while declaring that he needed more spice.
Upon seeing Ste, Dillon blamed him for his poor mental state.
Ste apologised for keeping Lucas and Dillon apart and for referring to Dillon as "just an addict".
Realising it could help both Dillon and Lucas' recovery, Ste invited him to live with the family.
But Lucas was left confused later on after Ste broke the news to him.
Hollyoaks star quits after nine years - and his final scenes have already aired
Ste explained how he'd told Dillon to break up with Lucas - as well as keep away during the operation and recovery.
Left furious, Lucas raged: "What kind of a dad does that? None of this is okay. You've messed with my whole life, Dad."
The pair's argument soon got more heated as they pushed each other.
This saw Lucas then get violent by punching dad Ste in the stomach.
Lived experience organisation PEGS (Parental Education Growth Support) have consulted with Hollyoaks on this storyline.
Michelle John, Founding Director of PEGS, said: 'We're proud to support Hollyoaks in bringing awareness to Child to Parent Abuse, taking a vital step towards this important issue being more widely recognised and spoken about.
"CPA is often hidden or misunderstood, and it's vital that we start more conversations about what families are really experiencing behind closed doors.
"Being such a popular programme, we know that the Hollyoaks storyline will help parents who are experiencing abusive behaviours to feel more confident in asking for support from those around
them.
"We're also confident it will provoke these much-needed conversations among the wider public, and we thank the production team and the actors for their commitment to portraying the storyline in a sensitive and realistic manner.
Darkest soap storylines
Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock...
EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) - Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca's adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.
Emmerdale: Holly's drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) - In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale's first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose.
Hollyoaks: Luke's rape (2000) - Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap's first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs - who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.
Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) - Just a mere mention of 'Richard Hillman' is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it's not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn't.
"Families experiencing CPA are not looking for blame to be placed upon their children, and this storyline reflects the need for early intervention, support and understanding as well as highlighting the complex emotions and challenges many families face.'
While Kieron Richardson, who plays Ste, previously said: "This storyline is one that as a parent is conflicting, as you would do anything for your kids.
"We often think of parents disciplining children, but what happens when the dynamic is reversed? It's uncomfortable, it's emotional, and it's real.
We've worked closely with experts to make sure this is portrayed truthfully, and I hope it encourages the kind of conversations that might help families going through similar situations feel seen and supported.'
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