Exclusive: Hollyoaks confirms dark turn for Dee Dee grooming storyline

Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

Hollyoaks star Chloe Atkinson has confirmed that things are set to get a lot worse before they get better in her character Dee Dee Hutchinson's grooming storyline.

Following the death of her mum Diane, Dee Dee took drugs and was admitted to rehab, where she met counsellor Abigail Matthews. Abigail soon moved to Hollyoaks and became Dee Dee's English teacher. Although their friendship initially appeared innocent, Abigail began to manipulate Dee Dee and their relationship has since developed into a grooming situation.

Related: Hollyoaks' Dee Dee faces turmoil as Abigail story continues

In scenes airing next week, Dee Dee and Abigail plan to go on their first date. However, things explode when Dee Dee's family suspect her of drinking again, sparking a blazing row that leaves her even more isolated from those closest to her. Unsure who to turn to, Dee Dee confides in Sienna Blake about her confusion around her sexuality.

Speaking to Inside Soap ahead of the dramatic week, Chloe teased that there's more coming for the impactful issue-based storyline.

"Something happens which makes Dee Dee’s head spin and makes her wonder if she can trust Abigail," Chloe reveals. "Her intentions are bound to get worse, but it’s important we show the scary parts."

Chloe also highlighted the importance of educating viewers that women can be groomers too.

Related: 11 huge Hollyoaks spoilers for next week

"Dee Dee is in a lot of danger," she explains. "We’re taught to trust women, so I don’t think she is aware of how much danger she’s in.

"When you think of grooming, you think of an older man and a younger female because that’s what you’re taught is wrong; you’re not really taught that an older woman could do something like that, especially to a young girl."

Read Chloe's full interview in the new issue of Inside Soap magazine, out now.

Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.

Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.

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