Yahoo News Hollyoaks airs traumatic Cleo episode as escort storyline continues
Note: The following article contains discussion of domestic abuse and eating disorders.
Hollyoaks spoilers follow from Monday's episode on Channel 4 streaming, which doesn't air on E4 until Tuesday.
Hollyoaks has aired a traumatic episode for Cleo McQueen as her escort storyline continues.
The soap has recently shown Abe being both physically and emotionally abusive towards Cleo as she continues to recover from bulimia.
Last week, Abe continued to manipulate his partner, before revealing that he wanted to start a family with her – which left Cleo horrified.
When Cleo then explained that she was struggling with their open relationship, Abe unexpectedly hired her an escort for the night in order to make their relationship "equal" again after he slept with Theresa.
Related: Hollyoaks casts comedy stars for dramatic Warren Fox scene
Tonight's episode began with Cleo expressing her frustration at Abe hiring her an escort. "I'm not actually doing this, I'm not sleeping with an escort Abe," she angrily said.
Abe tried to explain his decision, saying that it would "level the playing field", but Cleo didn't change her mind.
After Cleo paid the escort to leave, Abe wasn't impressed and accused her of going back on their deal to have an open relationship.
"I do something that I think will finally make you happy and this is how you react?" he said.
Related: Best streaming services in 2024
Abe went on to explain that he wanted to "save" Cleo after her recent relapse, adding: "I feel like I've tried everything, I've asked for advice, I've listened to what you've been saying, I've tried to cheer you up, and all you do is make me feel so tiny."
The couple's argument was then interrupted by Sally, who said she urgently needed Cleo for a "situation".
Sally and John Paul sat down with Cleo to discuss her eating disorder and relationship with Abe, with John Paul sharing his fears following his own experiences with addiction.
"This is exactly what we were worried about. That you'd get back with Abe and everything would flare up again," he said.
Related: Hollyoaks releases ominous September trailer ahead of huge stunt
An unimpressed Cleo felt cornered by the intervention, saying: "I just feel like all you lot do is judge me. There's enough chaos and drama in this family without you inventing some for me, so just focus on your own lives and just back off."
As she left Sally's house, Cleo saw Abe and Theresa sharing a hug and instantly feared the worst. To try and get back at Abe, Cleo decided to call the escort back.
Abe later arrived home to find the escort leaving, with Cleo revealing that she felt "disgusting" for sleeping with him.
"We're fine now, it's even. It's okay, it's over," said a pleased Abe. "And then, as an added bonus, you don't need to keep taking the moral high ground anymore."
Related: Hollyoaks fans spot major Frankie spoiler in autumn trailer teaser
Abe went on to call Cleo a "cheap slag" and gaslit her for spending time with the escort, despite his hopes for her to do so.
In response to his comments, an angry Cleo said the she didn't deserve his poor treatment and that she was "too good" for him.
Later, Abe was seen smirking as he picked an apple from the kitchen, before the camera panned to Cleo crying on the floor after being physically abused by him.
Will Cleo be able to escape?
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
You Might Also Like
