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Hollyoaks confirms suicide storyline as Kyle Kelly exits the soap

From Digital Spy

Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide that some readers may find upsetting.

Hollyoaks has confirmed a male suicide storyline, with Kyle Kelly leaving the soap.

Both Darren Osborne and Kyle have been struggling with mid-life depression, but Kyle will tragically die by suicide in upcoming episodes leading up to his wedding with Nancy Hayton.

Photo credit: Channel 4
Photo credit: Channel 4

Kyle's death will not be shown on screen, but viewers will see the aftermath as his friends and family try to deal with the news of his suicide.

Hollyoaks is working with James' Place on the storyline. Based in Liverpool, James' Place provides support for male mental health.

Adam Rickitt, who plays Kyle, said: "When I first heard about the storyline, I was excited as an actor to be able to portray such a dramatic journey, and [proud] that the team had entrusted me to do it. There was also a sense of personal fear.

"Like all too many, I had to walk a similar path in my lifetime and the idea of revisiting that, even in the world of fiction, was slightly daunting.

Photo credit: Channel 4
Photo credit: Channel 4

"In truth, though, it became an incredibly empowering experience. The sensitivity and heart that the writers put into the story really shone through, and at a time like now, more than ever, I think we need to be highlighting just this sort of issue.

"As sad as I am to say goodbye to Kyle, I have loved being a part of Hollyoaks. It's been a fantastic show to work on. To be able to leave telling a story that is so important and so challenging is more than I could ever have asked for, and like me, I hope viewers will find strength in its telling."

Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said: "Hollyoaks' writing team have been laying the building blocks of Darren and Kyle's individual stories for some time, carefully exploring the nuances that comes from two men living with depression in two very different ways.

Photo credit: Channel 4
Photo credit: Channel 4

"There is no face to male suicide, and we wanted to highlight the ways in which depression can manifest itself with two of our much-loved characters.

"By telling this storyline, Hollyoaks would like to highlight the importance of creating an environment to listen, giving those who need it the time to talk."

Hollyoaks airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first-look episodes airing on E4 at 7pm.

Wednesdays through Fridays on E4 will feature classic episodes called Hollyoaks Favourites to compensate for the soap suspending filming.


We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.


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