Yahoo News Hollyoaks reveals return plot for Luke's rapist
Hollyoaks has revealed the full details of Mark Gibbs's return storyline for the first time.
Digital Spy exclusively announced that Luke Morgan's rapist would be reappearing a month ago, but exact details on when – and how – he'd be back were kept under wraps.
It's now been confirmed that Mark's comeback airs in Monday's E4 first look episode (November 20), which sees Luke visit Chester city centre with his on-off love interest Mandy Richardson.
The popular pair have a heartwarming day together and seem close to a reunion. Sadly, when Luke sees Mark again by chance, he suddenly flees and Mandy is left confused over why he's left her high and dry.
Luke then goes missing overnight and his friends all fear that he's fallen back into old habits by drinking again.
Nancy Osborne is the only person who finds out about Mark and she agrees to keep Luke's secret. However, when we later see Luke using Nancy's social media to connect with Mark, it seems that he's starting to become obsessed with the man who attacked him all those years ago.
As we confirmed last month, original actor Colin Parry has reprised the role of Mark for this storyline.
Speaking about his return for the first time, Colin revealed: "My first day back this time around was in Chester doing scenes with Gary Lucy and Sarah Jayne Dunn.
"It was great, because it was exactly the same two members of cast in 1999 on my first day then and it was in Chester too! It was very nostalgic, which I love.
"Working with Gary again after so many years was brilliant. We literally haven't laid eyes on each other for 17 years, which was my last day of filming in August 2000. He hasn't changed one bit. Neither has Sarah, which is annoying as I've aged so much! Gary looks and acts exactly the same way. He is very passionate about this storyline, as am I."
Hollyoaks embarked on a groundbreaking storyline in 2000 when Luke was raped by Mark at the end of a long-running bullying campaign. The scenes made soap history when they aired in a special late-night episode.
Colin continued: "I think this storyline is very important. Luke's character has been through so much and never sought out help for his obvious distress and has carried it alone for all these years.
"It's important to show how you shouldn't deal with this alone and help is out there. From what I've seen, Gary has been outstanding in the role."
Although Luke flees when he sees Mark in Chester, it's surely only a matter of time before they do come face-to-face properly.
Discussing that possibility, Colin added: "When Mark sees Luke for the first time, it's definitely going to be a big moment. Mark is cocky and confident, but I think even he will be shocked when he realises that Luke is back in his life! It's so long in the making and I think the tension will be incredible."
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.
Survivors Manchester is available to support adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape. Its website can be found at www.survivorsmanchester.org.uk and its helpline is 0161 236 2182. Local support agencies for all male and female survivors can be found at www.thesurvivorstrust.org. In an emergency, please dial 999.
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