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Hollyoaks star Jessica Fox defends decision to announce Kyle Kelly's exit

From Digital Spy

Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

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

Hollyoaks actress Jessica Fox has defended the soap's decision to announce Kyle Kelly's exit ahead of his final episode airing after some fans complained that his departure had been spoiled.

It was recently announced that Kyle, played by Adam Rickitt, would sadly die by suicide during an episode airing this week after his experience with depression.

Actress Jessica, who play's Kyle's on-screen partner Nancy Hayton, shared her own tribute to her co-star on Instagram after the news was announced and some fans commented on her post that they had not wanted to know about Kyle's exit ahead of it being aired.

Photo credit: Channel 4
Photo credit: Channel 4

Related: Hollyoaks' Adam Rickitt opens up about his 17-year battle with depression

Jessica has since commented on the post to explain why Kyle's exit has been announced ahead of time, referencing other comments from fans in which they said that they may not be able to watch Kyle's final episodes for personal or emotional reasons.

"Just to say – Hollyoaks has decided to release information regarding this very sensitive storyline for all the reasons you can see if you read through some of the comments below," she wrote. "This storyline can be triggering for some people, particularly those who have experienced a loss of their own or are suffering with their mental health.

"For Hollyoaks not to give viewers this information beforehand would be irresponsible, insensitive and could be extremely dangerous. I hope you understand."

Kyle's death will not be shown on screen but viewers will see the aftermath as his friends and family try to come to terms with the devastating news.

Actor Adam has said that when he first heard about the storyline he felt "proud" that he had been entrusted with it but also had a sense of "personal fear", saying: "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.

"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."

Jessica, who revealed that the story "broke her heart", has said that she is "incredibly proud" of the Channel 4 soap for tackling the subject and praised her co-star for handling the storyline "so beautifully, sensitively and truthfully".

Hollyoaks is working with organisations including James' Place, a Liverpool based organisation providing support for male mental health, on this story.

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 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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