Yahoo News Hollyoaks star Tyler Conti reveals threats over Abe role
Note: The following article contains discussion of coercive control and domestic abuse.
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star Tyler Conti has revealed the shocking threats he's received whilst playing Abe Fielding on the show.
The actor joined the soap earlier this year and his character Abe quickly proved himself to be a sinister villain. Viewers have been watching Abe's abusive behaviour towards his girlfriend Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin) escalate over several months.
As the soap headed towards its new format, recent episodes saw Cleo trying to escape from Abe, while he chased her through the village.
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However, some fans have misdirected their anger for the villain by sending Conti threatening messages online. Speaking to The Daily Star, Conti explained that some viewers "can't separate the character" from the actor.
"There have been some strong reactions. I have had threats. They say things like, 'If I ever see you in the street, you're going to get it' and 'I’m going to find you,'" revealed Conti, adding that "it can be a bit worrying."
The actor also shared that he had to block some of the accounts to prevent himself seeing their abusive messages. But despite this, Conti said he was pleased to play the role of Abe, after finding out the character's true nature.
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"When I found out about what Abe was going to be like, I was really happy about it," he said, explaining: "I want to tell this story. I want to raise awareness about dangerous relationships. I want people to watch the storyline and then look at their own behaviour."
Describing how he embodied the villain, Conti said he tried to make the story realistic. "I don't want Abe to be one dimensional. I want him to be as real as possible," he added.
The latest episode (September 11) saw Cleo in hospital after her escape from Abe caused a motorcycle crash, apparently killing Abe's mother Marie. Abe issued a chilling threat to his girlfriend, vowing to make her pay for the death.
With Cleo later shown missing from her hospital bed, has Abe enacted his revenge?
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.
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.
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