Hollyoaks' Suzanne makes shock decision about Frankie

Note: This story discusses topics including sibling sexual abuse.

Hollyoaks spoilers follow from Monday's episode on Channel 4 streaming, which doesn't air on E4 until Tuesday.

Tonight's (August 19) Hollyoaks streaming episode saw Suzanne Ashworth make a shock decision about her daughter Frankie Osborne after JJ's abuse was exposed.

JJ has subjected his twin sister to horrific violence for years, and regularly blackmails her into remaining silent.

Last week's episodes on the streaming service saw Frankie breaking down in tears and telling Darren the harrowing truth about JJ's abuse.

Desperate to help his daughter, Darren confronted JJ, who continued to lie about his actions and claimed that Frankie was trying to "end his football career".

hollyoaks frankie osborne
Channel 4

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Darren then told Suzanne about JJ's abuse, but she refused to believe Frankie and accused her of making it all up.

Tonight's episode began with Frankie explaining to Darren that she doesn't want to tell the police about JJ's violence because she didn't want people to think she was a "freak".

She also revealed why she was anxious about Jack attacking her, saying: "He put his hand on the bottom of my back, like JJ does, and I panicked. But Jack would never do that, would he? He's such a good person."

As Frankie continued to open up about her experiences, Darren began to understand her previous behaviour and why she accused Nancy of pushing her down the stairs.

hollyoaks darren osborne
Channel 4

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He then urged his daughter to admit the truth about her fall, which was really caused by JJ, but Frankie didn't want anyone to ask her "questions".

Darren then met Nancy at the park and explained that he can't see her before the trial as he needs to be there for Frankie.

"I haven't done anything wrong, Darren. I don't deserve to be punished," said a heartbroken Nancy.

After his meeting with Nancy, Darren escorted JJ to the police station. When his son refused to go in, Darren quickly warned him that his football career is over.

hollyoaks suzanne ashworth
Channel 4

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At the Osbornes', Frankie revealed to Suzanne that she tried to tell her about JJ's abuse when she was nine years old. "You don't even know your own lies," replied a defiant Suzanne.

Frankie then read her mum excerpts from her old diary on her phone, begging her to believe what happened, with Suzanne then asking: "If it was true, why didn't you scream the place down?"

Later, Darren arrived home to see Frankie and Suzanne hugging on the sofa. However, Frankie soon realised that her mum had taken her phone, with Suzanne later seen throwing it in the bin.

Why is Suzanne protecting JJ?

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


Hollyoaks has been working on Frankie's story with guidance from SARSAS, which provides specialist services and resources for those who have experienced any form of sexual violence.

More information is available from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.

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