Hollyoaks’ Abigail and Dee Dee story highlights the warning signs of grooming

Hollyoaks’ upcoming storyline involving Abigail Matthews and Dee Dee is set to tackle one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding grooming by someone in a position of trust.

When people think about grooming, they often imagine obvious warning signs or believe victims would immediately realise something was wrong. In reality, safeguarding experts have long warned that grooming is designed to make victims feel safe, understood and valued before professional boundaries are gradually crossed.

As Dee Dee continues to grieve following Diane’s death, she finds support from Abigail, who enters her life in a professional role before becoming an increasingly trusted figure. Rather than using fear or intimidation, Abigail carefully builds a relationship that appears supportive on the surface, making it much harder for Dee Dee and those around her to recognise the danger.

By focusing on manipulation instead of dramatic confrontation, Hollyoaks is highlighting how grooming can happen gradually. It is often based on trust, secrecy and emotional dependence, leaving victims feeling confused about what they are experiencing and making it more difficult for those around them to spot the warning signs.

The storyline also demonstrates why perpetrators are not always strangers. Adults in positions of authority are expected to provide support and guidance, which can make inappropriate behaviour more difficult to identify. For families, friends and colleagues, there may be little reason to question a relationship that appears professional and caring.

Through Abigail, Hollyoaks aims to show how trust can be deliberately exploited and why safeguarding relies on recognising behaviour that slowly crosses professional boundaries.

The themes explored in the storyline reflect advice from safeguarding organisations, which warn that grooming often begins with trust rather than obvious warning signs.

The NSPCC says grooming can happen when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate or exploit them. The charity also stresses that the person is often someone already known to the child or their family, making it harder to recognise inappropriate behaviour at an early stage.

To help tell the story responsibly, Hollyoaks has worked with the NSPCC and The Derwent Initiative (TDI). Their guidance has helped shape a storyline that not only follows Dee Dee’s emotional journey but also raises awareness of the tactics used by offenders and the importance of safeguarding.

While the story promises plenty of dramatic moments, its greatest impact could come from encouraging conversations away from the screen. By helping viewers understand how manipulation develops over time, Hollyoaks hopes more people will recognise that victims should never blame themselves for being groomed.

For all the latest Hollyoaks news, features and updates, keep checking the Hollyoaks Hub on SoapLandTV.co.uk.

Hollyoaks is available to stream first on Channel 4, before airing on E4. Images: Lime Pictures, used for editorial purposes only.

Editors note: Hollyoaks has developed the storyline with guidance from the NSPCC and The Derwent Initiative (TDI). Anyone affected by the issues raised can seek advice and support through the NSPCC or other appropriate support services. If someone is in immediate danger, they should contact the police by calling 999.