Child to Parent Abuse plot for Hollyoaks with Ste and Lucas

The E4 and Channel 4 Streaming saga turns its attention to a rarer covered domestic abuse situation…

Hollyoaks is to highlight a common but under-recognised form of domestic abuse, in a storyline focusing on the changing dynamic of father and son, Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) and Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis).

Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson said:

“This storyline is one that as a parent is conflicting, as you would do anything for your kids. It flips the script on what many people assume abuse looks like and both Oscar and I are working hard to show what happens when the dynamic is reversed.

“We often think of parents disciplining children, but what happens when the dynamic is reversed? It’s uncomfortable, it’s emotional, and it’s real. We’ve worked closely with experts to make sure this is portrayed truthfully, and I hope it encourages the kind of conversations that might help families going through similar situations feel seen and supported.”

Lived experience organisation PEGS (Parental Education Growth Support) – who have consulted with the programme – offers help to parents being abused by their children, be it verbal, physical, emotional, financial, or other. According to a recent survey taken by the organisation, 25% of parents who are seeking advice are being physically abused by their children each month.

Female parents are more likely to experience this form of abuse however studies show that CPA comes in many forms, and Hollyoaks will be looking at this through the lens of a father and teenage son relationship.

Lucas in recent episodes was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had to undergo lifesaving surgery / Lime Pictures / Ch4

In recent episodes, 17-year-old Lucas Hay was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had to undergo lifesaving surgery. Even though there were complications during the procedure, Lucas is set to make a full recovery, with his dad Ste now caring for him at home.

While recovering, Lucas is also trying to rebuild his relationship with first love Dillon, who was recently groomed into an exploitation ring which subsequently led to him developing a drug addiction with a long road to recovery ahead. Dillon is now living with the Hay family.

Ste was unaware that his boyfriend Rex was involved in the exploitation business and recruited Dillon. Lucas holds resentment towards his dad for not realising sooner that Rex was dangerous.

Michelle John, Founding Director of PEGS:

“We’re proud to support Hollyoaks in bringing awareness to Child to Parent Abuse, taking a vital step towards this important issue being more widely recognised and spoken about. CPA is often hidden or misunderstood, and it’s vital that we start more conversations about what families are really experiencing behind closed doors. Being such a popular programme, we know that the Hollyoaks storyline will help parents who are experiencing abusive behaviours to feel more confident in asking for support from those around them.

Viewers will see Lucas physically abuse his dad Ste in forthcoming scenes, Lime Pictures / Ch4

In upcoming episodes, viewers will see Lucas physically abuse his dad Ste after finding out that he warned Dillon to keep his distance in a bid to keep his son safe. When Tony notices the bruising on his employee, Ste downplays the situation and Lucas is quick to apologise. However, Hollyoaks confirms that the storyline is set to continue as Lucas takes his anger out on Ste behind closed doors, with the dad blaming himself.

Lucas has a history of violence, having spent time in young offenders last year for attacking fellow student JJ, and he also physically assaulted his partner Dillon the year prior when he was coming to terms with his sexuality.

Michelle John, Founding Director of PEGS:

“We’re also confident it will provoke these much-needed conversations among the wider public, and we thank the production team and the actors for their commitment to portraying the storyline in a sensitive and realistic manner. Families experiencing CPA are not looking for blame to be placed upon their children, and this storyline reflects the need for early intervention, support and understanding as well as highlighting the complex emotions and challenges many families face.”

Hollyoaks available to stream from 7am, Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4 streaming or watch live on E4 at 7pm

Lucas and Dillon, Lime Pictures / Ch4