Hollyoaks to raise awareness for depression with character's shock suicide attempt
A popular character's life hangs in the balance
Last updated 9th Jun 2017
WARNING SPOILERS
Despite being aired pre-watershed, Hollyoaks has never shied away from hard-hitting subjects, and tonight's storyline is no different as Scott Drinkwell's life hangs in the balance.
The Channel 4 soap will look to address the subject of depression by showing Scott Drinkwell attempt to take his life. Despite being a bubbly, happy character, this storyline will show how there can be more going on in people's lives than appears on the surface. The team at Hollyoaks have been working with charities Mind and the Samaritans to ensure there's an accurate portrayal.
Scott will start the day feeling positive as he takes part in MS Awareness Day, however things soon start to go wrong.
Later Mercedes is seen running across the village as she spots an ambulance and a barely conscious Scott being stretchered out of the flat.
Scott has had a hard time of late as he first found out he was adopted and was then rejected by his birth mother due to his sexuality.
Ross Adams, who plays Scott, said: “Scott constantly hides his hurt and true feelings with humour but for the first time we will see his mask slip.
He revealed that "there's always been an inner fragility to Scott" but it's simply a disguise.
He continued, "Things quickly become too much and there are heart-breaking consequences.
“I feel hugely privileged to have been trusted with such an important issue based storyline.
"I’ve had amazing support from the Hollyoaks research team who organised a workshop with representatives from mental health charity, Mind and Samaritans who explained the statistics, which are terrifying.
"Also, talking to people who have suffered from depression gave me a much-needed insight into what Scott is going through.
"I hope the storyline will encourage people in a similar position to speak out and get the help they need.”
The Samaritans helpline is free any time, from any phone on 116 123.
On the Samaritans website they state, 'We're here round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it's best to call us on the phone. This number is FREE to call. You don't have to be suicidal to call us.'
Hollyoaks is on Channel 4 at 6.30pm and on E4 at 7pm.