Hollyoaks fans set to finally meet Ro Hutchinson's online friend Nina in special episode

Hollyoaks is set to broadcast a pivotal episode in the ongoing narrative of Ro Hutchinson's gender transition, emphasising the significance of supportive friendships and LGBTQ+ specific resources during Mental Health Awareness Week.

The special episode, airing on Monday (May 12), centres around teenager Ro (Ava Webster she/her) who has been navigating his gender identity journey and started his social transition last year, backed by his parents, Tony ( he/him) and Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher she/her).

However, Ro has faced increasing struggles recently, with limited medical assistance due to his age and, more recently, enduring severe bullying from schoolmate Arlo Fielding (Dan Hough).

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Ro has been the target of transphobic abuse messages, leading him to resort to alcohol self-harm and even being goaded into contemplating suicide.

He found some comfort in an LGBTQ+ online forum where he connected with a new friend, Nina, who encourages Ro to join a trans support group, which his mother Diane also decides to attend, reports .

However, when his personal life takes a downward turn, Ro opts out of attending the group, reaching a crisis point and considering suicide.

In a crucial scene, Ro heeds the wise counsel of his friend Kathleen-Angel McQueen (Kiara Mellor), who advises him to seek help.

Ro reaches out to an LGBTQ+ helpline, and the support he gains from this interaction is depicted as pivotal in his journey to safety. The scene capturing this critical moment unfolds through the eyes of both Ro and the helpline volunteer.

Emma Frankland (she/her), an accomplished writer, theatre creator, and performer with a history of delving into gender identity issues, portrays Eve, the compassionate call handler.

The scribe behind , Emma, who has penned this particular episode further explains: "Having spoken to Samaritans, Papyrus and LGBT Switchboard, the crossover of what everybody said was so similar.

"They are volunteers mostly; they're giving up their time to be there because we know the power that a conversation has to change someone's path and to alter the route that they're on."

She adds, "I'm really happy we're showing Ro in this truthful recognisable place and we're showing that there is an alternative and there is hope.

"Having met with real volunteers, I felt strongly that I wanted to play that part, and I think it was exciting having three guest roles in this episode, all of whom were trans."

Emma, noted for her role in drama Silent Witness, stars alongside guest characters Matt and Nina in the forthcoming Hollyoaks episode. Nina is brought to life by Mattie Packer (she/her) while Oliver Wickham (they/he) takes on the character of support worker Matt.

With a repertoire including appearances in Casualty for Mattie and Netflix's Wednesday as well as BBC's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and Cheaters for Oliver, both actors bring a wealth of experience to their roles.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am