Trigger warning: This article contains discussion of child sexual abuse and child exploitation.
Hollyoaks star Isabelle Smith has confirmed a ‘positive’ future for Frankie Osborne following her harrowing exploitation and sexual abuse ordeals.
The popular character, as viewers know, was groomed by Grace Black (Tamara Wall), who took advantage of her vulnerability in the wake of her sexual abuse ordeal at the hands of twin brother JJ (Ryan Mulvey).
Over a series of months, Frankie, Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass) and Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) were manipulated into having sex in exchange for money, held captive at Fernmere Hill – often under lock and key.
The nightmare came to an end a number of weeks ago when Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson) intercepted the manor, causing a chain of events that led to the teens taking back control as they shot exploitation operation leader DI Banks (Drew Cain).
Having gone through so much in her short time in the village thus far, fans are wondering what’s next on the cards for Frankie.
Isabelle, who has received acclaim for her performance as the character, warned that the experience will have a ‘lasting impact’.
‘The last two years Frankie has had have been really traumatic,’ she said in an exclusive chat with Metro, ‘but ultimately the friends and the family she’s got around her will get her through.
Discussing an exciting new chapter for her alter-ego, the star added: ‘There might be a new little love interest that spikes her attention! That helps her – you see her shift from keeping herself to herself. She starts putting herself out there a little bit more and becoming confident again. It’s going to take her a little bit of time but she is getting there.’
But just who is the new love interest? Elaborating further on the subject, Isabelle told me that it’s Jacob Omari (Ethaniel Davy) who Frankie connects with.
The two characters have crossed paths a number of times before, with Jacob having been groomed by Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey).
He also happens to be the son of Kat (Sonia Ibrahim), who – while under pressure from Rex – lied about sleeping with Darren, which temporarily blew the Osborne clan apart.
‘I think they end up trauma bonding,’ she said. ‘It will be revealed why she has taken a bit of an interest to him. But who Jacob’s mum is – that’s going to have an impact on Frankie and Darren’s relationship. It’s not going to be a straightforward love story and I think there will be some bumps along the way.
‘It’s been nice to play a lighter story and find different emotions in Frankie and how she would deal with things. I am getting scripts through [and I’m thinking] I’ve never had to navigate Frankie in that kind of situation – so it’s been fun for me because I’ve been challenged in a different way.’
Isabelle told me that that, with Frankie potentially finding love, she was keen to highlight that survivors of abuse and exploitation can find happiness.
‘When I started the exploitation storyline, I wanted to make it clear that if you’ve been sexually abused or in an abusive relationship, this is not a linear thing – [exploitation] isn’t going to happen to you, this was just in some extreme cases.
‘I was also very adamant that people who have been in abusive relationships either as children or adults can go on to find love – it’s not something that defines you as a person. It’s something that’s happened to you: you’re a survivor and you can go forward – there is light at the end of the tunnel. It was really important and I wanted to navigate Frankie in a healthy, happy and consensual relationship.’
In regards to what else is coming up, Isabelle confirmed that viewers can expect to see Frankie interacting with a host of new characters and her job in Price Slice will be back on the table.
‘She is still being rebellious, she is still getting herself into a bit of trouble and she’s trying to navigate a new relationship while also monitoring her friends,’ concluded the actress.
‘I think there’s still going to be a lot of drama – and love, with cute moments that have sometimes cringed me out a bit but we need that, we need a bit of cringe! But yes, I think it’s positive – which isn’t something I’ve been able to say before [laughs]. It’s quite nice – we’re in a nice Frankie space at the moment.’
Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
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