Hollyoaks confirms shocking child grooming plot as Brooke Vincent’s Abigail targets Dee Dee

Hollyoaks confirms shocking child grooming plot as Brooke Vincent’s Abigail targets Dee Dee | Soaps Editor and Editorial Training Manager Published July 31, 2026 8:00am The powerful storyline will explore the dangers of grooming from institutional positions of power (Picture: Lime Pictures) As some Hollyoaks viewers suspected, we haven’t seen the true side of newcomer Abigail Matthews – and the sordid nature of the character will send shockwaves through the village, deeply impacting grieving teenager Dee Dee Hutchinson (Chloe Atkinson). Fans were delighted by the announcement of Coronation Street Sophie Webster icon Brooke Vincent in a new role for the show, and it was inevitable that they wouldn’t leave a big name actress on the sidelines for long at all. Now Metro can exclusively reveal that Abigail has been brought in for a long-running and topical plotline that will explore the grooming of a child from a place of institutional authority. Our soap source told me of the plot: ‘Brooke is playing a seriously dark, character – she’s complex, intelligent and manipulative and knows exactly what she is doing by using her power to draw in Dee Dee. ‘It’s poised to be one of the show’s most talked about stories of the year and was planned as a natural follow on from the tragic loss of Diane. Dee Dee in particular will find the struggle of losing her mum impossible to deal with, making her a terrifyingly easy target for the predator. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘It might be that the dark story divides fans but Hollyoaks is known for not shying away from issues like this, so it will be no different this time.’ They added: ‘It will be fascinating for many who know Brooke solely for playing Sophie – Abigail is such a vastly different character and the material will really show how versatile Brooke can be. The performances are said to be pretty chilling and Chloe is really stepping up the mark as Dee Dee since her debut last year.’ To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Hutchinsons have struggled since losing Diane (Picture: Lime Pictures) The death of Diane – played marvellously by the much missed Alex Fletcher – has sent heartbreak through those left behind, with Tony (Nick Pickard) struggling to cope while also ensuring the welfare of his kids is okay. Dee Dee fell through the cracks by getting involved with drugs, and it’s Abigail who is there to help her in a professional capacity as a counsellor. But that professional facade will soon crack to show a much deeper and worrying reality. With Abigail now working at the school, the coming months will see her pursue a ‘friendship’ with Dee Dee and will push to strengthen their bond when the school term starts in September. Vulnerable after the loss of her mother, Dee Dee, in turn will form an attachment to Abigail. Hollyoaks has worked with charities TDI (The Derwent Initiative) as well as the NSPCC to ensure this subject is handled with the utmost care and accuracy. Brooke was always going to play a big role (Picture: Lime Pictures) Dee Dee is in a very vulnerable state (Picture: Lime Pictures) TDI aims to prevent sexual offending by raising awareness and consulting with venues that could facilitate it through their Leisurewatch scheme which trains public spaces, like hotels and leisure centres to spot when abuse could be happening within their precincts. The intention is to raise awareness and questions about safeguarding, grooming, the importance of understanding abuse of power, and encourage transparency with established friends and family members about new friendships. TDI says that cases like Dee Dee’s are common but frequently unreported, due to a lack of understanding about abuse of power, criminality and safeguarding. A spokesperson for the organisation said: ‘Young people, particularly teenagers, are at a pivotal age where making good choices is hard, while wanting to be independent. ‘The Hollyoaks storyline will highlight that in order to do that, any ‘secret’ friendship or relationships should be questioned. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin ‘Think about why someone would ask you to keep a healthy friendship a secret? Speak to a friend, or family member or anonymous helplines are available.’ Arrow MORE: Brooke Vincent shares big career update and it’s great news for soap fans Arrow MORE: ‘She’s miles away!’ Brooke Vincent reveals how Hollyoaks newcomer differs from Sophie Webster The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.