Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Note: This article discusses subject matter such as bullying as well as physical and transphobic abuse.
Ro Hutchinson will make a new friend on Hollyoaks amidst the bullying storyline involving Arlo Fielding.
Following persistent verbal and physical abuse from Arlo, Ro has felt increasingly lonely in recent weeks, though did recently strike up a bond with Kathleen-Angel McQueen, with Ro potentially having feelings for his friend.
In scenes set to air next week, Ro will confide in another friend over text message, sharing his concerns that his future is looking on the bleaker side. Later in the week, Ro meets with Kathleen-Angel and is invited to lunch.
Whilst there, the youngsters grow closer together, with Ro informing Kathleen-Angel that he has been speaking to a new online friend called Nina. As the pair talk it over, Ro says Nina listens to his troubles, helping him alleviate some of his worries.
The developments come after Arlo’s repeated bullying of Ro, with the situation worsening after they lived under the same roof following the blossoming of Tony and Marie’s relationship, which saw them get engaged earlier this week.
Despite Arlo’s vile threats of physical harm and transphobic abuse, Ro had largely refrained from speaking about his ordeal, though his mother, Diane, has long been sceptical of Arlo’s nice-guy act.
After discovering a torrent of abusive messages on Ro’s phone from Arlo, Diane attempted to tell Tony about what their son was going through, though he didn’t initially listen. Ro eventually divulged all to his mother, leaving Diane heartbroken.
During Tony and Marie’s engagement party, Marie’s son Arlo played innocent to the adults once more as he delivered a disingenuous speech, though Tony finally recognised that Diane was telling the truth after seeing Ro become upset when Arlo started speaking about him.
The party culminated in Tony slapping Arlo after becoming overwhelmed with emotion, leaving his relationship with Marie in tatters. What does the future hold for the pair? Will Marie discover the truth regarding her son? Will Ro finally get a chance to expose Arlo for who he truly is?…
