Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Wednesday’s episode (October 23), which is available to watch now on streaming service Channel 4 and hasn’t yet aired on TV.
Note: This story discusses topics including sibling sexual abuse.
Hollyoaks’ JJ Osborne has taken drastic action after receiving major health news in the show’s latest episode.
JJ has been receiving chemotherapy treatment for several weeks after the teenager was diagnosed with leukaemia.
His illness has been difficult for Darren, who he has tried his best to support both his children – as JJ was waiting trial for sexually abusing his sister Frankie when he was diagnosed.
Related: Best streaming services
In today’s episode, Darren listened to Tony’s relationship problems, before revealing that JJ was getting his test results back today.
He explained that he couldn’t even be happy if JJ received good news because of what he has done to Frankie, but Tony reminded him that it would mean she could get justice.
Darren came to visit JJ in hospital, and JJ admitted that he missed his family, remarking that he had always wanted this kind of relationship with his dad.
But Darren made it clear that the situation was complicated, and that while he was desperate for him to get better, he wanted him to face Frankie in court afterwards.
Related: Hollyoaks‘ Frankie to confront JJ after shocking collapse
Misbah then arrived to deliver JJ’s test results, and she broke the news that his cancer is extremely advanced, so the chemotherapy alone won’t be enough.
She explained that JJ’s best hope would be a bone marrow transplant, but while Darren wasn’t guaranteed to be a match, his best hope would be his twin sister.
At home, Frankie was in a good mood, but as she left to meet Lucas, devastated Darren explained to Jack about JJ’s news.
He had gone private to get a test and see if he was a match, but Darren feared having to tell Frankie that she was the only person who could save her brother’s life.
Related: Hollyoaks‘ Cleo to give Abe relationship advice after proposal chaos
Meanwhile, in the hospital, Mercedes and JJ met in the waiting room where they had a candid conversation about dying.
Mercedes revealed that she hadn’t told her mum about her cancer, as she realised how difficult this is for her family, and she wanted to be less of a burden to them.
This resonated with JJ, and he later ran away from the hospital, leaving a note for his family which said: “You’ve all been through enough. I don’t want to be a burden anymore. Don’t come looking for me.”
Where is JJ going, and will he be found?
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Hollyoaks has been working on Frankie’s story with guidance from SARSAS, which provides specialist services and resources for those who have experienced any form of sexual violence.
More information is available from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.