Kieron Richardson praises Hollyoaks abuse plot

Actor Kieron Richardson has praised his current Hollyoaks storyline which has seen his character of Ste become a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of Brendan (Emmett Scanlan).

 

Actor Kieron Richardson has praised his current Hollyoaks storyline which has seen his character of Ste become a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of Brendan (Emmett Scanlan). The storyline is part of Ste’s coming to terms with his sexuality and his rocky relationship with Brendan has turned violent and manipulative because of Brendan’s repression of his own sexuality. Actor Kieron Richardson, who came out as gay prior to the storyline, has praised the Channel Four soap for tackling the issue of domestic abuse within relationships.

 

“It’s a cracking storyline and I’m thrilled to be playing Ste. It’s fascinating to be involved, because we really can make a difference to others who are suffering. I think gay men fear being ridiculed if they speak out, but they won’t be. There’s some sort of myth that because it’s between men they should be able to stand up for themselves. But it’s not like that – what’s really going on is a power struggle. It doesn’t matter whether you are gay or straight, these attacks are not acceptable.” – Kieron Richardson in The Sun

 

The issue of domestic violence within gay relationships is not one that has been heavily covered by soaps before; only lightly touched upon.

 

Hollyoaks continues on weekday evenings on Channel Four at 6.30.