HOLLYOAKS HIGHLIGHTS
MALE SUICIDE
Hollyoaks raised the issue of male suicide on our screens once again when soon to be wed Kyle Kelly took his own life in the run up to his wedding.
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he soap looked at the contrasting stories of two men with mid life depression. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said Hollyoaks’ writing team wanted to highlight the differing ways in which depression can manifest itself, to show there was ‘no face to male suicide’. The aftermath of his loss is shown as Kyle’s friends and family come to terms with the news and the effects of the bereavement. Actor Adam Rickitt has revealed the plot forced him to revisit personal experiences.
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“I was excited to be able to portray such a dramatic journey, and proud that the team had entrusted me to do it. There was also a sense of personal fear. Like all too many, I had to walk a similar path in my lifetime and the idea of revisiting that, even in the
world of fiction, was slightly daunting. In truth though it became an incredibly empowering experience”.
More than ever I think we need to be highlighting just this sort of issue. He praised the ‘sensitivity and heart’ that the writers put into the story. “At a time like now, more than ever, I think we need to be highlighting just this sort of issue.“
KEEP TALKING SAYS JOE Another Hollyoaks star Joe Tracini has spoken on social media about his bipolar
Don’t give up on people understanding says Hollyoaks star Joe Tracini.
disorder, and suicidal thoughts and urges people in the same situation to keep talking. He tweeted: “My constant thoughts about self harm and suicide were as exhausting as they were relentless. Some days recently have been exclusively me trying not to kill myself and I’m quite good at not killing myself.” ‘Don’t feel hopeless if the first person you confide in can’t support you in the way you need. Don’t give up if the 10th person doesn’t get it either. I can just promise that there are people out there who will understand, even if they haven’t thought the same thoughts as you.” @joetracini
