HOLLYOAKS | E4 MONDAY
HOLLYOAKS’ ISABELLE SMITH ON FRANKIE’S DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO LEAVE THE VILLAGE…
Hollyoaks has never been afraid to tackle taboo topics, but JJ’s secret sexual abuse of twin sister Frankie is one of the most hard-hitting storylines in the soap’s history.
Desperate to escape her twisted sibling, Frankie pins her hopes on winning a place at a dance school this week so she can leave the village. But when JJ learns what Frankie is planning, events take an even darker turn for the vulnerable teen.
In her first ever interview discussing the controversial plot, actress Isabelle Smith – who plays Frankie – reveals the shocking drama ahead for her terrified alter ego…
Hi, Isabelle! How is Frankie feeling about her dance school audition?
Dancing is Frankie’s outlet, where she feels safe and happy, and she sees this opportunity to leave home and study as a way of escaping JJ’s abuse. It could be a lifeline for her.
When does she realise JJ has followed her?
Frankie hasn’t told her family about the audition, apart from Charlie. She doesn’t realise JJ has found out, he sees her get in a taxi so he follows her. Frankie has practised so much for this audition, she’s excited, then she looks into the audience and JJ is sitting there…
How does she react?
It’s horrible. Ryan [Mulvey, who plays JJ] does that chilling stare – he’s so good! Frankie stumbles, forgets her routine, but manages to pick it back up and finish, though she thinks she’s blown it. She’s so deflated, and the fear in the back of her mind is what JJ will do now he knows she’s tried to get away from him.
Will we start to see Frankie standing up to JJ?
She’s becoming more sure of herself. We saw that in how she dealt with the recent Oscar situation. She is very protective of her younger siblings, and sometimes leans into JJ’s narrative so she can protect the people around her rather than herself. I think we’ll see a stronger side to Frankie emerging.
Who do you hope Frankie can confide in about the abuse?
I think she could tell Nancy anything, but there’s a big moment coming up in the storyline to do with Frankie and Nancy’s relationship that causes drama. I just hope they’ll be able to get through it…
Tell us how you got into acting…
I did dancing and musicals when I was much younger, then decided I wanted to give
