Hollyoaks star Danny Mac addresses “overwhelming response” to Dodger’s harrowing story

Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

This article contains discussion of topics including sexual assault.

Hollyoaks star Danny Mac has thanked fans for their “overwhelming response” to Dodger Savage’s harrowing story on Hollyoaks Later.

On Wednesday, Hollyoaks Later aired a special one-off episode as part of the soap’s 30th anniversary week, during which detective Dodger was caught up in catching a criminal gang.

Dodger showed up to assist his colleague Donny, who had tried to intervene when gang members Griff (Nathan Hubble) and Sully (Harry French) robbed Warren.

The situation took a frightening turn when the gang members overpowered Donny and Dodger after finding out that the pair were detectives.

In distressing scenes, Dodger became the victim of a brutal assault after being raped by Griff while a helpless Donny watched on.

Lime Pictures

Addressing the episode via a post on Instagram, Mac wrote: “Hey everyone, I want to say a huge thank you for the overwhelming response to this week’s @hollyoaksofficial episodes, especially #HollyoaksLater.

“The entire week has been huge and honestly, I wasn’t quite braced for the impact it’s had.”

Speaking about the storyline, Mac said he was “incredibly proud and honoured to have been asked and trusted” to take it on.

The post continued: “Telling this story means a great deal to me and is a responsibility none of us take lightly.

“We are working closely with the wonderful @MrMadrigalOBE @thisissurvivors to deliver it with the utmost respect and sensitivity, every step of the way, ensuring we engage as many people as possible into the discussion – we have to talk about male abuse.”

In the post, Mac thanked the Hollyoaks Later crew as well as the episode’s director Sean Glynn “for guiding the shoot with such care, respect and artistry”.

He also thanked executive producer Hannah Cheers for her “bravery” along with writer Emily Gascoyne for her “wonderful script”.

Finishing off the post, Mac said: “To all the male survivors out there, I personally want you to know that: We see you. We hear you. And as an ally, I will do everything to ensure this conversation gets bigger and creates action

“Take care, Danny x.”