Hollyoaks reveals devastating Cleo scenes as diagnosis is confirmed
Cleo McQueen’s (Nadine Mulkerrin) actions spark concern in Hollyoaks next week, with Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) determined to seeks help for her beloved girlfriend.
As viewers know, Cleo has been struggling since the birth of her son Joseph, who was required to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to being premature.
Cleo was allowed to return home, with Sienna moving in to the McQueen residence to support her, but she started to lose track of time and felt guilty when she was unable to produce milk.
The situation escalated further when Cleo thought she heard Dodger Savage’s (Danny Mac) voice speaking to her via the camera she uses to watch over her son.
Next week, Sienna is left concerned when Cleo snaps at her. Later, overhearing Cleo talking to herself, Sienna quizzes her girlfriend on who she’s speaking to, which leads to Cleo snapping once again.
Worried, Sienna takes a look at Cleo’s notepad – and finds the same sentence written repeatedly.
Afterwards, she tries to get Cleo to open up but, unsuccessful, she instead turns to John Paul (James Sutton), who calls in the rest of the family.
The McQueens rally together and, with Sienna, they await Cleo’s return home to offer her support.
Later, with assistance from Dodger, Sienna helps Cleo get the help she needs as they take her to the Dee Valley hospital psychiatric unit.
Afterwards, Sienna breaks down, asking Liberty (Jessamy Stoddart) for support. The siblings head to the hospital where they stay with the baby while the McQueens visit Cleo, who is diagnosed with postpartum psychosis.
John Paul, meanwhile, arranges for the McQueens to take Sienna out, asking Goldie and Warren to put their differences aside.
In a bid to ensure Cleo’s storyline is told as accurately as possible, Hollyoaks has worked with Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP), whose peer support forum includes over 3,800 people with lived experience.
‘It’s been a new challenge taking on the role of motherhood and the difficulties that being a new mum can bring, especially the strain it can have on your mental health,’ said actress Nadine Mulkerrin.
‘We had a consultation with APP [Action on Postpartum Psychosis] whilst filming this storyline, and it was helpful to hear other people’s experiences – my heart breaks for poor Cleo.’
