Hollyoaks Later explored a new male rape storyline involving Dodger Savage
Dan Laurie Deputy Editor of Screen Time
23:05, 22 Oct 2025
Danny Mac has opened up about a shocking new storyline that Hollyoaks viewers “won’t see coming”.
Danny Mac has opened up about a shocking new storyline that Hollyoaks viewers “won’t see coming”.
Hollyoaks Later made its comeback for the first time in five years on Wednesday (October 22) evening.
During the late-night spin-off, beloved character Dodger, portrayed by Danny, was physically assaulted and raped by gang member Griff (Nathan Hubble) as part of a criminal intimidation strategy.
Griff and fellow gang member Sulley (Henry French) set their sights on Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) for his wealth but matters rapidly spiralled out of control.
Detective Donny Clark (Louis Emetic) became entangled in a robbery after encountering Warren, reports the Mirror.
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Dodger courageously thwarted the heist in an attempt to rescue his partner but was overpowered.
To prevent the detectives from disclosing their identities to authorities, the criminal gang resorted to violence as a means of intimidation.
In private, Sully violently attacked Donny. Subsequently, with Donny too badly hurt to step in, Griff raped Dodger.
Hollyoaks first tackled the subject of male rape back in 2001, when Luke Morgan (Gary Lucy) was raped by secondary school bully Mark Gibbs in an attempt to humiliate him.
The storyline received widespread acclaim for being pioneering at the time and Hollyoaks continues to shed light on the consequences of male sexual violence in its 30th anniversary year as Channel 4’s flagship continuing drama.
Griff and Sully attacked Donny Clark and Dodger
Hollyoaks has previously collaborated with We Are Survivors for other storylines, such as when John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) was sexually assaulted by student Finn O’Connor (Keith Rice) in late 2013, and during a year-long footballer abuse storyline in 2018, where coach Buster Smith (Nathan Sussex) exploited his students.
Discussing the storyline, Danny stated: “There was a massive duty of care to get the storyline right and we worked with We Are Survivors [A charity supporting male survivors of sexual abuse and rape].
“I’ve felt very emotionally attached to this storyline and the people we are speaking to and for. It has been a real journey.
“Hollyoaks have explored similar storylines before. There is something about the way this story is going to be explored.
“It is definitely going to be a new version of what is unfortunately an age-old horrific event. It’s a character no one would be expecting it to happen to. No one will see this coming.”
Hollyoaks Later is available to stream on Channel 4
If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website
