Hollyoaks aired heartbreaking scenes during Wednesday’s E4 episode, as Sinead O’Connor agreed to get back with her husband Laurie Shelby after he raped her.
Just days on from her harrowing ordeal, Sinead agreed to forgive Laurie after he manipulated her and even blamed her for his despicable crime.
Viewers were horrified this week as Sinead was gaslighted by Laurie in the wake of the attack, and the latest episode saw her kiss him and agree to stay with him.
Her loved ones were seen convincing Sinead to give Laurie another chance, while they have no idea that he raped her.
Hollyoaks viewers disgusted as 'vile' Laurie gaslights wife Sinead after raping her
Keeping her ordeal a secret, a distraught Sinead appeared very uncomfortable as she got closer to her husband again, with him having made her question whether she was raped or not.
Racing to Twitter , viewers were devastated for Sinead after she stayed with him, clearly frightened.
Fans begged for Sinead to confide in someone, with many hoping her former flame Sami Maalik or current rival Sienna Blake might help her.
One fan said: “Seeing Sinead like this is so heartbreaking. She is NOT to blame for what Laurie has done to her. She deserves so much better. I wish she would speak up.”
Another commented: “Laurie has Sinead exactly where he wants her. She’s not that stupid but has become blind to his mind games.”
A third agreed: “OMG that kiss. You can tell how uncomfortable Sinead was, that’s what makes this storyline so sad and heartbreaking.”
Viewers were left uncomfortable by the storyline as Laurie wormed his way around the attack, acting as though he had done nothing wrong.
In powerful scenes, Stephanie Davis’ character raged at her husband, telling him it wasn’t okay what he did, with fans praising the performance.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6:30pm on Channel 4, and 7pm on E4.
