Hollyoaks work with APP for new issue-based storyline involving Cleo McQueen

Hollyoaks will explore Postpartum Psychosis (PP) when Cleo McQueen, played by Nadine Mulkerrin, struggles with her mental health following a traumatic birth with her first child, Joseph.

APP colleagues and storytellers have advised on the Hollyoaks storyline which will hit the screens this week.

Cleo went into early labour at 28 weeks pregnant and, assisted by Dodger (Danny Mac), was rushed to hospital. After giving birth, Cleo haemorrhaged and required emergency medical attention.

Baby Joseph needs to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to being premature. Cleo, who fell ill after childbirth, is later given the green light by doctors o go home. Red flags start to appear when, at first, she doesn't believe her baby is hers.

This quickly progresses when Cleo starts losing track of time and feels guilty for struggling to produce milk. Cleo’s girlfriend Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) moves into the McQueens house to help support the new mum.

The storyline follows Cleo and her support system - Sienna, Dodger, and her McQueen family – as they convince her to seek help when they start noticing her concerning behaviour.

Cleo will be treated in a general psychiatric ward – she’s not able to go to a Mother and Baby Unit due to Joseph being in the NICU unit.

For this issue-based storyline, Hollyoaks worked with APP colleagues and storytellers, consulting with the cast members involved and advising on the storytelling process.

Nadine Mulkerrin, who plays Cleo McQueen, has said “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. 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.”

Dr Jess Heron, CEO, Action on Postpartum Psychosis said “Responsible portrayals of PP on popular TV shows such as Hollyoaks are invaluable. With greater public awareness, partners, friends, family members and frontline health professionals will be more able to quickly spot the signs and seek specialist emergency help as soon as possible. We’re grateful to Hollyoaks for playing a part in awareness raising and for their diligent approach to producing a sensitive and accurate storyline.”

Hollyoaks is now available to stream from 7am Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4 or watch live on E4 at 7pm.