Hollyoaks writer explains why she pitched Maxine's dark story
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Hollyoaks writer Jayshree Patel has explained why she decided to pitch Maxine's upcoming special episode 'The Long Walk Home', saying that men also have a "responsibility" to make sure women feel safe in public spaces.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other media, Patel revealed the idea for the episode initially came from her sister's reaction to her walking her dog at nighttime, as well as watching her daughters grow older.
"Your world view changes when you have daughters as you see life through their eyes," she said.
"I think all parents go through that and I think all girls go through that within themselves and it made me feel sad that we should be asking that question. One of the overwhelming emotions I felt about this was anger that freedom wasn’t allowed."
Related: Hollyoaks and Home Office team up for Maxine story
Patel went on to recount a conversation she had with her 16-year-old daughter after she was catcalled in the street, which made her realise the responsibility shouldn't be on women alone.
"Trying to explain to an autistic child why a grown man would behave in that way made me think that the responsibility isn’t just on women, it’s on anyone," she added.
"We have this thing about how ‘it’s not all men’ and that is correct but, all men do have a responsibility, and it’s the thin end of the wedge. At the end of the day, what we are asking for is quite simple – to go out, have a drink, meet our friends and go home safely.
"It’s not a big ask and that’s what the whole episode is about."
Related: Hollyoaks airs betrayal as Peri and Juliet reunite
The special episode will follow Maxine on a night out as she becomes separated from a group of friends while out in Liverpool and is violently attacked as she makes her way home.
Speaking about the episode earlier this year, Hollyoaks boss Lucy Allan revealed that 'The Long Walk Home' has been produced and crewed by an all-female team.
Hollyoaks streams first on All 4, with new episodes dropping each weekday morning. The show airs Mondays to Fridays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, and at 7pm on E4.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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