HOLLYOAKS REVIEW - FRANKIE OPENED UP AS ISABELLE SMITH DELIVERS SOME EMOTIONAL SCENES

Since Isabelle Smith arrived on our screens back in January, Hollyoaks viewers have seen a hard-hitting storyline for her character, Frankie Osborne who since February has had tough relationships with Osborne family especially Nancy and Jack, and looking back now you can see the cries for help with her moods, attitude, and vulnerability that have changed across the past 6 months. Frankie's used dance as her escape seeing her audition for dance school. With Darren having been the one wanting to protect Frankie with everything that has arose. One of my favourite moments was Frankie learning sign language so she could communicate with Oscar allowing people to see the caring side to the character.

The first appearance of Frankie Osborne came in Wednesday's episode (4th September) where her dance place got deferred leaving her devastated as Darren continued to support Frankie seeing her become emotional about her return to school it was clear how much Darren has Frankie's best interests at heart especially as she called Darren 'Dad'. As Frankie ran into Suzanne and JJ as she was determined not to let her brother get away with it. However, JJ managed to get into the Osborne house led Darren to come to his daughter's rescue once again in turn saw Frankie look out for him. The bond between Darren and Frankie has been amazing to see develop.

Photo Credit: Lime Pictures/ Hollyoaks

During Thursday's episode (5th September), Frankie and Darren came face-to-face with JJ and Suzanne at Hollyoaks High where things got heated. If only Sally St Claire was aware of the truth, which by the end of the episode she was! Frankie walking off with Lucas Hay was wonderful to see however, I am slightly confused at how/ when they made up. Darren's tough words to JJ were needed as Nancy overheard saw JJ continuing to lie. Following Nancy overhearing Darren's conversation with JJ she visited her husband in an emotional scene between the pair she admitted she knew JJ was lying. However, the moment JJ was arrested Frankie's face was one of shock. Isabelle Smith does vulnerability really well.

Photo Credit: Lime Pictures/ Hollyoaks

However Friday (6th September)'s double bill saw a high-angled shot open the episode in a Osborne centred episode where the family came to the realisation about especially Frankie. A key moment in the first episode came as Frankie opened up to the police where you could see the extent of her ordeal in highly emotional scene filled with such vulnerability. I have to say this takes a lot of guts to admit this, but the way that Isabelle Smith delivered the dialogue was emotional - I know I've said it before but its nice to see that Hollyoaks have not rush this storyline and have handle the heart-breaking moments with such care. Isabelle Smith absolutely broke me during these scenes and I will openly admit that I cried. As Charlie and Jack Osborne learn the extent and Frankie wanting to go back to normal it was good to see the smile return to her face. Frankie apologising to both Nancy and Jack was great. Just as you thought JJ had admitted the truth it was revealed that JJ lied once again. I have to say Ryan Mulvey has been great throughout this storyline as it can't be easy for him.

Photo Credit: Lime Pictures/ Hollyoaks

During the final episode and the last of the 5 episodes a week era, viewers saw Pearl Anderson open up about her own experience in a rather heartfelt moment for both characters with Frankie then calling Jack 'Grandad' for the very first time in a beautiful moment showing how their relationship has changed.

Isabelle Smith, you are a phenomenal actress and I know I say this a lot but you really deserve to receive so much praise for these performances as it can't be easy for you! And Hollyoaks, I am so grateful for you allowing the father and daughter relationship between Frankie and Darren to continue to grow/ develop thanks to the storyline as this storyline has seen a wonderful partnership form between Isabelle and Ashley Taylor-Dawson which I can see winning some awards.

These episodes of Hollyoaks aired between Monday 2nd - Friday 6th September at 7pm on E4 and is available on Channel 4 Streaming.