Sunday Express

Sex victims find comfort in Hollyoaks

- By Martyn Brown

HOLLYOAKS sex abuse storyline has helped shatter stereotype­s about male rape, abuse victim Steve Walters said today.

Fictional football coach Buster Smith was found guilty of child sexual abuse on the Channel 4 soap.

The storyline echoes real-life coach Barry Bennell, 64, jailed for 30 years for abusing boys.

Show bosses worked with Walters, a victim of Bennell, to portray the events realistica­lly.

The former Crewe Alexandra player works for Survivors Manchester, helping victims. He said: “The show’s impact has been amazing, we have had victims in their 20s coming forward already.”

 ??  ?? SURVIVOR: Steve Walters
SURVIVOR: Steve Walters

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