Although I saw it coming a mile off, nothing could prepare me for the scene where Misbah finally admitted that Ali had raped her, resulting in her becoming pregnant with Shaq.  The whole episode was amazing and I was on the edge of my seat, my heart pounding as the world began closing in on her at the ball.

Once home, Yazz was so amazing, as she spoke so wonderfully to her mother, kindly but firmly helping her to say the words and admit the truth.  It was clear that the boys were not ready to hear it but Yazz was the perfect daughter.  I was so moved by the exchange between mother and daughter and actresses Harvey Virdi and Haiesha Mistry should be so proud of their work.

This for me is Hollyoaks at its finest.  It’s such a challenging and topical story – historical rape – and will affect many, many people.  Putting such a strong woman at its helm is a really wonderful thing to do as well.  Mizbah has always been a leader, both in her family and as Doctor at the hospital.  She is also one of the kindest characters on the show; other characters look to her for support and guidance.  To take her to this place and to think back along her timeline in this way is so interesting.  To see her in such a vulnerable position is so heartbreaking.  And to see her learn to heal, when she has been suffering in silence for all these long years will be so important for a great many people.

I am so interested to see where this story takes us and how Mizbah’s loved ones will respond.  We have already seen a misguided attempt to forge evidence against Ali to give the CPS a reason to charge him and go to trial and now it looks like someone (Imran, perhaps?) has assaulted him.  In everyone’s desperation to protect their Mum, are they just making things worse for her?