'Emmerdale' stars have teamed up with Barnardo's to work on a teacher/pupil abuse storyline.

Matthew Wolfenden

Matthew Wolfenden

Matthew Wolfenden - who plays David Metcalfe on the ITV soap - Louisa Clein (Maya Stepney) and Joe-Warren Plant (Jacob Gallagher) met with young survivors of sexual abuse to prepare for the plot, in which Maya has started to grow close to 15-year-old Jacob, and the trio were left "moved" by the courage of the youngsters supported by the children's charity.

'Emmerdale' producer Laura Shaw said: "It was important for us to tell this storyline authentically, so we approached Barnardo's for advice on scripts and character behaviour.

"Our researchers, story team- along with actors Louisa, Matthew and Joe-Warren - met with Barnardo's experts and young men who have been supported by the charity.

"We met some incredible individuals and were moved by their courage and willingness to help us tell this story sensitively.

"Hopefully it will make young people and their parents more aware of these issues and their impact."

Teacher Maya is in a relationship with David but she has been spending a lot of time with his son Jacob, giving him additional help outside the classroom, and the pair kissed on Monday night's (03.12.18) episode.

Barnardo's chief executive Javed Khan added: "We were really pleased to be approached by 'Emmerdale' to advise on the serious subject of adult women grooming and abusing boys.

"Too often this is seen as 'taboo' and not talked about.

"Our specialist UK-wide services support thousands of children who have been sexually exploited by both men and women, to rebuild their lives; and we work with children at risk to help them stay safe.

"We know from research that outdated views still exist about boys who are groomed by adult women, but in reality it causes lasting harm, and problems with trust, affection, love and sex."

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