Jess Fox finds it "disturbing" that children as young as 10 are being groomed by county lines gangs.
Jess Fox as Nancy
The 'Hollyoaks' actress has been researching county lines for the Channel 4 soap's current hard-hitting plot, and she was shocked to find out young kids not yet in their teens are taking solo public transport trips to deliver drugs for gang members.
Jess - who plays Nancy Osborne - said: "For this storyline we've worked with The Children's Society and local police who have been in to talk to us.
"They shared case studies, explaining what happens and what they think needs to be done to help children in these situations.
"It's been interesting and very eye-opening.
"I just find it mind-boggling that children from all different backgrounds can be groomed, and children as young as 10, 11 or younger are getting on public transport on their own, it's really disturbing."
But Jess is pleased 'Hollyoaks' are taking on such a big storyline, and she believes the plot will be worthwhile even if one kid who watches the show seeks help because they have been groomed by a gang.
She added: "I love that Hollyoaks tackle subjects that are in the news or very topical and do it head-on.
"When they announced it and we got an understanding of what county lines is, I thought it was a brilliant storyline for us to be covering.
"This is our demographic - some of the kids who watch 'Hollyoaks' are an example of those who are vulnerable and susceptible to being groomed in a county lines situation, so even if we have one child who watches it and goes 'I think this might be happening to me, I need to get help,' I think it's a storyline well worth doing."
'Hollyoaks' is to air an hour-long county lines special on Monday (13.04.20) on E4, and the ep will air next Tuesday (14.04.20) on Channel 4.
It will see the lives of the village's youngsters change forever as they become further involved in county lines.
Tagged in Jamie Lomas