Hollyoaks’ Nikki Sanderson has starred in a new spin-off documentary as the real-life series returned for its second season on Wednesday.
The latest episode of Hollyoaks: IRL will focus on women’s safety, with the 38-year-old actress examining individual experiences and uncovering staggering statistics.
Nikki meets with activist Zan Moon to talk about misogyny, abuse and violence against women after the soap star’s character experiences it in a recent episode.
Harrowing: Nikki Sanderson, 38, of Hollyoaks, was starring in a new spin-off documentary when the real-life series returned for its second season on Wednesday
The episode begins with Zan sharing some chilling statistics, which she explains: “Every three days in Britain a woman is murdered by a man.
“Sarah Everard was one of those women, but at least 125 other women have been murdered since her death.
In the end we are not asking for much, basic human rights and security, and we are being denied that. It’s a matter of life or death.’
Inspiration: Nikki meets with activist Zan Moon to talk about misogyny, abuse and violence against women after the soap star’s character, Maxine, witnessed it in a recent episode
It comes as Nikki, who plays Maxine Minniver on the Channel 4 soap, took part in a special Hollyoaks episode called The Long Walk Home, which details her character’s anxiety as she breaks up with her friends one night will.
Nikki’s character Maxine is kicked out of a club and loses her friends, purse and cell phone and has to go home alone.
As she makes her way through the streets, a group of guys call her and harass her on public transport before finally being chased and attacked by a total stranger.
Horrifying: The episode opens with Zan sharing some chilling statistics, she explains, “Every three days in Britain a woman is murdered by a man.”
Adding to the storyline, Nikki said, “This was an important thing to address. Maxine blames herself for the attack. But you know it’s not her fault. She should be allowed to go where she wants without feeling threatened. It’s more about what people could have done to help her.”
Last month, Nikki called for an end to the abuse and sexual harassment of women on the street.
The actress opened up about how people are pulling together to “put an end to this” in society as she leads a new Home Office campaign to prevent more killings like those of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa.
Speaking of which, Nikki, who plays Maxine Minniver in the soap, took part in a special Hollyoaks episode titled The Long Walk Home, which details her character’s anxiety when she breaks up with her friends one night (pictured on Hollyoaks).
Speaking to ‘The Mirror’, Nikki said the importance of raising awareness of the issue: “Even something like cat-calling, where people are yelling derogatory, nasty things at you and you’re on your own is massively intimidating.
“I’ve also spoken to people who have experienced varying degrees of microaggression towards women. It can be hard to say, “I’m uncomfortable with this,” but you should be able to say it. It’s very common in our society and we need to stop it.’
Nikki is supporting the final phase of the government’s Enough campaign, which began in the wake of the backlash against violence against women following the rape and murder of marketing director Sarah Everard in March last year.
Important: On the storyline, Nikki added, “This was an important thing to address. Maxine blames herself for the attack. But you know it’s not her fault
In the latest phase of the campaign, passers-by are encouraged to provide a distraction or bring out their phone and film incidents to help tackle unwelcome sexual behavior towards women in public places.
The campaign urges people to take direct action in such cases, using statements such as “This language is not okay” or “This is against the law.”
The Enough campaign has received public support from police forces, women’s safety groups and several charities.
Harassment: The actress opened up about how people must stick together as she leads a new Home Office campaign to prevent more killings like those of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa