How Hollyoaks Saved The Life Of Manchester Mental Health Activist

A mental health campaigner said they were seconds away from taking their own life before being saved by a plotline in a soap opera. John Junior, 37, from Wythenshawe, in Greater Manchester, had been suffering with depression since the age of 14. But after the sudden death of their father in 2018, the then-IT worker said they hit rock bottom. During lockdown in 2020, John was contemplating taking their own life when a Hollyoaks storyline stopped them in their tracks. 'I seconds away from ending my life,' John recalled. 'I had Hollyoaks on in the background and I turned round to watch the scene. 'There was a moment when a character was told her partner had taken his own life. 'Something happened to me and it gave me enough time to think beyond what I was about to do. 'I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Hollyoaks.' Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, on 10 September, John said now they want to share their experience to encourage others to speak out. Warning: This article contains references to and details of self-harm, suicide, and suicidal ideations. The Action Line has details of a range of advice and support for anyone affected by the issues raised