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Adam Woodward ‘developed’ through Hollyoaks football abuse storyline

Adam Woodward says his football abuse storyline in ‘Hollyoaks’ helped him "develop" as a performer.
The actor plays Brody Hudson in the Channel 4 soap, and was praised for his performance earlier this year in a storyline which saw him testify in court against football coach Buster Smith (played by Nathan Sussex) for having groomed him when he was a child.
And now, the star says working closely with charity Survivors Manchester on the plot helped him "broaden [his] understanding" of the trauma suffered by abuse survivors.
He said: "Each role and story line you tackle helps develop you as a performer. This story line helped me understand the trauma suffered by survivors, it really helped broaden my understanding."
Survivors Manchester has seen an increase in support following their assistance with the soap story, and Adam says he loves being able to "help people" through his career.
He added: "Since the story has aired, the charity that we work with, Survivors Manchester, has seen big increases in the number of people coming forward for support. To know that I get to do a job that I love that helps people is the best feeling."
Adam’s role in the story has seen him nominated for Best Male Performance, Best Storyline, and Scene of the Year at the upcoming British Soap Awards, and he would be "extremely proud" if he walked away with a gong on the night.
Speaking in a press release, he said: "I honestly haven’t got a clue what I’ll say [if I win], but I do know it would be an extremely proud moment for me.
"Overall I couldn’t have asked for anything more or to be lucky enough to work with such talented actors."
The British Soap Awards will take place on June 1, and will be televised on ITV.