Yahoo News Hollyoaks brings back rapist Ali Shahzad for new twist
The following article contains discussion of sexual assault that some readers may find upsetting.
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks has brought back the evil Ali for powerful scenes with Misbah.
The soap has started laying the groundwork for the arrival of new character Zain now that Misbah's rape case against Ali Shahzad has been derailed.
Related: Hollyoaks' Katie McGlynn reacts to character Becky's exit
In Wednesday's (February 16) first-look episode, Verity was trying to help the Maaliks after Yazz's explosive article about Ali was leakd to the press before the trial. Verity explained the article could negatively affect the jury, plus Misbah wouldn't be able to give her impact statement.
"You're not going to get your day in court," Verity admitted.
Shaq barged in after seeing the newspaper headline to hit out at Yazz. In reality, Tom had sent in the article ahead of schedule because he thought it'd be a big scoop for her.
Meanwhile, Misbah had gone to the prison to explain to Ali she would no longer be testifying against him in court. While Ali wouldn't face her in court, Misbah wanted to read him the powerful impact statement she'd written.
"As I can't read it to a judge, I want to read it to you," she told the villain.
Ali interrupted Misbah before she could even read her statement, insisting he wouldn't listen. Misbah rushed out in tears and threw away her statement, as Ali sat smugly in his cell.
However, Misbah returned later to explain Ali's behaviour angered her, yet she no longer feared him or felt intimidated by him.
"I have lived with what you did to me for over 30 years," she explained. "You raped me… When I say 'I lived with', I mean I buried it so deep, it became a part of me. I knew what happened but I couldn't face up to it.
"You took something from me that night that no-one has the right to. But you know that. You do, don't you?"
She added: "I'll walk out of here and live my life to the full as a mum, a sister, a friend. Hopefully a gran someday too! While you? [Prison] is all you have to look forward to. The other women you violated, they will have their day in court.
"And they will bring you down."
Misbah left with a sense of fulfillment at last. The family also received get some good news from Verity later on.
In spite of Misbah's specific allegations not being able to move forward, Verity was assured by the CPS all of the charges from other victims would be pursued.
In spite of this good news, Yazz told Tom they needed some "space" because he'd broken her trust. Yet, Yazz encouraged Verity to talk things out with Shaq to save their relationship.
Verity decided to follow her heart but was surprised to see the door open at the Maalik house, joking that she could have walked in on Shaq doing anything at that moment.
Unfortunately, Verity got the shock of her life when Shaq was followed down the stairs by another woman in various states of undressed.
Related: Katie McGlynn reveals Hollyoaks role is "massively" different to Coronation Street's Sinead
Heartbroken Verity couldn't even say anything before rushing out of the house. Has Shaq ruined his relationship with Verity once and for all?
Hollyoaks airs new episodes from Mondays to Fridays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first-look screenings at 7pm on E4. Selected omnibus episodes are available via Amazon Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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