Ackley Bridge viewers saw Jordan Wilson (Samuel Bottomley) get himself into further debt, leading him to make mistakes and get himself into trouble.
The school informed Jordan’s dad, who in turn gave him a beating when he returned home.
Jordan exploded at his father and blamed him for his mother walking out on them.
His brother Cory Wilson (Sam Retford) was stunned and felt helpless to intervene.
Cory actor Sam thanked fans for their support and revealed that the storyline was “close to his heart”.
He told his 5,000 Twitter followers: “This story is something very close to my heart and I love that it seems to have touched so many people.
“If the content in this evening’s show has affected you in anyway, know that it is okay to talk, people will listen, people will help, trust me http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk.”
Nohail Mohammed, who plays Riz Nawaz on the show, tweeted: “If you didn’t cry at that scene you ain’t normal…@SamRetford #ackleybridge.”
Fans of the show also took to social media following the harrowing scene.
One viewer tweeted: “@SamRetford Tears came out …… Must of been hard to do that.”
“@SamRetford Yep, I cried. Incredible acting,” posted another.
A third added: “#AckleyBridge is on another level. All the storylines are amazing. They are so emotive and real. I cried at the Cory scene. Fantastic tv.”
“Fully cried at @SamRetford’s performance throughout that whole episode. Never seen such a talented actor #ackleybridge,” wrote another.
A fifth cried: “Damn that episode made me feel so many things I laughed & cried I love you Ackley Bridge #ackleybridge.”
“#Ackleybridge pulling on my heart strings tonight. Them tears from Cory bringing out the emotional side in me,” said another.
One fan added: “#AckleyBridge wow that storyline had me crying. Brilliant acting @SamRetford when you broke down to Mr Bell I was in tears wow.”
The show ended with the school staff finding out about the beating, but Jordan rejected their help.
Have they put his already fragile relationship at home further at risk?
For help and support, visit www.channel4.com/4viewers/help-support
Ackley Bridge continues next Tuesday on Channel 4 at 8pm.
