IT is the TV court case keeping millions on the edge of their seats But as teen soap Hollyoaks prepares for the climax of one of its most dramatic story lines, it has emerged that Hampshire police have helped shape the controversial plot.

Producers of the popular Channel 4 show paid for a senior detective to travel to the set, near Chester, to help with their dramatic “acquaintance rape” trial.

They turned to the force after it launched its Don’t Cross the Line campaign in November 2009 aimed at warning young men what is classed as rape.

The case has been written into the show after two characters, Gilly Roach and Jacqui McQueen, were seen disappearing into a bedroom together.

Jacqui later reported she had been raped.

Although there is no argument they had sex, the issue of consent has been left uncertain and members of the public have been hearing the evidence as a real jury.

Their verdict is due to be revealed on Friday’s show.

In the run-up to the verdict, the team behind Hollyoaks have been receiving advice from Detective Chief Inspector Ben Snuggs, who fronts Don’t Cross the Line.

It features an interactive role-playing game called Seal the Deal, which features a series of videos about chatting up women on a night out.

Police say the game, found on the YouTube website, is hard-hitting and defines rape to viewers.

The detective was even interviewed by Anthony Quinlan, who plays Gilly in the soap and has been offering advice over the telephone from his base in Hampshire.

Now he hopes the message in his campaign will reach a wider audience after details of it were placed on the show’s website.

Det Ch Insp Snuggs said: “This storyline represents an issue that we see all too often, involving whether consent is clear on the part of both parties involved in sexual activity, and particularly when alcohol or drugs are involved.

“The stereotype that rape is committed by strangers lurking around street corners just isn’t true in the majority of cases – it is committed by acquaintances, friends, or even partners.

“We are very pleased to have this opportunity to work with Hollyoaks in promoting some very serious, but relevant messages around this sensitive issue.”

The court case is set to come to a dramatic conclusion when the judge delivers a verdict during the 6.30pm show tomorrow.