POPULAR TV show Hollyoaks and actress Kelle Bryan were roundly praised for daring to tackle the often avoided subject of unconscious bias in the healthcare system during a latest episode.

Highlighting the inequity faced by black women, the special episode shone a light on character, Martine, who finds a lump in her breast but is denied consultation due to a double booking.

The scenario captured the frustration felt by many black people who believe recognition of this subtle, but detrimentally frequent occurrence, is dismissed as being a fallacy.

In a moving scene, Martine’s monologue spoke for many when she said: “A day in the life for someone like me means constant tedious microaggressions, constant judgement, constantly having to prove myself.

“The most tiring things about these microaggressions is that they are so subtle, covert. It’s hard to prove.

“But when it comes to the impact that unconscious bias is having on black lives, black women’s lives, the stats speak for themselves.

“Being a black woman means knowing that know matter how early you get up in the morning means you never really get a head start.

“Because the games already rigged and it’s not in your favour.”

The differing experiences of black women in the healthcare system was pointedly captured in a review of figures last year which showed that Black women are five times more likely to die due to pregnancy complications than white women.

The issue of unconscious bias in the British healthcare has long been swept under the rug.

Fans of Hollyoaks who recognised the pertinence of the episode flocked to social media to laud all involved.

@anythingjo wrote: “Yes Hollyoaks. Yes. Black lives matter. Not watched Hollyoaks for ages. Now I’m going to watch again.”

@NiickBoii added: “Omg watching this is making me feel so many emotions. Thank you Hollyoaks and to @kellebryan this is so powerful in every way.”

CBeebies Jo Jo and Gran Gran nominated for 2021 Rockie Award at the Banff World Media Festival