Hollyoaks cast and crew are “embracing the challenge” following the major changes announced by bosses.
It has been confirmed that the weekly episode count of the Channel 4 soap will be cut from five to three from later this year, which will result in a wave of job losses.
The show currently airs in a streaming-first model, with new episodes premiering on Channel 4’s on demand service each weekday evening and repeated the next day on E4.
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Despite the changes to the format, producer Hannah Cheers, who has held the position since 2023, has assured fans that they will remain committed to creating the drama
(Image: Channel 4)
Charlie Clapham has recently returned to the Channel 4 soap as bad boy Freddie Roscoe after seven years away and despite being delighted to be back, he told Daily Star that it’s been a “rollercoaster” and that the cast and crew are “optimistic” as the show heads into it’s 30th year.
(Image: Lime Pictures)
He said: “It’s been amazing and it’s like a big family atmosphere, especially amongst the crew. It’s lovely to catch up and check in with everyone. It’s been somewhat of a rollercoaster coming back seven years near to the month when I left and 11 years to when I first started and then two months into filming the channel and Lime announce all these huge changes to the show in terms of formatting.
“There’s been a mixed bag of emotions really but I think change can be good and we’re all embracing the challenge of making Hollyoaks the best show it can possibly be and to go into this new format with as much optimism as possible.”
(Image: Lime Pictures)
Confirming the changes at Hollyoaks back in Feburary, Hannah said: “It is with a heavy heart that the move to a three episode per week pattern means an inevitable reduction to the brilliant and talented Hollyoaks team. We all only have so many telly hours to play with and research tells us that the audience watches three episodes a week. This new viewing pattern will allow us to explore stories in the way they demand to be told – and not by putting the cart before the horse.
“As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2025, we are passionate about driving Hollyoaks forward and reaching new generations. This show has a unique way of connecting with its audience and a special place in its heart and as Channel 4’s digital-first soap, we are seeing huge success in the streaming-first model. Phil Redmond’s 1995 trailblazing mission was a success and the Hollyoaks story is far from over.”
Hollyoaks airs weeknights on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 at 7.30pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
