Channel 4 has announced Hollyoaks’ schedule refresh as the soap prepares for blockbuster 30th anniversary year.
From September this year, the soap will air just three new episodes each week on Streaming, E4 and YouTube instead of its usual five instalments. The huge move is part of Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy to accelerate its transformation to be a digital-first public service streamer and builds on the success of Hollyoaks’ transition to the UK’s first genuinely digital soap.
According to bosses, the move reflects how young audiences are already consuming Hollyoaks, with data showing that loyal soap fans watch an average of three episodes per week. The new strategy will enable the show to cut through more powerfully with fewer, higher impact episodes.
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Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer said: “Hollyoaks is on sparkling creative form at the moment and these changes will ensure it remains compulsive viewing for a new generation of fans as viewing habits change. The show has always been at the forefront of innovation in all of its forms, including increasing and decreasing episode numbers in response to viewing habits.
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“These changes are a decisive step forward, designed to reflect how audiences are watching. A tighter schedule promises a new era of more scale and impact. We are of course mindful of the impacts on the production team and will work closely with Lime Pictures to minimise these where possible. We are also delighted that the brilliant Hannah Cheers will be leading Hollyoaks into its fourth decade. Hannah is passionate, rigorous and has an outstanding track record of finding and developing talent.
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“Hollyoaks has played a crucial role in nurturing talent for nearly thirty years, and we are excited to continue to develop new opportunities and nurture the stars of tomorrow. I would like to thank all the Hollyoaks cast and crew who have been involved in the programme since its inception.”
Hannah Cheers, Executive Producer said: “Hollyoaks offers a unique proposition: bold, escapist, relatable, youth-skewing and multi-generational stories, told in its innovative and technicolour signature style. The show continues to bring people together by making them feel something, and everything. Approaching its 30th anniversary in 2025, Hollyoaks matters just as much now as it did at its trailblazing launch.
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“There may be speculation about the future of Continuing Drama, but as someone who was brought up on the nation’s soaps – and remains a true fan – I believe their value must not be underestimated. Soap audiences grow up alongside their favourite characters over a period of many years; the investment in their stories is huge. The genre’s ability to initiate important conversations is unparalleled, especially when it all comes served up with joy, humour and jaw-dropping twists. I want future generations to experience that.”I am honoured to lead Hollyoaks into its fourth decade on Channel 4 and drive the vision of this transition.”
Hollyoaks airs weeknights on E4 at 7pm followed by first-look episodes on Channel 4 streaming at 7.30pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
