Hollyoaks bosses are reportedly planning to axe as many as 20 cast members in a major shake-up for the Channel 4 show.
The long-running production is reducing its air time from five days a week to three in September, which will coincide with the changes in personnel. Script writers are seemingly plotting what could be the most unusual exit storyline in soap history with the huge overhaul, however.
There will be no plane crash à la Emmerdale 1993, tram crash akin to Coronation Street in 2010 – or any other kind of bloodbath for that matter – for it seems the Cheshire soap will simply “fast-forward” 12 months into the future to get the job done.
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According to the Sun, the lost year will see families move on from the village without incident, making matters appear more “believable”.
(Image: Channel 4)
A source told the publication: “Losing 20 cast members in one fell swoop is eye-watering and devastating news for soapland. In the past, Hollyoaks has seen shock stunts claim up to five lives in a single episode.
But the days of soaps having a big cast clear-out with a devastating stunt are long gone, especially on Hollyoaks where the budget has been dramatically cut. The necessary death toll would make almost any stunt idea totally unbelievable.”
(Image: Channel 4)
Among the names reportedly set to depart are Jamie Lomas, who plays Warren Fox, and Owen Warner (Romeo Nightingale), who are said to have offered their resignantions. 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.
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.”
(Image: No credit)
He continued: “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.
“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.” Daily Star has reached out to Hollyoaks representatives for a comment.
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
