Popular soap will air only three times a week from September under new schedule.
A weekly hour-long omnibus of that week’s three 20-minute episodes will also air.

Ian Katz, chief content officer at Channel 4, 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. 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 (production company) Lime Pictures to minimise these where possible.”


THE NEW SCHEDULE PATTERN BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 25 (LIME PICTURES/CHANNEL 4/PA)
PA MEDIA
The reduced output could mean the loss of up to 135 jobs, according to media outlet Broadcast.

The show's production company Lime Pictures shared the news with all staff on Thursday.

Hannah Cheers, the show’s 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.”

Hollyoaks, set in Chester, began airing on Channel 4 in October 1995 and is known for tackling social issues through its storylines, such as county lines drug dealing, anorexia and abusive relationships.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/holl ... 42431.html

Well I am in shock by this. 3x 20 minute episodes is next to nothing but at least it isn't going completely.

Initial thoughts on the news?
Which cast MUST be saved from the axe?

This is how Brookside went I fear the show will not last long beyond its 30th

The cast must be gutted. There was talk about ITV soaps going just online so wonder if that is the way forward for all soaps? I personally watch at E4 pace and don't watch the online episodes. They would be alienating old school fans if it just went online though I feel.

I watch the episodes on All4

Guessing some of the losses could be production staff also not just actors/actresses on the show. Hopefully the scare will ignite the passion in fans to get back behind the soap but the writing etc needs to step up also.

They need to axe some long term characters like Brian Park did in 97 at Corrie

Who would be your top 3 that has ran their course?

Mercedes Sienna and Warren

I hope they look at what SL characters have had and what more they can give.

Mercy has done everything apart from a lesbian relationship I think. But guess that could be done before its 30th birthday haha.

Or given cancer