Hollyoaks slashes weekly episodes as soap dealt brutal blow amid string of job cuts ahead of 30th anniversary
HOLLYOAKS has slashed its weekly episodes as the soap is dealt a brutal blow amid a string of job cuts ahead of its 30th anniversary.
The soap moved away from Channel 4 in September last year, and continued to air weeknights on E4, with episodes premiering a day earlier on Channel 4 Streaming.
But now in a further blow, Hollyoaks will be reduced from five weeknight episodes to three from September 2024.
While the contract renewal is a good sign for fans, they will no doubt be devastated to no longer have as many episodes to enjoy per week.
The three weekly episodes will be available on streaming, E4 and YouTube.
There will also be a drama packed hour-long weekly omnibus episode broadcast on Channel 4 and available to stream.
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Kate Little and Claire Poyser, managing directors of Lime Pictures, commented: "Given the success of the new streaming-first model, we are delighted that Hollyoaks remains at the forefront of Channel 4's digital first strategy.
"There are implications that will mean we have to reshape Hollyoaks' production model and amidst the buoying news for the future of the show and its audience, we must also acknowledge that a reduction in cast and crew will be very difficult and we will support everyone in that process."
Hannah Cheers, who has been appointed as the soaps Executive Producer added: "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.
"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."
She continued: “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."
However, the changes to the drop pattern of the show will have an impact on its production, with job losses likely.
Channel 4 has revealed it will work alongside Lime Pictures to minimise these impacts where possible.
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