Huge Hollyoaks shake-up as Channel 4 cut weekly episodes and staff risk job loss

29 February 2024 , 16:09

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Hollyoaks will have fewer episodes per week, Channel 4 has announced in a big statement on Thursday.

The iconic soap, which first aired in 1995 and is currently streaming on E4 and YouTube, will move from five weekly instalments to three starting in September 2024. An hour-long weekly omnibus episode will also be broadcast on Channel 4 and available to stream.

The channel explained the decision saying this is the "optimum pattern to keep heartland audiences hooked and attract new ones in a highly saturated content market" based on Channel 4 data.

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Hollyoaks will have fewer episodes per week, Channel 4 has announced (Channel 4)

It is reported that the reduced output could result in up to 135 redundancies for staff, according to Metro, which is said to be around a "third of staff". The Mirror has contacted both Channel 4 and Hollyoaks for further comment.

According to its research, the majority of viewers watch an average of three episodes per week. Chief content officer at Channel 4, Ian Katz, 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.

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"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."

Alongside the episode changes, Lime Pictures has appointed Hannah Cheers, who has been interim showrunner since September 2023, as Executive Producer. Talking about the new changes, Ian Katz added: "We are also delighted that the brilliant Hannah Cheers will be leading Hollyoaks into its fourth decade. Hannah is passionate, and rigorous and has an outstanding track record of finding and developing talent.

The iconic soap, which first aired in 1995 and is currently streaming on E4 and YouTube, will move from five weekly instalments to three (Lime Pictures)

"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."

Meanwhile, Hannah Cheers 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.

"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."

It comes as the broadcaster previously announced that it would take a streaming-first approach with the soap and will put episodes of Hollyoaks on YouTube a week after they are broadcast on E4 and streamed on its own platform.

Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4's streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Fridays on E4 at 7PM.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , , and .