Marquess: 'Oaks has become too dark'

[moonstorm]

New Hollyoaks producer Paul Marquess has plans to lighten up the show after admitting that it has become "too dark".

Marquess, who was hired by production house Lime Pictures to rejuvenate the Channel 4 teen serial, took office at the soap's home in Liverpool at the beginning of the year.

Since his arrival, he has made numerous key changes to the programme's cast and core creative team.

Speaking of his decisions, Marquess told Radio Times: "I never do anything unless it needs doing. I was asked to look at Hollyoaks first as a viewer and I thought it had become a bit dark. Hollyoaks can do serious stories but it always has to remember it's Hollyoaks - and that means being lively, bright and entertaining. From now until Christmas, expect a big injection of fun."

Earlier this week, Marquess unveiled his first hoard of new signings, including former Bill actress Kim Tiddy (Heidi Costello) and ex-Footballers' Wives star Phina Oruche (Gabby Sharpe).

He continued: "I'm bringing in glitz with the Sharpes and they'll be followed by their nemesis, a wannabe glamour model with no boundaries. People are still obsessed with Katie Price and I want to explore that obsession."

[alan45]

Thats rich coming from Paul Marquess the man who destroyed The Bill by radically changing it with rapes, explosions murders and chimps.

If I was a member of the Hollyoaks cast I would be seeking alternative employment because Marquess is the kiss of death

[Dazzle]

As a former viewer, I'd say the problem was that it was too silly and full of bad actors, not that it was too dark.

[Katy]

Id disagree as well, i dread to think what he's going to do with it, they have always had serious strylines thats whats so good about it. In the early days when there was Lisas self harming storyline, Lukes Rape, Toby the Serial Killer etc. There were some really great actors and actresses in it then and its gone downhill since. I think you have to get a mix of both worlds, comedic and other.