View Full Version : Hollyoaks - General news thread
Hollyoaks was the most requested programme on Channel 4's catch-up TV platform 4oD last month, according to the first usage data released by the broadcaster.
The BBC has long published a monthly usage report for its BBC iPlayer platform, but this marks the first time that Channel 4 has released data about consumption on 4oD.
During July, 4oD attracted 29 million programme requests across all platforms where it is available, including Channel 4.com, Youtube, SeeSaw, Apple's iOS, PlayStation 3, BT Vision, Virgin Media and Talk Talk.
Hollyoaks was the most popular show of the month, attracting just over 1.82 million requests in total, followed by series 11 of 8 Out Of Ten Cats (1.08m), series one of comedy drama Sirens (1.06m), Come Dine With Me's series 22 (1.04m) and season three of The Inbetweeners (902,000).
Entertainment shows attracted the most requests in July, at 9.15m, followed by drama (6.69m), health and wellbeing (4.38m), comedy (4.16m), factual (2.67m), home (1.1m) and lifestyle (521k).
In the year to the end of July, 4oD attracted a total of 242m programme requests, up 20.9% on the previous year's figures. This also makes Channel 4 the most successful UK commercial broadcaster in the video on-demand market, eclipsing Channel 5, ITV and UKTV.
Users on 4oD on average watch 24 minutes of footage in each viewing, and spend an average of 1.8 hours on the site each month. The platform attracts 3.4m average monthly unique users.
Channel 4 said that it uses a "range of sources" to calculate usage across all platforms where 4oD is available, and all data is checked "thoroughly" to ensure its accuracy.
Yesterday, the broadcaster announced that its flagship news programme will now be available for catch up for a 24-hour period on the advertising-funded 4oD.
The arrival of Channel 4 News on 4oD comes ahead of the relaunch of the VOD platform on the Channel 4 website tomorrow, offering a raft of new features, including more personalisation options and "viewer-driven" recommendations.
At the Edinburgh TV Festival last weekend, Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham said that the next decade will be all about getting "connected" with viewers as broadcasters search for ways to turn convergence into cash.
Post any general news related to the show, characters or returning people.
Sugababes star Heidi Range has revealed that she once turned down a role on Hollyoaks in order to concentrate on her pop ambitions.
The singer told the Liverpool Echo that she was offered a part on the Channel 4 soap when she was first starting out with the girl group.
Range spoke of her Hollyoaks offer as she visited the drama's set to film an appearance on The Hollyoaks Music Show, which airs on Channel 4 on Saturday mornings.
"I actually had an audition for Hollyoaks so it was weird coming in here," she explained.
"I didn't get the part but they contacted me for another part and I had to turn it down for the band."
Sugababes appear on The Hollyoaks Music Show on September 10, while they release their new single 'Freedom' on September 25.
Carley Stenson has revealed that she is dating Danny Mac.
The former Hollyoaks actress, who quit her role as Steph Roach in 2010, said that she did not meet her new boyfriend on the set of the soap where he plays Mark "Dodger" Savage, but through "mutual friends".
Stenson told Heat magazine: "I've done well. I've bagged myself the sexiest male! We really didn't plan to be dating people from Hollyoaks. I didn't even realise when I first met him! I thought I'd got away from that, we've just got lots of mutual friends."
Stenson said of her ex-boyfriend and former co-star Ricky Whittle: "Me and Ricky are still friends, I think he's doing well in LA. He's in a new film with Jane Seymour so fingers crossed for him!"
When asked about her new hairdo, the actress explained: "I wanted to rebel a little bit. I'd had the same hair for ten years in Hollyoaks."
Stenson - who is currently starring in the West End stage show of Legally Blonde - also revealed that she would like to stick to a career in musicals at the moment.
"Fingers crossed I'll get an audition for the Spice Girls musical," she said. "I'd love to be in that!"
A young woman's body has been found at the home of former Hollyoaks actress Phina Oruche, according to reports.
Police found the body when they visited Oruche's house in Aigburth, Liverpool yesterday morning, the Liverpool Echo says.
The woman has not been identified but is believed to be in her late teens or early 20s. It is thought that the death is currently being treated as unexplained and a postmortem examination will be carried out at a later date.
One local resident told the newspaper: "The people in there haven't been in that house for very long, just a few months I think. The woman who owns the house has a little boy and she always smiles and says hello."
Oruche, 39, has appeared in a number of TV shows over the years, including The Bill, Nip/Tuck, Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Most recently, she had a six-month stint playing Gabby Sharpe on Channel 4's Hollyoaks, which ended in late 2010 when the Sharpe clan were written out of the teen soap.
Body found at ex-Hollyoaks star Phina Oruche's home 'may be relative'
A young woman who was found dead at the home of Phina Oruche may be related to the former Hollyoaks star, a report has claimed.
Although the 25-year-old woman has not been officially identified, The Mirror reports that she may have been a family member.
Oruche - who appeared as Gabby Sharpe in Hollyoaks between June and December 2010 - is said to be in shock and is being comforted by her family following the discovery at her Liverpool home on Tuesday morning.
A 999 call was placed in which emergency services were told that a woman was "not moving".
She was later pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Police are treating the death as unexplained, although it is believed that there are no suspicious circumstances.
The young woman found dead at the Liverpool home of former Hollyoaks star Phina Oruche has been identified as the actress's second cousin.
Oruche today released a statement explaining that she is "devastated" by the loss of 19-year-old Nigerian student Chiamaka Nwabunie, who had been studying in the city.
"Chi Chi, as she was lovingly called by us all, was bright, beautiful and very kind," Oruche told the Liverpool Echo. "She was a second year engineering student at Liverpool University only 19 years of age, she was healthy, clean living, completely reliable and trustworthy which is why I had asked her to look after my home while I was away at a conference.
"She literally went to bed on Monday night and didn't wake up. When she didn't answer my calls, I asked a friend to check on her, I was told of her death by the police.
"I, and all of Chi Chi's family are absolutely devastated by this loss and struggling to make sense of it. We ask for some privacy and respect during this particularly difficult time."
Merseyside Police are thought to be treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious.
Oruche appeared in the role of Gabby Sharpe on Hollyoaks between June and December last year.
Ex-'Hollyoaks' star Phina Oruche's cousin died of natural causes
The young woman found dead at the home of former Hollyoaks star Phina Oruche died of natural causes, it has been confirmed.
Oruche's second cousin Chiamaka Nwabunie, 19, died at the beginning of last week while staying at the actress's home in Liverpool. She had been studying Electrical Engineering at Liverpool University.
The Liverpool Echo now reports that there will be no inquest after a post-mortem showed that the teenager died of natural causes.
It is understood that Nwabunie's funeral will take place in her home country of Nigeria.
Oruche released a statement about her relative's death last week, describing Nwabunie as "bright, beautiful and very kind". She confirmed that the student had been looking after her home while she was away at a conference.
Oruche appeared in the role of Gabby Sharpe on Hollyoaks between June and December last year.
A Hollyoaks fan who won the black wedding dress worn by Jennifer Metcalfe in TV adverts for Mercedes's wedding storyline has decided to sell it.
Donna Evans from Telford entered a Channel 4 competition to win the black gown with a 33ft train and admitted that she would have loved to wear it at her own wedding, but as she is already married has decided to auction it on eBay.
According to the Shropshire Star, the 37-year-old has revealed that she wants to donate any money raised to charity Against Breast Cancer.
Bidding on the dress on the auction website currently stands at £310.
Metcalfe recently revealed that she had "fun" filming the gothic-themed clip with the dress on but admitted that it was "heavy" work and that it hurt when she had to put ink in her eye to blacken her tears.
Hollyoaks' sponsorship deal with camera manufacturer Nikon has been renewed for another year.
Nikon has sponsored the Channel 4 soap since January and the new deal will see its branding accompany the programme's airings for the whole of 2012, Marketing Magazine reports.
The latest contract also sees Nikon extending its relationship with Hollyoaks by launching a competition which gives customers a chance to win a walk-on part on the show when they buy a Coolpix S3100 camera.
The competition is expected to be promoted on screen and with a variety of activity at Asda supermarkets nationwide.
Nikon UK's group marketing manager Jeremy Gilbert said of the deal: "We are delighted to further build on Nikon's relationship with Hollyoaks with the continued sponsorship of the programme and the launch of the competition with Asda.
"Nikon's stronger association with the hugely popular teen drama is further helping to change the perception of the Nikon brand, and attract a younger audience."
As with the current deal, Nikon's branding will accompany Hollyoaks' airings on Channel 4, E4 and 4oD.
Hollyoaks has enjoyed a ratings boost in recent weeks thanks to Mercedes McQueen's dramatic wedding and the climax of Silas Blissett's dark storyline.
Ricky Whittle has promised to help former Hollyoaks co-star Jamie Lomas with his US ambitions in the coming weeks.
Lomas, who recently bowed out from his role as Warren Fox on the Channel 4 soap, has often said that he would like to secure Stateside acting work - although he has ruled out a permanent move across the pond.
Whittle, meanwhile, is hoping to settle in Los Angeles so that he can fully focus on his US dreams for the foreseeable future.
Speaking of his current projects, Whittle told the Liverpool Echo: "It's been a couple of months of frustrations because of visa problems, so I've missed out on playing a killer in CSI: Miami and a role in NBC's comedy Up All Night.
"It's very frustrating because I was in Las Vegas with friends when I got offered CSI. So when I got a copy of my visa to them it was too late.
"But I got three of my last four gigs and my agent said if all of his clients did that, he'd be a rich man. I've got my green card coming through now and I'd like to apply for American citizenship."
Discussing ex-colleague Lomas, he added: "I'm going to introduce Jamie to some people while he's here and I'll help him find a car."
Whittle left Hollyoaks in 2010 after more than four years playing Calvin Valentine.
Hollyoaks star Rachel Shenton is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for charity, it has been announced.
The actress, who plays glamour girl Mitzeee Minniver on the Channel 4 soap, is taking on the challenge in aid of the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS).
Shenton is believed to have started training for the expedition last month.
Climbing the 19,341ft Tanzanian peak typically takes between five and seven days depending on training and the route taken.
Shenton has supported NDCS for some time and completed her first ever skydive to raise funds for the charity in March 2011.
The 24-year-old has personal experience of deafness as her late father was deaf in the final two years of his life.
After learning British Sign Language (BSL) at the age of 16, Shenton has since worked as a BSL interpreter and volunteered for Staffordshire charity Deaflinks, running drama workshops for deaf children.
Hollyoaks bosses have announced that stars from the soap will host a sponsored sleep-out next week to raise money for homelessness charity Centrepoint.
Cast and crew will brace themselves for a cold night on Thursday, March 1 as they sleep in the centre of Hollyoaks village at the show's base in Childwall, Liverpool.
Hollyoaks stars are taking on the challenge to tie in with the drama's ongoing homelessness storyline, which recently saw teenager George Smith (Steven Roberts) and his friend Phoebe (Mandip Gill) struggling with life on the streets.
Show chiefs have promised that the upcoming event "will deliver surprises and guest appearances" as Hollyoaks and Centrepoint aim to raise money throughout the night and beyond.
Centrepoint's chief executive Seyi Obakin commented: "We're delighted that Hollyoaks village is hosting a sleep-out. Thanks to the storyline that has unfolded over the last few months, a large audience of young people is more aware of homelessness - an issue over 80,000 of their peers face every year across the UK.
"Sleeping out won't be easy for the cast, but it will give them a glimpse of what so many young people go through every night. We urge you to support them, so we can give young people the support they need to turn their lives around."
Hollyoaks has also confirmed that George's storyline is far from over, as next month viewers will see Phoebe betray the sixth former by leading him straight back into the hands of evil Deena (Sian Breckin) and Graham (Steven Marsh).
Fans will remember that the twisted pair recently held George and Phoebe against their will before they managed to escape. The return of the villains will result in a dramatic and harrowing week for George.
To help raise money ahead of the upcoming sleep-out, Centrepoint are also offering one fan and four friends the chance to win a Hollyoaks set tour if they donate via text to the charity. Details of the competition can be found on the Centrepoint website.
A Justgiving site will be available to make donations from Tuesday, February 28 when the text to donate competition closes.
Jorgie Porter has admitted that she is surprised her romance with Hollyoaks co-star James Atherton has lasted.
The Theresa McQueen actress, who is currently taking a break from the show to compete on Dancing on Ice, believes that she will stay with Atherton for the "long-term".
The 24-year-old told Fabulous magazine: "We were friends for about six months before we got together and I thought he was an utter pain in the backside."
However, she insisted that her feelings have now changed, adding: "He's amazing. I hope it's long-term. It feels like it will be, anyway."
The Hollyoaks couple, whose on-screen characters Theresa and Will are also an item, initially attempted to keep their romance a secret.
Porter, who recently stated her intention to stay on the Channel 4 soap, confirmed her relationship with Atherton last September.
Channel 4 has announced that a Hollyoaks app is currently in the works.
The broadcaster is currently searching for companies to produce a tie-in application for the soap, with Hollyoaks producer Lime Pictures beginning to brief agencies.
Hollyoaks producer Emma Smithwick has previously spoken about hopes of trying out new ways of producing content based on the soap.
Channel 4's drama multiplatform commissioner Hilary Perkins will also be involved with the app's creation, reports Broadcast Now.
Meanwhile, Channel 4 has ditched plans for an interactive play-along game for an upcoming comedy panel show.
The Twofour series had originally been created as a live interactive game show with Monterosa and Stardotstar, but has now been changed to a pre-recorded series, leading to the cancellation of the play-along apps.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman said of the game show: "We're thrilled to be working on a new comedy panel show that will delve into our shared history through a mixture of memorable and forgotten clips."
Channel 4 unveiled its plans for a new 'Shuffle' TV-catchup service earlier this year.
Hollyoaks bosses have today confirmed that former EastEnders series story producer Kathleen Beedles is joining the soap's creative team.
Beedles has landed the position of story consultant at the Channel 4 show and began work at the programme's base in Liverpool yesterday (March 26).
The appointment comes as part of a handful of behind-the-scenes changes at Hollyoaks.
Beedles headed up the storyline team at EastEnders for over a year, but departed her Walford role earlier this month.
She also worked as Emmerdale's series producer between 2005 and 2008, which was one of the ITV1 show's most successful eras.
Meanwhile, Digital Spy can also confirm that Gareth Lemon has returned to Hollyoaks as script producer after more than two years as senior script editor at Coronation Street. He previously worked in the script department at Hollyoaks between 2003 and 2009.
Finally, Hollyoaks' script editor Kate Hall has been promoted to the post of series editor.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4 with a first look screening at 7pm on E4.
Hollyoaks has landed a product placement contract with cosmetics and beauty company L'Oréal, it has been announced.
Channel 4 and Hollyoaks' production company Lime Pictures have secured a six-month deal with the firm, Broadcast reports.
L'Oréal products will now appear in a number of settings on the show, including at the village's gym. They may also feature on adverts displayed on the local bus stop.
The deal was brokered by media agency ZenithOptimedia, Channel 4's sponsorship, placement and funded content business manager Vicky Kell, Channel 4's partnership lead Rob Ramsay and Lime Pictures' managing director Sean Marley.
Product placement for Hollyoaks was first planned some time ago as Channel 4 reportedly identified £12 million worth of placement opportunities within the teen soap last summer. The opportunities covered six areas, including fashion, health and beauty and coffee/retail.
Coronation Street last year became the first UK soap to feature product placement as a Nationwide cash machine was brought into Dev Alahan's corner shop. The Nationwide deal has since been renewed for another year.
Product placement was given the green light by Ofcom in December 2010.
Former EastEnders star Cliff Parisi has landed a guest role on Hollyoaks, Digital Spy can confirm.
The actor, best known for his part as Walford's Minty Peterson, has been filming at the Channel 4 soap's base in Liverpool over the past few weeks.
Show bosses are keeping tight-lipped over Parisi's storyline, but Digital Spy understands that he is playing a character named Walt.
Hollyoaks fans will see Walt on screen for a handful of episodes in June.
Parisi teased his Twitter followers with the news that he had secured another soap job a few weeks ago.
He said at the time: "Just on my way back to London after my first day on another soap! Overalls are a possibility, ho hum! Don't panic it's just a few eps, blink and I'm gone, but it's fun and they are a really lovely bunch."
Parisi played EastEnders' Minty between 2002 and 2010. More recently, he has been seen as Fred on BBC One's Call the Midwife.
Ashley Taylor Dawson has confessed that he once left co-stars Jimmy McKenna and Helen Pearson in an uncompromising position on set.
Speaking to Inside Soap, the Darren Osborne actor claims the pair - who play middle-aged married couple Jack and Frankie - kissed for 10 minutes as he deliberately missed his cue.
"Jimmy and Helen had to do a scene on a waterbed where Nancy and Darren catch them at it," he recalled.
"They had to keep kissing until I said my line, so I just let them go for it for 10 minutes and taped them on my phone!
"The crew were all in on it and it was really funny - but Jimmy and Helen were a bit embarrassed."
Meanwhile, Dawson outlined an ambitious desire for Batman star Tom Hardy to play a cousin of alter ego Darren.
The 30-year-old added: "I'd like Tom Hardy to come in and be Darren's second cousin, just so we could have a right blast together on set."
Dawson was earlier this month nominated alongside Jessica Fox, who plays lover Nancy, for the 'Best On-Screen Partnership' category in this year's British Soap Awards.
Hollyoaks star Bronagh Waugh has joined the cast of a new BBC drama.
The actress, who portrays Cheryl Brady in the teen soap, will play the wife of a serial killer in upcoming BBC Two thriller The Fall.
Waugh said that she will not need to take a break from Hollyoaks to film the five-part piece.
She told PA: "I am so thrilled and honoured to have been given this opportunity by the BBC. It is such a challenging and demanding role that I feel will really stretch me and explore my range.
"Allan Cubitt's script is the kind that actors can only dream of and to be involved with such an esteemed cast and creative team is a definite career high for me.
"I'm so lucky to have such an understanding boss at Hollyoaks. Emma Smithwick, our executive producer, was so supportive and did everything in her power to enable me to do both.
"She knew what an amazing opportunity it was for me. It's been tough - working seven days a week and flying back and forth between Belfast and Liverpool - but I absolutely love it!"
Playing Sally-Ann Spector in The Fall, Waugh will appear alongside X Files legend Gillian Anderson, who stars as murder investigator DSI Gibson.
Hollyoaks co-star Gerard McCarthy has signed up for the show in March. Once Upon a Time's Jamie Dornan and SéainÃ*n Brennan have also been recently announced.
Channel 4 boss Jay Hunt has insisted that Hollyoaks is not facing the axe.
Chief creative officer Hunt, previously the controller of BBC One, acknowledged that the teen soap is experiencing a lull in popularity at present.
Speaking at a Channel 4 corporate event, she said: "Having run one and had similar issues with EastEnders, it is always true with soaps you have ups and downs. I would agree with you at the moment, Hollyoaks isn't on its best form."
Referring to last November's ratings-winning Silas serial killer plot, Hunt added: "At the end of last year, it was on stonking form and we had a great start to 2012. But continuing dramas have highs and lows, one slightly dud storyline can dip the viewing figures. That's how it goes and I'm pretty relaxed with that.
"I'm constantly in touch with Lime and I think Hollyoaks is a really important part of Channel 4. It is an important part of our schedule. It is just part of the ebb and flow of a continuing drama."
Hollyoaks' future has been much speculated since 2010, when Paul Marquess gave the show a major revamp.
The 44-year-old joined Channel 4 in 2010 after two years at the BBC
A Hollyoaks special next month is to get an innovative new social TV experience, after Channel 4 teamed up with Bauer Media's Heat magazine.
Heat4…Live! is a dual screen experience that will run on E4.com and Heatworld.com, providing companion content around three key episodes of Channel 4 shows this summer, starting at 6.30pm on June 8 for the Hollyoaks 'Savage Party' special.
The service will act as a 'second screen hub' when the show is on, as well as host a live and interactive 'show-about-the-show' for 15 minutes after the programme ends.
Bauer Media created the campaign after Channel 4 issued a call for "an innovative and noisy new platform that speaks to Channel 4's core values, providing a richer viewing experience for fans of C4's shows".
Heat4 seeks to take advantage of a growing trend of "dual-screen" behaviour, involving viewers accessing social networks and companion online content while TV programmes, such as The X Factor and The Voice UK, are being shown live.
As Hollyoaks is being aired, the Heat4 experience will serve up bespoke companion content and curated Twitter feeds, which Channel 4 hopes will "create an experience akin to the audience watching telly together and bantering with friends".
Box TV, the subsidiary of distribution group DCD Media, has produced the 'show-about-the-show', which will be hosted by T4's Will Best and Heat editor Lucie Cave.
Broadcast live from a London living room, the show will include appearances from cast members and Skype chats with celebrity fans.
The second-screen experience will 'spring to life' on E4.com and Heatworld.com as the show starts, and will exist in companion mode throughout the duration of the 10-week campaign as a bespoke entertainment hub on both sites.
Heat4 will be run live for episodes of two other Channel 4 shows this summer. The identities have not yet been announced, but they are likely to be more youth-oriented programmes, potentially on E4.
"We are thrilled to be producing this brilliant campaign in partnership with Channel 4," said Lucy Banks, the executive creative director of Bauer Media.
"It allows us to use heat's ability to ramp up engagement and 'editorialise' excitement about great Channel 4 shows with this ground-breaking new format that rewards their viewers - and ours - with an even deeper experience of the stuff they love best."
Channel 4's acting head of marketing James Walker added: "The way people watch TV is changing all the time and we're constantly looking to create new and exciting ways that bring audiences to, and engage them with, our shows.
"Combining Heat's strong editorial with Channel 4's great programming will make for a really captivating viewer experience and we've loved working with Bauer to bring Heat4 to life."
Heat4 comes as Heat prepares to launch a new celebrity and music TV channel on July 3, as a joint venture with Box TV and Channel 4.
Hollyoaks star Dan O'Connor has revealed how a fan once complained to show bosses about his lack of replies.
The Australian actor - who currently stars as Ally Gorman in the Channel 4 soap - used to appear in Neighbours as Ned Parker.
He explained how one particular fan had sent him a request to come and stay with her.
"When I was on Neighbours there was this woman from Britain who used to send me packages with things like wristbands and a cassette called 'PS I Love You'," he told Inside Soap.
"I found out later that she'd written a complaint letter to the production office, saying that I hadn't responded to her invitation to come and see her and stay on her new settee in her bungalow!
"I did send her a signed fan card eventually, and said thanks for all the gifts."
O'Connor added that he misses the Australian sunshine and beaches since joining the UK show in December.
"When I lived in Sydney I was about half an hour from the beach so we were there pretty much every weekend. It's the done thing Down Under."
Dan O'Connor promised fans earlier this month that his Hollyoaks character's "good boy" image will change.
tammyy2j
12-07-2012, 12:33
Hollyoaks star Barry Sloane has been cast in season two of Revenge.
The actor, who played villainous long-lost McQueen sibling Niall Rafferty in the soap, will portray a mysterious figure from Emily's (Emily VanCamp) past, according to TV Guide.
Sloane has also appeared as Kieron Callaghan in Holby City and took on roles in The Bill, Casualty, Brookside and DCI Banks.
Revenge executive Mike Kelley recently vowed to top the action-packed season one finale when the show returns to ABC later this year.
"Coming up with a good season ender is no walk in the park," he admitted. "But paying it off so that the viewer is satisfied enough to follow you down the next year of rabbit holes is a true high-wire act."
Gemma Merna has confessed that she became tearful during her wedding ceremony to Ian Minton earlier this year.
The Hollyoaks actress, who had been engaged for three years, married the property developer at a Merseyside ceremony in May.
The Carmel McQueen star told Now magazine: "I thought we might giggle through our vows. I didn't expect tears."
The 27-year-old, also a glamour model, added: 'When I walked in and saw Ian standing there, I was just overcome."
However, Merna admitted that the long time the couple took between their 2009 engagement and recent marriage put a strain on their relationship.
"I think we put ourselves to the test by waiting four years to get married," she added. "When something is right, you just know."
Gemma Merna was recently left stunned by the sudden death of her father in late June.
Gemma Merna has confessed that she became tearful during her wedding ceremony to Ian Minton earlier this year.
The Hollyoaks actress, who had been engaged for three years, married the property developer at a Merseyside ceremony in May.
The Carmel McQueen star told Now magazine: "I thought we might giggle through our vows. I didn't expect tears."
The 27-year-old, also a glamour model, added: 'When I walked in and saw Ian standing there, I was just overcome."
However, Merna admitted that the long time the couple took between their 2009 engagement and recent marriage put a strain on their relationship.
"I think we put ourselves to the test by waiting four years to get married," she added. "When something is right, you just know."
Gemma Merna was recently left stunned by the sudden death of her father in late June.
Hollyoaks has denied reports that a Take Me Out contestant has been awarded a part on the soap.
It was claimed today that Leigh Booth, the first man to appear on the new series of the ITV dating show, had been approached for a guest spot after his episode aired last Saturday (October 6).
According to The Sun, Booth was meant to reprise his real-life job as a postman.
"Leigh was really disappointed when so few girls showed an interest in him. But it seems like his particular cloud has a silver lining," a source said.
"His experience may not have been much of an ego boost but at least we managed to get him a job."
However, a spokesperson for Hollyoaks has told Digital Spy today (October 11) that there are no plans for Booth to have a role in the show.
Take Me Out fans will be able to see Booth's date on this week's episode, airing Saturday (October 13) at 7.05pm on ITV1.
Gemma Merna has reportedly been declared bankrupt.
The Hollyoaks actress is said to have failed to appear at a court hearing over an unpaid bill, reports The Sun.
The star was reportedly filming Hollyoaks and an episode of Family Fortunes at the time instead.
She was summoned to court after failing to pay a £500 bill for an artificial lawn at her farmhouse property in Ormskirk, Lancashire.
NoMow took the actress to court and received an initial judgement against her to pay the bill, but she failed to make the payment.
The company later took her to court again and won a second judgement including their legal costs, but she is said to have continued not to pay the bill.
Merna's spokesperson said that the bankruptcy occurred because of a "legal loophole".
They said: "Due to a legal loophole Gemma was declared bankrupt earlier this week, being left with the choice whether to keep paying money to a company she was unhappy with or to take a stand out of principle and do what she felt was right."
Merna - who plays Carmel McQueen in the Channel 4 soap - recently said that she and new husband Ian Minton have no plans to start a family in the foreseeable future.
Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/s13/hollyoaks/news/a441956/hollyoaks-star-gemma-merna-declared-bankrupt-due-to-legal-loophole.html#ixzz2Dh71NxYB
Hollyoaks will return to screens in Australia and New Zealand in 2013, it has been announced.
The Channel 4 soap will next year join the UKTV network in both countries in deals struck by All3Media International, TBI Vision reports.
UKTV already broadcasts fellow British soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale to Australian audiences.
Tim Christlieb, head of programming and production for UKTV's owner BBC Worldwide Channels, commented: "We are delighted to be able to respond to huge audience demand by bringing back premiere episodes of Hollyoaks to audiences in Australia and New Zealand on UKTV.
"Great British soaps are a really important part of UKTV and we are thrilled to be bringing our viewers even more of what we know they love."
All3Media International's Peter Grant added: "We're very pleased to see Hollyoaks premiering in Australia and New Zealand. UKTV is renowned as the home of the best UK soaps and we're looking forward to our hit drama joining its schedules.
"Hollyoaks continues to capture the attention of the highly sought after youth audience, with storylines that are entertaining and humorous yet also tackle the key issues teenagers around the world are confronting - making it a must-see drama wherever it airs."
Hollyoaks previously aired in Australia on Network Seven's digital channel 7Two.
Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a444253/hollyoaks-returning-to-australian-screens.html#ixzz2EezK56U3
Sky News and This Morning host Eamonn Holmes has filmed a guest appearance on Hollyoaks.
The broadcaster shot his scenes for the Channel 4 soap earlier today (December 17), working alongside regular cast member Rachel Shenton, who plays glamour girl Mitzeee Minniver.
Shenton and the Hollyoaks crew travelled to Sky News's base in London for the scenes, which seemingly see Mitzeee appear on Holmes's Sunrise programme.
Mitzeee's semi-celebrity status makes her no stranger to TV appearances, but details of why she is hitting the airwaves this time around are being kept under wraps for now.
Writing on Twitter, Holmes joked: "Just to say @RachelShenton, thank you for being a delight to work with. Do you think the audience will take to our blossoming romance plot?"
He added: "Big thanks to Hollyoaks for giving young acting talent like myself and @RachelShenton our big breaks. Valentine's Day Special."
Meanwhile, Shenton kept fans guessing about the storyline by tweeting: "What is mitzeee doing with @eamonnholmes?"
Hollyoaks will air the episode in question next year.
Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a445688/hollyoaks-eamonn-holmes-films-guest-appearance.html#ixzz2FK1nVrU8
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James Sutton has called on Channel 4 bosses to commission a live episode of Hollyoaks.
The Cheshire-set teen show, which will have its 20th anniversary in 2015, is now the only major British soap opera which hasn't screened a special live edition.
Sutton told What's on TV: "I don't know how a live episode would work here, but I think it'd be exciting. I'd be well up for a live episode.
"It's just like theatre but a lot more people are watching it and hoping that you screw it up!"
The actor continued: "We need to campaign for a live episode."
Sutton added that he wishes he could have been a part of Emmerdale's recent live 40th anniversary edition.
"I watched the live Emmerdale episode and I thought it was incredible. I watched it and thought, 'I wish I'd been involved in that'.
The 29-year-old starred as Ryan Lamb in the village serial for two years between 2009 and 2011.
Coronation Street has screened live episodes in 2000 and 2010 for its respective 40th and 50th anniversaries, while EastEnders also marked its 25th birthday with a live special in 2010.
Digital Spy exclusively revealed back in October that the soap star would reprise his famous Hollyoaks role as John Paul, who he originally played between 2006 and 2008.
Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a445859/hollyoaks-james-sutton-calls-for-live-episode.html#ixzz2FOiMfSq7
An online raffle to win Hollyoaks favourite Brendan Brady's coat has raised over £800 and counting for charity.
Emmett Scanlan, who played Brendan, donated the jacket after filming his final scenes as the bad boy earlier this month.
The raffle has been organised by the actor and his popular fansite Emmett Scanlan Fans to raise money for the NSPCC.
Scanlan commented: "Since I've come into the show, my character has been at the centre of a massive domestic abuse and child abuse storyline - an abuse that too many people, that too many children are suffering in silence for.
"We need to stand up for them, to be that loving arm when needed. I hope by running this raffle with Brendan's memorable coat, that together we raise some money but most importantly awareness. Please help, please donate. Utmost love and respect to all."
More than £800 has been raised in the contest over the past few days, but tickets are still available for purchase up until April 1, when the winner will be announced.
Former Hollyoaks star Emmett Scanlan has reunited with on-screen lover Kieron Richardson on the show's set for a one-off comedy video.
The popular pair, best known for their roles as Brendan Brady and Ste Hay, filmed the scene in Chez Chez last week.
The video sees Emmett and Kieron appear out of character as they promote a new competition which gives fans the chance to win one of Brendan's outfits.
Details of how to enter the competition can be found on the official Hollyoaks website.
Channel 5 have announced details of a new Neighbours competition.
UK viewers are invited to tweet along to episodes of the soap when it returns from its Christmas break on January 6.
Neighbours opening titles sequence, for the 25th anniversary of the Aussie soap.
One viewer will win a number of prizes for tweeting along with Neighbours
The Ramsay Tweet promotion will give one lucky viewer a trip for two to the home of Neighbours, with seven nights in a top Melbourne hotel and £2000 spending money.
For two weeks, viewers can tweet along to the soap using the hashtag #RamsayTweet, with the wittiest comment of the day being selected by judges to progress to the next stage.
At the end of the fortnight, a member of the Neighbours cast will select a winner at random.
Channel 5's commissioning editor for entertainment, soaps and daytime Greg Barnett said: "Now there are two good reasons to tune in to Neighbours when it returns on January 6.
"Not only are events definitely lively in Ramsay Street so there'll be no shortage of talking points for viewers to tweet about - but also the best tweet wins this fantastic trip for two.
"Humour is a big part of Neighbours and I know our audience will rise to the challenge. I'm looking forward to reading the entries. Good luck to all those that enter."
Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/news/a540828/neighbours-channel-5-launching-ramsay-tweet-competition-in-january.html#ixzz2ovqGDN6C
Scenes from Hollyoaks' male rape storyline are to be used by police to help raise awareness of sexual violence against men.
The Channel 4 soap aired hard-hitting episodes last week as schoolteacher John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) was sexually attacked by Finn O'Connor (Keith Rice), one of his pupils at Hollyoaks High.
Finn's dreadful act followed a long-running homophobic bullying storyline involving Finn, John Paul and Robbie Roscoe (Charlie Wernham).
The attack itself did not feature on screen, but the aftermath saw John Paul report the incident to police before attending a sexual assault referral centre, where he was seen going through the process that a real-life victim would face.
Scenes from the episodes will now be used to launch a multi-agency campaign in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland later this month, with the aim of encouraging survivors of male sexual violence to come forward and seek help.
A police spokesperson said: "All the partner agencies involved feel that these clips could be of immense value in raising the awareness of male sexual abuse."
Dennis Bradley, from the Leicester Gay Bisexual and Transgender Centre, added: "One of the main reasons we chose to support this project is to highlight the taboo nature of male sexual violence even in today's society.
"All too often male sex violence is ignored, brushed under the carpet in both the wider, general community and the many communities of newer arrivals.
"[Hollyoaks' storyline] is an immensely valuable contribution in the discussing of this highly personal and emotive subject. A gratitude of thanks goes to Hollyoaks for making this topic more openly and frankly discussed."
Hollyoaks worked with a number of expert organisations and charities while devising the storyline, including Survivors Manchester and Stonewall.
While John Paul has not given Finn's name to the police, show bosses have promised that there will be big repercussions for both characters over the next few weeks.
Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a543533/hollyoaks-john-paul-finn-rape-story-to-feature-in-police-campaign.html#ixzz2qHxnG6Yw
Hollyoaks bosses have confirmed that they are on the hunt for new female acting talent.
A public casting call was put out by the soap's production company Lime Pictures this afternoon (April 28), hinting that a number of new girls will be arriving in the village later this year.
While little is known about the characters that show producers have in mind, the newcomers have already been specified as Northern characters.
The casting call reads: "Hollyoaks are looking for exciting Northern actresses aged 17 to 25 to join their cast.
"The characters will be feisty and sparky with Northern accents."
The casting call can be found here on the Lime Pictures Twitter page.
Hollyoaks bosses have announced plans to introduce a handful of new McQueen family members later this year.
Show chiefs have decided to bolster the ranks of the soap clan to help fill the gaps left behind by cast exits over the past year.
Speaking to The Sun's TV Magazine, executive producer Bryan Kirkwood confirmed: "Towards the end of this year we're going to meet an extended branch of the McQueen family.
"There are going to be some colourful new faces to help them reclaim their crown at the heart of the show."
The Hollyoaks team are thought to be already on the hunt for their new recruits as they recently put out a casting call for some 'feisty' new regulars.
It said: "Hollyoaks are looking for exciting Northern actresses aged 17 to 25 to join their cast. The characters will be feisty and sparky with Northern accents."
Jacqui and Myra McQueen both left Hollyoaks last year as actresses Claire Cooper and Nicole Barber-Lane bowed out to pursue new projects.
Jorgie Porter's character Theresa is also currently off screen but will be back later this year.
Hollyoaks star Nicole Barber-Lane and Emmerdale actor Liam Fox have announced that they are to divorce.
The couple, best known for their respective soap roles as Myra McQueen and Dan Spencer, are parting amicably after 16 years of marriage.
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Nicole Barber-Lane at the 2013 Inside Soap Awards, Ministry of Sound, London.
© Ian West/PA Wire
Nicole Barber-Lane at the Inside Soap Awards
In a joint statement, they commented: "It is with much sadness that we confirm the end of our marriage, though our family unit remains strong.
"We will always love and respect each other and are united by our children and family remaining at the centre of our lives."
Barber-Lane and Fox first met in Manchester in 1997 and tied the knot in 1999. They have two children together.
A source close to the soap stars told Digital Spy: "Liam and Nicole are divorcing as their relationship as man and wife has come to an end, but they genuinely remain good friends. They continue to socialise with each other and enjoy time together as a family with their children, also working on some projects together.
"They will continue to live together for the foreseeable future as they enjoy the precious last few years of their children being in the family home. There was no-one else involved in the split and it was a mutual decision."
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Liam Fox as Dan Spencer in Emmerdale
© ITV
Liam Fox as Dan Spencer
The insider added: "They have always chosen to live their family life outside of the public eye and ask for privacy at this time."
Barber-Lane has played the popular role of Myra on Hollyoaks since 2006, although she is currently on a break from the Channel 4 soap.
Fox joined Emmerdale as Dan in 2011 and remains a regular cast member.
:(
xx_Dan_xx
17-02-2015, 19:29
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Former Hollyoaks co-stars Emmett J Scanlan and Claire Cooper are now a married couple.
The groom tweeted the happy news alongside a cute image showing the pair in younger days.
Wedding guests included Barry Sloane - a Revenge star and Cooper's on-screen brother from Hollyoaks - and Dominic Mitchell, the creator of one of Scanlan's shows, In the Flesh.
Scanlan had looked excited in an Instagram picture during the build-up, while his wife-to-be had indulged in an affectionate moment.
http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/hollyoaks/news/a778508/claire-cooper-and-emmett-j-scanlan-marry-in-new-york-city/
Congratulations :) :cheer:
Sophie Porley and Adam Woodward have confirmed rumours of a real-life romance with a cute Instagram picture.
The duo's characters, Ellie Nightingale and Brody Hudson, caught each other's eye last year, and it's clear their mutual attraction wasn't just on screen.
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hollyoaks/news/a867649/hollyoaks-sophie-porley-adam-woodward-romance/
Man jailed for killing former Hollyoaks star Frankie Jules-Hough in horror crash
A man has been jailed for 12 years for killing former Hollyoaks star Frankie Jules-Hough in a motorway car crash.
The actress played the role of Jess Holt on the Channel 4 soap, and passed away in May when Adil Iqbal drove into her on the M66 motorway in Greater Manchester while she had stopped on the hard shoulder.
Iqbal was speeding up to 123mph, with one hand on the wheel as he filmed himself on his phone. He veered through traffic before hitting a crash barrier and Jules-Hough's vehicle. The actress, who was making a call at the time, was 17 weeks pregnant and died two days later.
Her nine-year-old son and four-year-old nephew were in the stopped car at the time, and were left in a coma with uncertain long-term outcomes, while her two-year-old son suffered minor injuries.
Iqbal admitted to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one count of causing death by dangerous driving.
Judge Maurice Greene said upon sentencing Iqbal (via Sky News): "She was killed as a result of the most indescribable reckless driving by you Adil Iqbal, leading to the devastation of a family."
Detective Constable Richie Hughes added: "I truly hope that the sentencing of Adil Iqbal who is a dangerous and reckless individual ? brings her family and loved ones some form of closure.
"Iqbal's actions that day were nothing short of appalling. He knowingly and willingly chose to drive his car at those speeds with little regard for other drivers on the motorway at the time."
Last month, Jules-Hough's former Hollyoaks co-star Paul Danan (Sol Patrick) paid tribute to her, saying: "This wonderful actress played the character Jess alongside me for nearly 4 years in @hollyoaksofficial.
"Her real name is Frankie Hough and I adored her. I feel so lost right now."
gone from channel 4, on e4 and player now only
Paul Danan has died, aged 46, he was Sol in Hollyoaks
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