Hollyoaks stars ‘set to quit show’ as cast fear C4 axe will leave jobs at risk
THE cast of Hollyoaks have been left debating quitting the show for good after it was confirmed that Channel 4 had permanently axed the soap from their schedules.
In a shock move, the broadcaster confirmed that the programme would continue on sister channel E4 but would be officially dumped from its regular 6:30pm slot on the main channel.
It has sparked concern among the cast who are now wondering whether a long-term future on the show is guaranteed.
Many of the show’s biggest stars have been left fearful that jobs will be up in the air following the programme’s demotion.
A source exclusively told The Sun: “Cast have been reassured that budgets will stay the same but a lot of people are worried – a couple of key cast have quietly asked their agents to keep an eye out for new roles and shows they could appear on if things don’t work out at Hollyoaks.”
They added: “It’s made a lot of people nervous about job security – despite bosses insisting nobody’s job is at risk.”
It could see fan favourites walk away from the Chester-based soap which would be a crushing blow for bosses following their shock scheduling decision.
Hollyoaks had no comment when contacted by The Sun.
The soap has been a part of Channel 4‘s core schedule but will officially cease airing later this month as part of the shake-up.
E4 has long aired a ‘first look’ episode the day before the main Channel 4 airing but this format will now be scrapped as channel chiefs look set to bring the soap up to speed with the current digital age.
As part of the new plans episodes will now become available to stream online the day before they premiere on linear TV on E4.
They will then also be made available to watch in full via YouTube the following week.
According to the latest figures for how Brits tune into the hit series, in 2023 64% of viewers watched the soap via streaming or E4, resulting in 556 million minutes of the show being streamed in the first half of the year.
The shake-up will hit screen next week as it unveils another epic stunt week to mark the occasion.
Fans can expect to see Felix and Mercedes’ messy love triangle with Warren come to a climax while a disturbing secret is uncovered about influencer Rayne.