Hollyoaks

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It has been suggested that List of Hollyoaks late night specials be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

This article may require copy-editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone or spelling. You can assist by editing it now.  (February 2008)

Hollyoaks
Format	Soap opera
Created by	Phil Redmond
Starring	List of characters from Hollyoaks
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Production
Producer(s)	Lucy Allan (2009-)
Running time	approx. 25 minutes
Distributor	Lime Pictures
Broadcast
Original channel	Channel 4
Original run	23 October 1995 – present
Chronology
Related shows	Brookside
External links
Official website

Hollyoaks is a British television soap opera which was first broadcast on 23 October 1995 on Channel 4. It was originally devised by Phil Redmond, who has also devised shows including Brookside and Grange Hill. The programme is set in and around the fictional Chester suburb of Hollyoaks and is centred around a local higher education college called Hollyoaks Community College with the characters generally being in their late teens or early twenties. Since 1995, the cast has expanded from just seven major characters to approximately 50 cast members.

The soap is currently produced by Lucy Allan, who replaced Bryan Kirkwood in 2009.^[1]

Contents 1 Production and broadcasting 1.1 Title and advert sequences 1.2 Music 1.3 Locations 2 Issue-led storylines 3 Awards 4 Criticism 5 Hollyoaks specials 5.1 DVD/video specials 5.2 Collaboration videos 5.3 Late night 5.4 New media content 5.5 Spin-offs 6 Merchandise 6.1 Books 6.2 Calendars 6.3 Fragrance 7 See also 8 References 9 External links

[edit] Production and broadcasting

Hollyoaks is produced by Lime Pictures and filmed mainly at studios in Childwall, Liverpool^[2]. The show currently broadcasts at 18:30 each weekday on Channel 4, with an omnibus edition on Sunday morning, usually at 9.50am but this time often varies. At 19:00 each weekday, one of Channel 4's digital sister stations E4 airs a 'First Look' feature, in which viewers are able to watch the next episode to be shown on Channel 4 the following day. In addition, E4 also shows the omnibus on Saturday and daily repeats each weekday at 16.30. The Welsh fourth channel, S4C, broadcasts the Sunday omnibus only. UK television channel, Channel 4 aired its first episode of Hollyoaks in high definition on 2 June 2008.

The show initially aired weekly in 1995. In July 1996, Mersey TV opted to recomission the show and increase its output to twice a week, that autumn. A third episode was introduced in September 1999 and a fourth in 2001. In November 2003, the show increased its output with a fifth episode, which has remained to this date.

Hollyoaks is also broadcast in other countries, including Canada (BBC Kids channel), Norway (TV2 Zebra), Serbia (Studio B), Sweden (TV400), Finland (Sub), Iceland (Stöð 2 extra, Stöð 2) South Africa (MNET Series), the United States of America (BBC America, from June to November 2007 (episodes continued to be available on the BBC America website before being discontinued in June 2008), Turkey (e2) and parts of Eastern Europe. Episodes from September 2006 through August 2007 were also available on Joost. It had also aired on TV3 in Ireland and in New Zealand on TVNZ and (C4), where it regularly beat London-based soap opera EastEnders in the ratings. ^[3], but was discontinued due to lack of viewers.^[4]

[edit] Title and advert sequences

On 26 February 2007, the programme launched a revamped title sequence. This new sequence can readily undergo minor changes - usually caused by characters leaving or joining the programme.

The original style of the sequence has changed on many occasions: March 2008 saw an updated "style" to the titles, with a purple background and new character segments; 26 December 2008 saw the background changed from purple to black (similar to that of the Hollyoaks Later titles); and the most recent change, on 1 June 2009, saw the pink and blue lettering changed to monochrome, and the characters shown in full colour before and after the advert segments.

[edit] Music

Hollyoaks is the only British soap to make use of incidental music usually a variation of the show's theme music, (Although Holby City has recently included the use of montage-music in each episode). Each episode usually begins with a current or recent chart song, and other songs are used during the show (and sometimes at the end of the show instead of the theme tune).It is used either as a transition between scenes or as part of a dream-like sequence. Each episode begins with a current or recent chart song. These have included bands such as Ocean Colour Scene with the song "Hundred Mile High City", The Pigeon Detectives, Radiohead, Scissor Sisters, U2, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, The Libertines, The Kooks, Arctic Monkeys, Morrissey, The Fratellis, The Darkness and the song by Maroon 5 "She Will Be Loved" was repeatedly played over and over in early 2005.Current chart songs are not used in the international version of the show; instead library music and a selection of purposely-composed songs are used. The main theme was written and performed by Steve Wright who also produced music and themes for not only Hollyoaks but Brookside, Grange Hill and other Mersey TV / Lime Pictures productions. The theme tune is based on a Bo Diddley riff.^{[citation needed]}

A new remixed version of the theme, along with brand new titles, were used from 26 February 2007. The new titles show different characters in the drama posing in various positions with bright colourful backdrops.

A "Hollyoaks" soundtrack CD was released in 2001, containing music used in the programme. In 2007, The Alphites were the first band to perform on the show. In March 2008, the band Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly also featured in Hollyoaks, performing as part of a Battle of the Bands contest.

On the 24 March 2008, a spin-off music show was broadcast, featuring four bands playing on the sets of Hollyoaks: George Craig from One Night Only played at The Dog, Rochelle in The Loft, The Guillemots in the SU bar and The Courteeners in the Hollyoaks cast and crew canteen.

During November 2008, The Saturdays were featured in two episodes of Hollyoaks Later.

In May 2009, McFly featured in the show and played a song in the SU Bar. They also had speaking roles and convinced Justin Burton to go out with Hannah Ashworth.^[5]

In June 2009 new girl group Girls Can't Catch performed during the graduation episode. Music featured in scenes, ie. on the radio in houses, or on in SU bar, The Dog, or The Loft are usually made up rights free songs.

[edit] Locations

[edit] Issue-led storylines

Over the course of the show's history, "Hollyoaks" has dealt with a number of storylines based upon serious issues. Given the large and established proportion of young viewers, some feel that the soap is an ideal platform to show a variety of life-problems. A telephone helpline number is often displayed after episodes that feature a particular emphasis on a story that may have affected viewers.

A 2007 episode that showed a number of the characters falling ill at a party due to carbon monoxide poisoning helped make a viewer of the programme realise that the symptoms of illness she had been feeling were caused by a potentially fatal carbon-monoxide leak in her home. By being made aware of the effects from the episode, she was able to receive medical treatment that would save her life.^[6]

Storylines that the soap has dealt with include drug addiction, murder, arson, hit and run, abortion, suicide, homelessness, financial problems, interracial relationships, racism, religion, bisexuality, homosexuality, homophobia, sexual confusion, alcoholism, drug abuse, rape, male rape, cancer, molestation, child abuse, domestic violence, anorexia/bulimia, incest, sexual harassment, bullying at school, bullying in the workplace, carbon monoxide poisoning, living with epilepsy, HIV, pupil/teacher relationships, self harm, schizophrenia, OCD, gambling addiction, shoplifting, fostering, teenage pregnancy, SIDS, miscarriage, kidnapping, brain aneurysm and surrogacy.

[edit] Awards

Hollyoaks was the only soap to be nominated in every category at the 2007 British Soap Awards. It went on to win 3 awards at the ceremony: 'Villain of The Year' for Gemma Bissix's portrayal of Clare Devine, 'Best Comedy Performance' for Gemma Merna and her portrayal of Carmel McQueen and 'Sexiest Female' for Roxanne McKee.^[7][8] McKee also won the award for Sexiest Female at the Inside Soap Awards 2007. ^[9]

Hollyoaks was named Broadcast of the Year at the 2007 Stonewall Awards, held at London's Victoria and Albert Museum.^[10] The award was based on John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) and Craig Dean's (Guy Burnet) gay affair storyline. Stonewall, an organisation that campaigns for equality for gay men and women, praised the show for its "sympathetic and convincing handling" of the "gritty and emotional" storyline.^[10]

Hollyoaks scooped five awards at the first Digital Spy awards in March 2008.^[11] James Sutton and Guy Burnet won best storyline for their gay affair storyline.^[12] Roxanne McKee scooped sexiest female, Gemma Bissix won best exit and Ellis Hollins won best child actor.^[12] James Sutton also won another award for most popular actor.^[12]

Hollyoaks swept the boards at The British Soap Awards 2008, where they won 6 awards, more than any other soap. The awards included Spectacular Scene of the Year for Clare Devine driving herself and Katy Fox off a cliff, Best Exit for Clare Devine, Best On Screen Partnership for Max Cunningham and Sam "OB" O'Brien, Sexiest Female for Roxanne McKee, Best Actor for Chris Fountain and Best Actress for Emma Rigby.^[13]

Hollyoaks won its first ever National Television Award in 2008 when Matt Littler received the award for 'Most Outstanding Serial Drama Performance' for his portrayal of Max Cunningham.^[14]

In 2009 Hollyoaks was the most nominated soap in the The British Soap Awards. However it did not win a single award.

[edit] Criticism

In 2001 students at Chester College objected to a storyline which they say misrepresented students in the city. Students Union president Gordon Reay said: "Students at other universities think we are a bunch of radicals and militants because that's how the students are portrayed in Hollyoaks. They assume that the college in the programme is Chester College, because Hollyoaks is set in the city." ^[15] In March 2009, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers identified Hollyoaks as one of a number of programmes - including Big Brother and Skins - thought by its members in a survey to be a bad influence on students, manifesting itself in behaviour such as, "answering back, storming off, swearing, aggression and sexually inappropriate behaviour."^[16]

[edit] Hollyoaks specials

This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2008)

The show also features occasional late-night spin-off editions, which feature more dramatic or controversial plot lines; these generally do fit into the Hollyoaks universe, and are considered canon. There are also a number of DVD and Video specials.

[edit] DVD/video specials

• Hollyoaks: Off on One (1998)
• Hollyoaks: Indecent Behaviour (2001)
• Hollyoaks: Dance Workout (2004)

[edit] Collaboration videos

• Brookside: Double Take (1999)

[edit] Late night

• Hollyoaks: Breaking Boundaries (2000)
• Hollyoaks: Boys Do Barca (2000)
• Hollyoaks: Leap of Faith (2003)
• Hollyoaks: After Hours (2004)
• Hollyoaks: In Too Deep (2005)
• Hollyoaks: Crossing The Line (2005)
• Hollyoaks: No Going Back (2005)
• Hollyoaks: Back from the Dead (2006)
• Hollyoaks Later (2008/2009)

[edit] New media content

• Hollyoaks On The Pull (2004)
• Hollyoaks Extreme Challenge (2006)
• Hollyoaks Backstage (2007)
• Hollyoaks Special: Summer's Got A Secret (2008)
• The Hollyoaks Music Show (2008)
• Hollyoaks: The Morning After The Night Before (2009)

[edit] Spin-offs

• Hollyoaks: Movin' On (2001)
• Hollyoaks: Let Loose (2005)
• Hollyoaks: In the City (2006)

[edit] Merchandise

[edit] Books

• Hollyoaks: Coming Together (1996)
• Hollyoaks: New Friends (1996)
• Hollyoaks: Friends and Families (1996)
• Hollyoaks: Can't Get the Girl (1997)
• Hollyoaks: Luke's Secret Diary (2000)
• Hollyoaks: Lives and Loves of Finn (2000)
• Hollyoaks: Luke's Journal: A New Beginning (2001)
• Hollyoaks: Stolen Emails (2002)
• Hollyoaks: Party! Party! Party! (2002)
• Hollyoaks: Seeing Red (2002)
• Hollyoaks: Running Wild (2002)
• Hollyoaks: The Official Companion (2002)
• Hollyoaks: Playing with Fire (2006)
• Hollyoaks: Truth or Dare (2006)
• Hollyoaks: Guilt Trip (2006)

[edit] Calendars

Since 2001, the current cast of Hollyoaks has produced two annual calendars. One is entitled 'Hollyoaks Babes', which features the female cast, and the other 'Hollyoaks Hunks', which features the male cast.

[edit] Fragrance

It was announced on 15 September 2008 that the soap is to launch its own 'his' and 'her' fragrance.^[17] The fragrance has been available from The Perfume Shop and Superdrug from 30 September 2008 and also includes a shower gel.^[17]

[edit] See also

• Hollyoaks locations
• List of characters from Hollyoaks
• List of minor Hollyoaks characters
• List of past characters from Hollyoaks
• Hollyoaks Comprehensive
• Hollyoaks Community College (HCC)

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Hollyoaks at Channel4.com
• Hollyoaks at Lime Pictures
• Hollyoaks at the Internet Movie Database
• Hollyoaks at TV.com
• Digital Spy: Hollyoaks
• Hollyoaks at What's on TV
• Hollyoaks at the Open Directory (DMOZ)

v • d • e Hollyoaks Current characters Hannah Ashworth · Josh Ashworth · Neville Ashworth · Rhys Ashworth · Suzanne Ashworth · Amy Barnes · Mike Barnes · Sarah Barnes · Elliot Bevan · Archie Carpenter · Zoë Carpenter · Cheryl · Dave Colbourn · Cindy Cunningham · Holly Cunningham · Steph Cunningham · Tom Cunningham · Fernando Fernandez · Kris Fisher · Malachy Fisher · Mercedes Fisher · Spencer Gray · Ste Hay · Nancy Hayton · Tony Hutchinson · Loretta Jones · Charlotte Lau · Lydia · Jacqui McQueen · Michaela McQueen · Myra McQueen · Theresa McQueen · Natty · Barry "Newt" Newton · Darren Osborne · Frankie Osborne · Jack Osborne · Hayley Ramsey · Zak Ramsey · Abi Raven · Daniel Raven · Dominic Reilly · Gilly Roach · Anita Roy · Ash Roy · Bel Roy · Govinda Roy · Leila Roy · Ravi Roy · Carmel Valentine · Calvin Valentine · Lauren Valentine · Leo Valentine · Sasha Valentine Minor characters  · Past characters  · Births, marriages and deaths Locations Hollyoaks Community College · Hollyoaks Comprehensive Video/DVD specials Hollyoaks: Off on One · Hollyoaks: Indecent Behaviour Late night specials Hollyoaks: After Hours · Hollyoaks: Breaking Boundaries · Hollyoaks: Boys Do Barca · Hollyoaks: Leap of Faith · Hollyoaks: Crossing The Line · Hollyoaks: No Going Back Spin-offs Hollyoaks: Movin' On · Hollyoaks: Let Loose · Hollyoaks: In the City · Hollyoaks Later (Series 1) (Series 2) · Hollyoaks: The Morning After The Night Before Other John Paul McQueen and Craig Dean · Hollyoaks: Seeing Red · Hollyoaks Backstage · Dirty Diegos

v • d • e Soap operas in the United Kingdom Coronation Street • Doctors • Emmerdale • EastEnders • Hollyoaks Scottish soaps River City Welsh soaps Pobol y Cwm Medical drama Casualty • Holby City • The Royal Police drama The Bill • Heartbeat Radio soaps The Archers Defunct 199 Park Lane • Albion Market • Brookside • Compact • Crossroads • Eldorado • Emergency - Ward 10 • Family Affairs • General Hospital • The Grove Family • HolbyBlue • The Newcomers • Night and Day • The Royal Today • Take the High Road