Hollyoaks to be cut to three episodes a week in new Channel 4 deal
Hollyoaks will be cut to three episodes a week on a permanent basis, Digital Spy can confirm.
The long-running soap has been renewed by Channel 4 on a multi-year deal – but it'll mean fewer episodes when the new transmission pattern comes into place later this year.
The show's production company Lime Pictures shared the big news with all staff on Thursday (February 29).
A consultation period will now follow at the company to determine how the reduction in output will affect jobs and the show's production. A report on Broadcast has revealed that the changes will affect 135 jobs – a third of the programme's staff.
Related: Hollyoaks airs exit for regular character in streaming episode
Hollyoaks' acting executive producer Hannah Cheers has now been appointed to the role on a permanent basis and will lead the show into this new chapter.
Cheers stepped into the role on a temporary basis last year and began overseeing major changes for the soap, including bringing back familiar faces and altering the course of ongoing storylines.
The changes have been well-received by fans, with January's road crash stunt setting off the show's new era with a bang.
Speculation over the future of Hollyoaks had been circulating since last September, when the show's traditional 6.30pm Channel 4 slot was removed from the schedules.
Related: Hollyoaks confirms shock arrest for Tony and Diane
The show continues to air weeknights on E4, with episodes premiering a day earlier on Channel 4 Streaming.
Today's news ends the uncertainty as the show's future has been secured on its new multi-year contract, but news of fewer episodes means the announcement will be bittersweet for many fans.
More to follow.
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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