Hollyoaks stars “will leave the show” amid fears several jobs are at risk after Channel 4 axed the soap
The cast of Hollyoaks are reportedly planning to “leave the show” amid fears Channel 4’s hiring is putting jobs at risk.
The report comes after Channel 4 axed the soap from its regular 6.30pm TV schedule and moved it to E4 for a programming switch.
And according to The Sun, this has now sparked concern among the cast, who are wondering whether their role in the series will be safe.
A source said: “The cast have been reassured that budgets will remain the same, but a lot of people are worried.”
“A number of key cast members have quietly asked their agents to look for new roles and shows to appear in if Hollyoaks doesn’t work out.”
Trouble in C4: The cast of Hollyoaks are reportedly planning to “leave the show” amid fears Channel 4’s hiring will put jobs at risk
“Many people are concerned about job security – despite bosses insisting no-one’s job is at risk.”
Web has contacted Hollyoaks for comment.
Under the new plans, episodes will be available online the day before they premiere on linear television on E4.
Bosses have stopped airing the soap on its main channel as part of a new digital strategy to refresh the viewing experience with the state broadcaster.
The broadcaster announced that the new programming pattern will begin on Monday September 25, promising viewers “a huge stunt week of spectacular and outstanding storylines” with “scenes filmed in sensational new locations”.
Fans of the show, set in a drama-filled Chester village, can continue to watch the weekly Omnibus, which continues to air on Channel 4.
Episodes will also be uploaded to YouTube to appeal to a younger audience and will be available to watch on YouTube a week after streaming and broadcast on E4.
Channel 4 has been the home of Hollyoaks for almost three decades and this latest change signals an attempt to keep up with the digital age and reflects the growing demand for on-demand entertainment.
64 percent of viewers watched the soap via streaming episodes or E4 this year, meaning 556 million minutes of the show were streamed in the first half of the year – a sign of a shift in viewing habits.
Announcement: Hollyoaks fans have something to look forward to this September as the soap has announced a special stunt week for the show as well as a one-hour episode that will air towards the end of the month