Hollyoaks is a soap opera, aimed at young adults aged from 16-24. It is set in a fictional suburb of Chester, Hollyoaks. The show was launched October 24th 1995. The show attracts around 3 million viewers per week.

Although the show originally attracted much criticism for poor acting, and shallow storylines, it has got far better over the five years it has been showing, and increasing popularity meant that the show has increased from one show per week to three. It is currently shown on Monday to Fridays, at 6:30PM on Channel 4, with an omnibus shown on Sundays. The episode is repeated on E4 (Sky Digital, Ch.163) at varying times [check listings].

The show increased its cast through a number of open auditions (dubbed "On The Pull"). A documentary was shown about these rehearsals on Channel 4 back in 2000/2001. The show is now shown 5 nights a week.

Hollyoaks has been the starting point for many actors and actresses - for example, Kerrie Taylor, now a star of ITV1 drama "Where The Heart Is", played Lucy Benson for nearly five years, and many Hollyoaks stars have appeared in the revived "Crossroads", also on ITV1. Joanna Taylor, who played Geri Hudson, went on to star in the BBC police drama "Merseybeat". While Gary Lucy, who played the very popular Luke Morgan, has starred in "Footballers Wives".

Hollyoaks merchandise has become increasingly popular, especially the Hollyoaks Hunks calendar. The girls of Hollyoaks got in on the act and got their own Hollyoaks Babes calender. The Indecent Behaviour DVD was popular too when it was relased in 2001. These items items can be purchased from Amazon.co.uk, using the links provided.