After Dark   [ www.hollyoaks.com ]
Another one-off HOLLYOAKS special looks set to form the climax to May, in the shape of a late-night episode scheduled for just after the Bank Holiday.
It's been no secret that another late-night special is on the way: the news was announced by Channel 4 a few months ago. Now a few more details have emerged, including the fact it's to be aired on Tuesday 31 May in the by-now expected post-watershed slot.

Focus of the episode is Steph, and her attempts to perform a self-penned monologue at a Hollyoaks Community College 'Student Showcase'. Besieged by physical and mental doubts, her efforts to rise to the occasion and the impression she makes on her fellow students result in a conclusion both unexpected and shocking.

As usual there are some secondary storylines of a more light-hearted nature, specifically Ben's amateurish antics to prove his affections for Lisa; while elsewhere Lee and Bombhead's encounters with spooky happenings in an old theatre threaten to slip all-too rapidly from comedy to tragedy.

'Hollyoaks' gets adult spinoff  [ www.digitalspy.co.uk ]
A "sophisticated" version of Hollyoaks is being developed for E4, it was announced today.

The 12-episode, 60-minute series has been earmarked for a primetime slot on the channel later this Autumn.

Currently in the script stage, the untitled spinoff will focus on two of Hollyoaks' most popular characters "as they establish a new life together in Chester."

"We're keen to have more home-grown drama on E4, so we're particularly delighted to have a brand new Hollyoaks series exclusive to the channel this Autumn," said E4 head Julian Bellamy.

"Hollyoaks is a great show that has particular resonance amongst a younger generation. Its been very successful for E4 with our 7pm "first look" strategy, so extending the Hollyoaks universe to include a post-watershed, more adult themed series feels like an exciting thing to do."

The spinoff, E4's first original primetime drama, could be commissioned as a returning series if it proves popular.

Hollyoaks creator Phil Redmond said: "This is not only an affirmation of Mersey’s continuing relationship with Channel 4 but also a natural extension of the brand. Hollyoaks caters for the 16-34 year olds but the 6.30pm programme concentrates on the 16-24 year olds. This is the first rites of passage – first date, first kiss, first sex. The new programme will look at the second rites of passage – first job, first mortgage, first marriage – and more experienced sex!

"The late night versions have occasionally looked at the darker side of their lives, but the new programme will allow us to concentrate on the 25-34 year old segment of the audience – perhaps those who have grown up with Hollyoaks but now want something that reflects their own situation better. The scary time when teen angst and experimentation has to be left behind for the real challenges of stepping over the threshold into adulthood."

Meanwhile, programme producers Mersey TV also confirmed that the 6.30pm show will be "revitalised" later this year. A spokesman said: "New faces move to the village of Hollyoaks and others characters say a final goodbye [as part of a] revamp taking effect in the autumn."

Jodi Albert swapping Chester for Walford? [14/4/05]
It was reported in today's Daily Star that ex-hollyoaks star Jodi Albert, who played Debbie Dean, is in talks with the bosses at EastEnders for her to join the cast.

New late night special planned.
Hollyoaks have revealed that there is a latenight special planned. Details are a bit sketchy but I've heard something about an Steph and Lisa getting spooked.

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