Hollyoaks soap legends reunite for huge party ahead of on-screen time jump
HOLLYOAKS alumni reunited for a massive party amid cast cull and ahead of on-screen one year time jump.
Former soap stars, who have appeared on the Channel 4 soap, have attended a party together as the soap is axed from E4 and cuts from five to three episodes a week.
Hollyoaks is a British soap opera which originally began airing on Channel 4 on 23rd October 1995.
It was created by Phil Redmond, who had previously conceived the soap opera Brookside.
One of the former Hollyoaks stars who attended the bash included Gemma Atkinson who played Lisa Hunter from 2001 to 2022.
Gemma took to Instagram to share her photos from the party with some of the old cast members.
She captioned the post: “Those mates you can you go months, even years without seeing but when you’re all back together it’s like nothings changed.
“The best crew and cast I’ve worked with. My very first job. I couldn’t have asked for a better start and better people around me whilst stepping into this crazy industry at just 15 yrs old. Hollyoaks reunion 2024.”
Terri Dwyer, who played Ruth Osbourne, from 1996 to 2008 also attended the party.
Terri also took to Instagram to write: “Getting everyone together to support those going through a difficult time @limepicturestv was humbling to say the least.
“And it was AMAZING to see all the old faces and people that I spent precious time with on set – both on and off camera. Wishing all those that are leaving the very best of luck and super proud of our disfunctional @hollyoaksofficial family! ”
Carly Stenson who played Steph Cunningham from 2002 to 2011 also attended, alongside Lee Otway who played David Burke from 2001 to 2011 and Kelly Condron who played Zara Morgan from 1999 to 2023.
Nick Pickard who plays Tony Hutchinson and Ashley Taylor Dawson who plays Darren Osbourne also attended even though they are still in the soap and will be staying after the one year time jump.
The party also saw Hollyoaks legend James McKenna, who plays Jack Osbourne, sing karaoke in front of a huge crowd of new and old cast members.
It was revealed that earlier this year that 20 stars would be axed.
Many of the stars are believed to be written out of the show as the soap condenses from five episodes per week down to three, with an exit storyline featuring a bizarre “time jump” concept putting scenes a year ahead.
Axed Hollyoaks Characters
Who has left?
Hunter McQueen – died after having a dodgy pill supplied by Warren Fox.
Lizzie Chen-Williams – also died after having a dodgy pill supplied by Warren Fox.
Mason Chen-Williams – left the village to live with his mum, unable to cope with his sister’s death.
Sharon Bailey – left to work in Dubai.
Who is leaving?
Warren Fox, Scott Drinkwell, Zain Rizwaan, Cindy Cunningham.
Other rumoured exits
Dave Chen-Williams – recently exposed as gangster Blue – will he get caught?
Hilton Cunningham – Cindy’s young son could be leaving with his mum.
Dilly Harcourt – Jeremy Blake’s revenge plan may result in her exit.
Goldie McQueen – the actress is currently on maternity leave.
Carter Shepherd – arrested amid controversial conversion therapy storyline.
Who’s staying on the show?
Mercedes McQueen, Hannah Ashworth, Freddie Roscoe, Robbie Roscoe, Grace Black, Tony Hutchinson, Darren Osbourne, Nancy Osbourne.
In March a source told The Sun: “Losing 20 cast members in one fell swoop is eye-watering and devastating news for soapland.
“In the past, Hollyoaks has seen shock stunts claim up to five lives in a single episode.
“But the days of soaps having a big cast clear-out with a devastating stunt are long gone, especially on Hollyoaks where the budget has been dramatically cut.
“The necessary death toll would make almost any stunt idea totally unbelievable.”