Hollyoaks announces brand new spin-off series hosted by hit comedian amid time jump and show cast cull
CONFUSED Hollyoaks fans will soon be able to get some clarity from a new spin-off series hosted by popular comedian Rob Beckett.
As Hollyoaks prepares to enter a new era, marked by a significant time jump and a major cast shake-up, this spin-off aims to bring viewers up to speed on all the drama that has led up to this pivotal moment.
The special show is called Rob Beckett’s Big Hollyoaks Catch Up and will prepare fans for the changes ahead.
It is set to air on September 6 at 8 pm on E4, right after a double bill of the main series.
Viewers can expect to see essential plotlines from the past few months recapped, ahead of the soap jumping one year forward in time next week.
Fans were left shocked when Hollyoaks bosses announced that the series would start only airing three nights a week in September, instead of the usual five.
The update was shared on social media, where fans were told that they would receive an extra episode of the soap before it gets downsized.
In addition to cutting down on airtime, Hollyoaks bosses are also axing 20 cast members.
The writers came up with an inventive and bizarre way to explain why so many people are going to disappear from Chester.
New episodes will feature a dramatic year-long time jump which is meant to provide a reason for why several families have moved away from the village.
Rob Beckett’s Big Hollyoaks Catch Up will aim to make sense of the change for long-time fans.
When the news of the shake-up was first announced, 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.”