Hollyoaks will be cut from five episodes a week to three on a permanent basis, Digital Spy can confirm.
The long-running soap has been renewed by Channel 4 on a multi-year deal – but it'll mean fewer episodes when the new transmission pattern comes into place later this year.
From September 2024, Hollyoaks will air three 20-minute episodes per week on E4 and Channel 4 Streaming. There'll also be a weekly hour-long omnibus on Channel 4, with this version also available to stream.
The show's production company Lime Pictures shared the big news with all staff on Thursday (February 29).
Related: Hollyoaks airs exit for regular character in streaming episode
A consultation period will now follow at the company to determine how the reduction in output will affect jobs and the show's production. The Hollyoaks team have been told that the changes could affect up to 135 roles – a third of the programme's staff.
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Channel 4 has cited changing viewing habits for the decision, with research showing that many fans only watch three episodes per week due to the amount of other content available on various platforms. Savings will be re-invested into Channel 4's content budget.
Hollyoaks' acting executive producer Hannah Cheers has now been appointed to the role on a permanent basis and will lead the show into this new chapter.
Cheers stepped into the role on a temporary basis last year and began overseeing major changes for the soap, including bringing back familiar faces and altering the course of ongoing storylines.
The changes have been well-received by fans, with January's road crash stunt setting off the show's new era with a bang. The hour-long episode was the soap's most-streamed episode ever, excluding Christmas specials.
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Speculation over the future of Hollyoaks had been circulating since last September, when the show's traditional 6.30pm Channel 4 slot was removed from the schedules.
The show continues to air weeknights on E4, with episodes premiering a day earlier on Channel 4 Streaming.
Today's news ends the uncertainty as the show's future has been secured on its new multi-year contract, but news of fewer episodes means the announcement will be bittersweet for many fans.
Kate Little and Claire Poyser, managing directors of Lime Pictures, commented: "Given the success of the new streaming-first model, we are delighted that Hollyoaks remains at the forefront of Channel 4's digital first strategy.
"There are implications that will mean we have to reshape Hollyoaks' production model and amidst the buoying news for the future of the show and its audience, we must also acknowledge that a reduction in cast and crew will be very difficult and we will support everyone in that process."
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Hannah Cheers added: "Hollyoaks offers a unique proposition: bold, escapist, relatable, youth-skewing and multi-generational stories, told in its innovative and technicolour signature style.
"The show continues to bring people together by making them feel something, and everything. Approaching its 30th anniversary in 2025, Hollyoaks matters just as much now as it did at its trailblazing launch.
"There may be speculation about the future of continuing drama, but as someone who was brought up on the nation's soaps – and remains a true fan – I believe their value must not be underestimated.
"Soap audiences grow up alongside their favourite characters over a period of many years; the investment in their stories is huge. The genre's ability to initiate important conversations is unparalleled, especially when it all comes served up with joy, humour and jaw-dropping twists. I want future generations to experience that.
"I am honoured to lead Hollyoaks into its fourth decade on Channel 4 and drive the vision of this transition."
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Ben Wadey, Channel 4 Commissioning Executive for Hollyoaks, also said: "In January I promised a blockbuster year for Hollyoaks, and after a powerful start with our breath-taking hour long special, there's no let-up in momentum.
"At Hollyoaks we have always been brave, leading the way and not only tackling stories that others wouldn't dare to, but changing and evolving to the needs of our viewers.
"Don’t forget Hollyoaks initially launched with just one episode per week in 1995, gradually increasing to two in 1996, three in 1999, four in 2001 and finally five in 2003.
"But now in 2024 we must flex again, as we have always done, to best serve our audiences and keep our young skewing soap in step with young viewers. We’re not afraid of change, it has been key to Hollyoaks' longevity so far and will be the key to its future."
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
