dannigold

I assumed Jack's hair was shaved before he went into surgery.

From digital spy

New bad boy for 'Hollyoaks'

Irish actor Emmett Scanlan has been cast as a new bad boy character in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.

The 30-year-old begins filming with the teen serial next month as Brenden, a sinister new arrival with a dark past.

Scanlan has appeared in a variety of small TV and film parts since 2004, but Hollyoaks will be his first major acting job. His previous credits include appearances on Irish medical drama The Clinic and the 2008 movie Freakdog.

Speaking of his Hollyoaks appointment, Scanlan told the Evening Herald: "I've just booked a leading role in it which starts in May and I'm a bad-ass in it. I play a bad guy with a dark secret who goes by [the] name of Brenden.

"It's a good healthy stint of six to seven months and I can't wait to get started. It's all about new experiences and Hollyoaks has a very impressive history. It's great to be part of it."

Scanlan is the latest in a string of new signings which have been announced since new producer Paul Marquess joined the Chester-based drama in January.

Since taking the helm at the soap's home in Liverpool, Marquess has instigated a mass shake-up of the soap's cast and creative teams.

Last week, he announced a hoard of new names, including former Bill actress Kim Tiddy, who he hopes will help reinvent the serial.

Yesterday, Digital Spy exclusively revealed that Channel 4 chiefs have recommissioned a third run of E4 spin-off Later.

They refer to Ronnie as the tragic heroine, who will never find happiness.

Oaks to introduce third new family

Hollyoaks boss Paul Marquess has revealed that he plans to introduce another new family to the soap later this year.

The show's new series producer last week announced a string of new signings who will be part of two new clans - the Costellos and the Sharpes.

Speaking to Inside Soap about what else he has in store, Marquess confirmed: "Later in the year, there'll be another family but they're still very much in development.

"They'll arrive with a story about how kids react when their mother is becoming more and more selfish in what she wants, and sort of screwing up the lives of her children in the process."

Meanwhile, on what viewers can expect from the Sharpes, he said: "They're going to utterly change one of the existing character's lives - in a Sliding Doors kind of way. If this character had chosen to go right instead of left, things would have turned out very differently for them."

Marquess joined Hollyoaks in January and is currently steering a period of reinvention at the teen serial.

'Oaks boss plans "outrageous" Cindy plot

Hollyoaks boss Paul Marquess has revealed that he has a shocking storyline in store for schemer Cindy Cunningham.

Cindy will leave the Channel 4 soap temporarily later this year because Stephanie Waring, who plays the character, is expecting her second child.

In an interview with Inside Soap, Marquess confirmed that Cindy will depart with a bang and also promised that interesting times are ahead for her husband Tony (Nick Pickard).

Marquess commented: "We've got big plans for Tony, especially as Cindy will be bowing out when Steph Waring goes on maternity leave in the summer."

Asked how Cindy leaves, he replied: "All I can say is that it's really outrageous. When I told Steph, her jaw hit the floor - and then bounced back up again!"

Waring announced her pregnancy last month. She is already mother to a young daughter named Mia, who she welcomed in 2005.

No he is married, but all the new UK soap execs are.

Marquess: 'Oaks has become too dark'

New Hollyoaks producer Paul Marquess has plans to lighten up the show after admitting that it has become "too dark".

Marquess, who was hired by production house Lime Pictures to rejuvenate the Channel 4 teen serial, took office at the soap's home in Liverpool at the beginning of the year.

Since his arrival, he has made numerous key changes to the programme's cast and core creative team.

Speaking of his decisions, Marquess told Radio Times: "I never do anything unless it needs doing. I was asked to look at Hollyoaks first as a viewer and I thought it had become a bit dark. Hollyoaks can do serious stories but it always has to remember it's Hollyoaks - and that means being lively, bright and entertaining. From now until Christmas, expect a big injection of fun."

Earlier this week, Marquess unveiled his first hoard of new signings, including former Bill actress Kim Tiddy (Heidi Costello) and ex-Footballers' Wives star Phina Oruche (Gabby Sharpe).

He continued: "I'm bringing in glitz with the Sharpes and they'll be followed by their nemesis, a wannabe glamour model with no boundaries. People are still obsessed with Katie Price and I want to explore that obsession."

John Yorke was part of that interview, and he agreed with Dominic.

From ch 4

New Cast!

Channel 4 screens are set to sizzle this summer as an influx of new characters set pulses racing in Hollyoaks Village!

A mix of familiar faces and hot new talent will ruffle more than a few feathers when they hit screens later this year.

The Costello family are glamour personified. Ex-Bill actress, Kim Tiddy heads up the family as mum Heidi, an ex-model who’s more than able to hold her own, whilst ex-footballer dad Carl (Paul Opacic) is an incurable ladies man. Eldest son Riley (Rob Norbury, Grange Hill) looks set to cause a stir amongst the ladies of Hollyoaks whilst younger brother Seth ( Miles Higson) is determined to step out of his brother’s shadow.

The Sharpes make a crash landing into Hollyoaks when mum Gabby (Phina Oruche, Footballer’s Wives) is quite literally knocked off her feet! Whilst making a desperate bid to escape her husband, Gabby is knocked down, only to be rescued by a Hollyoaks knight in shining armour. There is an obvious chemistry between Gabby and her new love-interest but as a mother of two children - Taylor (Shaun Blackstock) and Amber (Lydia Lloyd-Henry) - Gabby is forced to question if she can really leave her husband Phil (Andonis Anthony)?

Proving that brunettes do have more fun, Mitzeee’s (Rachel Shenton) arrival in Holyoaks creates instant drama. The wannabe glamour model is desperate for fame and fortune and whilst the boys in the village can’t help but fall in love with her, she has her sights set so much higher. Desperate to emulate Heidi’s perfect life, just what will she do to achieve it?

Alex Carter is also set to reprise his role as the irrepressible Lee Hunter. Back in the Village and signed up to HCC, Lee is determined to make a fresh start amongst old friends.

Hollyoaks producer Paul Marquess said “We can’t wait for this huge new boost of energy exploding on screen. These exciting new characters join our fantastic core cast. Together they will ensure that 2010 will be a year to remember on Hollyoaks’.

Walford returns to web with second series of EastEnders: E20

Following on from the huge success of EastEnders: E20 a second series has been commissioned and will be available on the EastEnders website later this year.

The new content will premiere online on the EastEnders website with a run of 10x14 minute episodes and will later be seen in five televised episodes on BBC Three.

Between January 8 2010 and February 18 2010, EastEnders: E20 attracted over three million requests across the EastEnders website and BBC iPlayer plus over half a million viewers on Red Button.

The first series of EastEnders: E20 will also transmit on BBC Three in 3x30 minute television episodes from Friday April 23 at 8.30pm.

As the BBC continues its drive to develop and nurture new talent the second series of EastEnders: E20 will be penned by the same 13 young writers who were responsible for the first series. All the writers are aged between 17 and 22. The second series will focus on four new young characters who live in a flat above Roxy's beauty salon.

Simon Nelson, Controller of Portfolio & Multiplatform, BBC Vision, said: "E20 was one of the most ambitious and successful multiplatform projects we've commissioned. It was brilliantly realised by the EastEnders team, introduced new writing and acting talent and threaded audiences and plotlines between the main and spin-off shows.

"We had no hesitation in commissioning another series, something which will delight the 17,000 fans who've been calling for more episodes on the E20 Facebook page."

EastEnders Executive Producer, Bryan Kirkwood, commented: "I am so pleased that we are announcing a second series of EastEnders: E20. Not only have viewing figures been fantastic but - and most importantly - we've had such positive feedback from the viewers.

"It'll be very exciting to see where our brilliant young writers will take the next series and the evolution of a whole new set of characters. The cast have been a noisy burst of fun in EastEnders and provided the show with new faces that audiences have really engaged with."

Behind the scenes packages documenting each stage of the EastEnders: E20 production process will be uploaded daily prior to episodes going live.

EastEnders: E20 was commissioned by BBC Multiplatform commissioning Executive Sarah Clay from BBC Drama Production.

The series is a product of EastEnders and the BBC new talent initiative, both overseen by John Yorke, Controller BBC Drama Production & New Talent. John Yorke is the Executive Producer along with Bryan Kirkwood, EastEnders Executive Producer. The series will again be produced by Deborah Sathe.

EastEnders: E20 series 2 will be available at bbc.co.uk/eastenders with repeats on BBC Three in September 2010.

I don't know if this has already been posted, but it is a fascnating interview with Louise Berridge

http://www.walfordweb.co.uk/item.php?id=2284

EastEnders' denies Spencer Moon return

EastEnders bosses this afternoon denied rumours that Chris Parker is to make a comeback to the BBC soap.

According to a Sunday tabloid today, the 26-year-old has been approached to reprise his Albert Square role as Spencer Moon alongside Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace, who return as Kat and Alfie Moon later this year.

However a BBC spokesperson this afternoon told DS: "There are absolutely no plans to bring Chris Parker - or the character of Spencer Moon - back to EastEnders."

Parker was written out of the show in 2005 after a failed suicide attempt.

I think that clip is from July/August 2007

From Channel 4

The new clan will be called the Sharpe family! Family members include mother Gabby, played by former Footballer’s Wife actress Phina Oruche (pictured above). Alongside Gabby comes her son Taylor and daughter Amber.

Earlier today we spoke to Paul Marquess about the new additions:

“We will meet Gabby Sharpe – and her teenage children Taylor and Amber – in dramatic circumstances. Their arrival in Hollyoaks will change the life of a much loved character forever.”

Alex Carter returns to 'Hollyoaks'

Former Emmerdale actor Alex Carter will return to Hollyoaks later this year, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.

The 27-year-old recently signed a six-month contract with the soap under new producer Paul Marquess, who recently axed a number of current cast members including the Ashworths.

Last month, Carter announced his decision to step down from his role as Emmerdale postman Jamie Hope after four years.

It has since emerged that Carter had been in talks with new Hollyoaks producer Paul Marquess to make a come back to the teen serial as Lee Hunter, a character he portrayed between 2001 and 2005.

A show source this morning told DS: "It's no secret that Hollyoaks isn't at its best but Paul's decision to bring Alex back into the fold shows that he's committed to taking it back to its best. He wasn't really used at Emmerdale but that'll change here."

They added: "Everyone's really excited about what Paul has planned - it really is the dawn of a new era."

Carter is due to begin filming within the next few months and will make his screen reappearance around June.

It was recently announced that Marquess is to introduce a new family to the programme as part of his major shakeup.

Fascinating insight into the writing process at EE, with Sharon Batten the script producer. You can listen to it here

http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/i-hire-the-writers-for-eastenders-sharon-batten-interview.htm

From Channel 4

Meet The Producer...

As some of you guys may know, Hollyoaks recently got a new producer. The man given the keys to the Chester village was Paul Marquess, who, for the fact fans amongst you, has a CV that includes work on Coronation Street, Brookside and The Bill. He also invented Footballers’ Wives!

Anyways, we thought it was about time we caught up with Paul, so catch-up with him we did! Here’s what he had to say:

“Sorry that I’ve not had the chance to speak to you all sooner. As you can imagine, it’s been a very busy time here at Hollyoaks - not just for me, but for everyone on the show.

I’m really excited to be working on Hollyoaks – I’m a proper soap fan, so to take over Channel 4’s flagship teen drama is not only a huge challenge, but also a massive honour. It’s a show that’s diverse, brave, fast paced and not afraid to take risks. I’m really looking forward to putting my stamp on it.

There are lots of exciting things coming up with a lot of dramatic, funny and heartbreaking storylines in the pipeline… Sadly we will be losing some characters as storylines progress and actors’ contracts come to an end. But we’ve created lots of fantastic new characters that we’re currently casting for. We’re particularly excited about the new family that will join the show in the summer – and guarantee they’ll bring glitz, glamour and great stories to the Hollyoaks village!”

I thought Daran wrote the brilliant Hollyoaks episode where Sarah found out about John Paul and Craig.

Corrie and Hollyoaks writer Daran Little has Joined Eastenders, on Bryan Kirkwood's first day in charge. From Daran's twiiter page

"Ta ra Weatherfield.. 'ello Walford... happy to say I'm now writing for EastEnders"

Diederick reflects oh his time at Eastenders and the future

From digital spy

EastEnders' live anniversary edition averaged just under 15m last night and peaked at 16.6m in the final five minutes.

The half-hour live broadcast, which saw Bradley plummet to his death from the roof of The Vic before Stacey was unveiled as Archie's killer, pulled in an average of 14.91m (54.6%). The number peaked at 16.58m (59.4%) between 8.25pm and 8.30pm. BBC Three's repeat showing from 10.30pm added a further 1.42m (7.7%).

The George Lamb-fronted BBC Three reaction show EastEnders Live: The Aftermath drew 4.3m (15.9%) in the hour from 8.30pm and was by far the most-watched multichannel programme of the day. The figures were also BBC Three's best ever ratings and the highest ever ratings for a multichannel programme. A further 1.21m (9.4%) caught the repeat from 11pm.

Coronation Street's double bill, during which Gail told Tina the truth about Joe and the police arrived on the Street to question Gail, drew 9.94m (41%) and 8.63m (31.3%) at 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

ITV2's repeats in the hour from 11.40pm added 142k (1.4%) and 212k (4.8%) respectively.

Emmerdale's offering took 7.48m (34%).

Lime digital head to exec produce Hollyoaks

Lime Pictures has expanded the executive producer team on its flagship soap Hollyoaks to include its digital head Lee Hardman.

Hardman, who heads up Lime’s digital arm Conker Media, will join the indie’s chief executive Carolyn Reynolds and creative director Tony Wood on the show.

A Lime spokeswoman said the role was a reflection of Hollyoaks’ growth as a cross-platform show and that Hardman would help to build the brand on digital, broadcast and other emerging platforms.

Hardman has already executive produced the Hollyoaks Music Show and last year’s 12-part web only storyline that supported a government safe drinking campaign, as well as other Conker projects such as BBC Switch drama The Well.

He has been linked to the Hollyoaks production team for more than a decade, working with Conker’s earlier incarnation as Conker Boy Films. Launched in 1997, the indie, was a division of Phil Redmond’s Mersey Television to get a foothold in the then-nascent digital market.

I think they are shocked by the square turning into a circle.

I love the BBC 1 EastEnders ident

Bryan Kirkwood officially takes over on March 1st. This article talks about the Eastenders transition

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/interviews/a189591/diederick-santer-executive-producer-eastenders.html

Claire Fryer is Eastenders current series story editor along with Alexander Lamb