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."

Hopefully all this press means his material is coming up soon. I can't wait and I do hope he can save the show. I love the new multi-generational aspect.

Marquess is calling it dark? This was the guy who had mass slaughter on all his shows, and stories about child molestation and abuse. It must have been bad.

I actually think Lucy Allan made an effort to have comedy and fun, it's just that her comedy was very shallow, like everything she did.

It was Kirkwood's last year which was too dark.

Yeah I think Allan's show has been very light and fluffy which is the problem. Maybe he started watching with the fall out from all the Zoe/Sarah stuff and Mercedes thinking she had HIV. The show was very dark then.

Home & Away is a show that seems to be able to survive by constant upheaval, but I thought that show and Neighbours almost had to stay on the air, regardless of ratings, because of some Australian law.

(Sorry to go off topic but I felt I had to answer this)

You're thinking of the local content quota laws which were first introduced in 1989 (several years after Neighbours was axed and then brought back). Since 1996 (between 1989 and 1996 it was 35%) 55% of programs broadcast on Australian commercial free to air TV between 6am and Midnight have to be Australian or New Zealand made (Australian court ruling in 1996 said that NZ programs could be counted as locally made because of the Closer Economic Relations treaty but understandably the Australian TV industry kicked up a massive stink about it and as a result there is I believe a gentleman's agreement amongst the networks not to count NZ programming).

The quota especially benefits Neighbours because Network Ten would have to find a replacement for it and so far Network Ten's attempts to launch other soaps have failed (Echo Point, Breakers etc).

Anyways, back to Hollyoaks...

Kirkwood`s final year was dull and barely had any excitment. Lucy`s reign was utter dreadful from start to finish. If Marquess can`t save the show no one can.

Just read another article with Marquess in which he states we'll be seeing a lot more of Jack and FRANKIE! I am very happy about this. I don't know if they'll get actual stories but that he realized their importance is a good sign.

Thanks for the detailed answer, Dion!

I hope they will write Jack and Frankie as being happy and fun.

I'm not sure about a story involving obsession over Katie Price. That's the stuff Steph did years ago.

I think Marquess will make the show more campy in the dramatic sense. Which I guess, can work on a show like Hollyoaks. But there also seems to be a generational aspect with the new families, so I guess he'll attempt to infuse more heart into the show. He should really like a quirky family like the McQueen's. in addition to his new families.

I guess this is the article where Marquess talks about Frankie and Jack, and where he thinks Bryan Kirkwood will be a success at EastEnders and how his appointment there is a stepping stone for a bigger career at the BBC.

http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a214458/oaks-boss-has-high-hopes-for-kirkwood.html

I guess Marquess started watching during the time where Anita was faking anorexia and where Hannah relapsed, and where Mercedes had her HIV scare, so that may be why he thought Allan's show was too "dark."

Edited April 15, 201015 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

Oh, and I hear Marquess' name will be in the credits by NEXT WEEK, but his actual stories won't be in effect until June or so...

Which I guess, is right, since he'll have to finish off Allan's junk and transition the show into his own.

I like this guy. I hope he cleans up the messy dreck.

Sheree Murphy interview:

http://holysoap.five.tv/hollyoaks/news/sheree-changes-could-be-good-6705

Cowboys and Indians party as Ricky Whittle leaves.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1266400/Ricky-Whittle-prepares-ride-sunset-Western-themed-Hollyoaks-leaving-party.html

It's amazing and horrible how much Lucy Allan has ruined and totally re-written the character of Josh. I can see why Marquess is getting rid of the character, he's been damaged beyond recognition, IMO.