:

*Spoiler Alert!*

During e4's First Look Hollyoaks on Monday night, Eva conjured up a plan to spice up her daughter Anita's life. Approaching Duncan, Eva sets him up on a date with her Anita...

... Of course, not much in the world of Hollyoaks goes to plan, but that's not to say that Anita and Duncan won't work - or does it? Do you think Duncan and Anita go together as a couple or should Anita look elsewhere? 

Let us know in the poll below...

*Contains spoilers!*

Back in June we told you that Carley Stenson (Stephanie De La Cunningham Dean) will be leaving Hollyoaks later this year. After a decade on the show Carley announced she was ready for new challenges including "pursuing a career in musical theatre." And pursue that career she did doth!

Carley will be starring in Legally Blonde The Musical! Making her West End debut, Carley will be acting alongside Denise Van Outen as she plays Margot.

Though Carley's been in Hollyoaks for bloomin' ages she still found time to have theatre credits that include Sandy in Grease, Dulcie in The Boyfriend and Nancy in Oliver.

You can catch Carley in Legally Blonde The Musical from 25th October 2010 until 29 October 2011 at London's Savoy Theatre. Don't miss it!

I can barely contain myself... Deep breath... David "Bombhead" Burke is to appear in Hollyoaks Freshers!

We can't help but feel his return has happened in some part because of the Bring Back Bombhead campaign that the Official Hollyoaks website started back in March this year. Let's talk you through it...

Monday morning, March 15th 2010:

* The Official Hollyoaks website posted a blog announcing Lee Hunter's return. The news prompted fans to call for the second coming of Lee's parnter in crime, Bombhead.

Monday afternoon, March 15th 2010:

* The Official Hollyoaks website posted a new Hot Topic, 'Which classic character would you bring back?'. The response was clear. Audiences wanted Bombhead back.

* This Morning's soap expert Sharon Marshall tweeted us stating that she also wanted Bombhead back. She should know, she's a soap expert.

Wednesday morning, March 17th 2010:

* We spread the bringbackbombhead word all over our website, Twitter and Facebook. You guys pick up on it and run with it. You run with it faster than Usain Bolt after digesting a bumper pack of Duracell batteries.

Friday morning, March 19th 2010:

* The Official Hollyoaks website compiled a Bombhead's best bits gallery (which was difficult to do because everything he ever did in Hollyoaks was the best!). The gallery was viewed by thousands of people, which, after five years away from the show, confirmed Bombhead's popularity. A popularity that will never wane.

Thursday afternoon, August 26th 2010:

* The Official Hollyoaks website got wind that Bombhead was to appear in Hollyoaks Freshers. We convulsed with excitement. We wrote this blog. We then spoke to Lee Otway, the legend who plays Bombhead. This is what he said...

How was it filming Hollyoaks Freshers?

It was good to be back and working with Alex Carter (Lee Hunter). The scenes we filmed were great fun and that transpires on screen - you just see us having a good time.

Would you like to come back to the main show?

Yeah, I would in all honesty. Playing Bombhead in Hollyoaks Freshers made me remember how good a character he is. The storylines Bombhead had the first time around were fantastic and gave the character a lot of depth. The comedy scenes were what Bombhead were known for and they were certainly what I enjoyed. He was a zany, off the wall character who you could do anything with. He's different to other characters in that way.

I would very much like Bombhead to return even if it were just for a brief spell. I still think there's a lot of comedy there with the character that can be exploited. I really love playing that character and I'd jump at the chance to play him again because he was just so fun.

Since you left Hollyoaks have seen Alex Carter (Lee Hunter)?

We've kept in touch and we speak quite often on the phone. He came over to Sheffield for a few days about three months ago. I've been working on something and wanted Alex's input - knowing how well he works with comedy.

So what is it your working on?

I've written a sitcom with Philip Barron who writes for BBC3. A company called McIntyre Entertainments (responsible for Max & Paddy, Phoenix Nights, Early Doors) have optioned my script and are about to take it to broadcasters. After shooting a pilot last year we've secured finance to shoot the project as a film. The project's called 'That Band' (more details can be found at http://www.thatband.net/ ).    

Finally, anything you'd like to say to the fans who've campaigned for your return?

Just thank you! Thank you very much. When I found out about the 'bringbackbombhead' campaign I was over the moon. It's lovely that people still remember the character so many years on and are still fond of him. It meant a lot. I don't know what to say without sounding too over the top - it were lovely!

Watch Bombhead in Hollyoaks Freshers. The first episode airs tonight (Thursday 26th August) at 7pm on http://www.e4.com/hollyoaks/freshers

If you're like us and still want Bombhead back in the main Hollyoaks show keep up the campaigning on our website, Twitter, Facebook... everywhere! #bringbackbombhead

Welcome to this week’s blog from the Hollyoaks music department.

This week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

‘Cherry Moon’ by Lorn – a sombre yet melodic track from Lorn, which provided just the right amount of tension in the aftermath of the Costello family's shock upon discovering Carl’s triste with Mitzeee! 

‘The Outsider’ by Marina & the Diamonds – it would be hard to find a track which more accurately describes Cindy’s feelings at this juncture. Feelings which are highlighted as she watches Tony moving on with his life and sharing happy times with Gabby.

‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun’ by The Libertines – this track was specifically requested by the director as a nod to the fact that this episode was airing on the day this year's Leeds/Reading festival begins; an event The Libertines will be performing at the following day. 

Check out all tunes played in our Hollyoaks playlist!

On our stereo this week:

‘What’s In It For?’ by Avi Buffalo – in keeping with the Leeds/Reading Festival link in, Avi Buffalo will be playing the festival on Friday and if you are lucky enough to be there you could do far worse than check out this band who are scarily assured for ones so young. If they can turn out this kind of music at the age of 19, there can surely only be more to look forward to from this group.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evu_MqAZpC0&ob=av2e

‘Whirring’ by The Joy Formidable - performing at Leeds on Saturday and Reading on Sunday. If you can drag yourself away from the beer tent you are sure to be treated to a gloriously uplifting, raucous & anthemic performance from this Welsh three piece. Not one to be missed.

http://www.myspace.com/thejoyformidable 

Coming up in next week’s episodes: Kylie, Ian Britt and Mumford & Sons.

Until then…

Kate & James  

This week India's sister Texas returned to Hollyoaks. What with her sponging ways, Texas is already annoying the jeepers out of India.

Such foibles haven't put the men of Hollyoaks off beautiful Texas. It looks like Dave has fallen head over heels for her and we're sure he won't be the last man to try his luck.   

Which Hollyblokey do you think would be best suited to Tex? Choose one of our below options or enter your own suggestion in the 'othe' box...

Spoiler alert!

We can exclusively reveal that this Friday Dave "The Rave" Colburn is set to show his cheeky li'l face in Hollyoaks village for the final time. However, you'll still be able to follow the madcap adventures of Dave for another few weeks. Confused? Read on...

Dave, played by Elliot James Langridge, entered the main Hollyoaks show back in the summer of 2009 before dragging Josh off for fun times in Manchester. It was here where they both starred in the boozed up online spin-off, Hollyoaks: The Morning After the Night Before. In September of last year party boy Dave came back to Hollyoaks proper to study at the HCC.

Dave's wild lifestyle went on to wreak havoc in the village. He was involved in many student hi-jinx (including stealing the MOBS bike and wrecking The Dog in the Pond), as well as getting accused of date raping Anita Roy and having a key role in the aftermath of Josh's crash.

It's fitting that just as Dave was introduced to audiences through an online Hollyoaks spin-off, Dave's departure will also be shown during an online Hollyoaks spin-off. Yep, Elliot's character is to conclude his time on Hollyoaks via Hollyoaks Freshers - the online drama which begins this Thursday (26th August) at 7pm on e4.com/freshers.

Before Thursday's debut Hollyoaks Freshers episode get your teeth stuck into Lee Hunter's video blogs on Facebook! Oh yes! The character who was last seen in Hollyoaks in 2005 makes his return to the show in this brand new online drama. Check it right out!

So that's that! Michaela McQueen has said goodbye to Hollyoaks village! After getting the sack from The Chester Herald, Michaela's decided to move to London to be with Zak. Let's not dwell on the sad time, instead let's think about the good times...

Michaela was a cracking comedy character and we want to know what was your favourite MM comedy moment? Choose one of the below or write an alternative in the other box...

Episodes of new online drama Hollyoaks Freshers start on Thursday! We're so excited we could kiss Myra McQueen, but instead we'll settle for watching the above Hollyoaks Freshers trailer.

Remember, the fun of Hollyoaks Freshers doesn't end when episodes finish, oh no, siree Bob! You can see what Freshers Lee Hunter, Charlotte, Texas and Jamil are up to on Facebook. There you'll find video blogs, photos and status updates.

Along with picture galleries, on set blogs and spoilers, Hollyoaks Freshers episodes will appear on this here Hollyoaks Freshers website.

Remember that heady day back on the 15th July when we told you about Hollyoaks Freshers? You know, the new online drama that's set to follow the off-screen exploits of Hollyoaks characters, whilst also introducing three new Hollyoaks Community College students ahead of their arrival in the Channel 4 show in September? Yeah, the one that features Lee Hunter's return. Yeah, you remember...

Hollyoaks Freshers webisodes don't go online until August 26th, but that hasn't stopped us going Freshers gaga! We've got a Freshers websitee that includes on set blogs, character profiles and exclusive pictures. A whole host of Freshers characters have also gone and got Facebook profiles. Truth fact! Yep, Lee Hunter's on there, as is India's sister Tex, HCC student Charlotte and newbie Jamil. In fact, the above video is taken from Lee's Facebook.

For more details about the crazy world of Freshers come over here, you information seeker, you...

Welcome to this week’s blog from the Hollyoaks music department.

This week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

‘No Turning Back’ by Sarah Blasko – unease abounds throughout Hollyoaks village and the quick panning shots combine with the edgy drum beat of this track to great effect.

‘Superman’ by Five For Fighting – our lovely Steph is moved to tears as she watches the poignant film Louis has made about his battle with cancer. The emotion of the film is mirrored by the lyrics of the song telling us ‘it’s not easy being me’ as we see Louis stood by his chemo drip. We get the feeling that Steph’s heart is breaking a little for Louis and also a little for herself.

‘Glam’ by Christina Aguilera – a song about fashion for an opening sequence about a fashion show. Ok, ok, so perhaps it was an obvious choice, but you have to admit it was the perfect accompaniment to our glamorous ladies strutting their stuff. 

Check out all tunes played in our Hollyoaks playlist!

On our stereo this week:

‘After Dark’ by The Count & Sinden featuring Mystery Jets – we simply can’t get enough of this devilishly catchy euphoric collaboration between the Mystery Jets' melodies and The Count & Sinden’s floor filling beats. We defy you not to get your boogie on when you hear this track around town at the weekend. It’s enough to brighten even the dreariest of August evenings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs9vRtZsMz0

‘Always‘ by Junip – touted as Jose Gonzales’ new ‘rock band’. Rock may be stretching it a little but this is certainly a fuller sound than Gonzales’ previous solo albums. His characteristic distant vocals and gently rhythmic guitar are still present but there is now the welcome addition of spacey synth sounds and the vital pulsing percussion provided by drummer Elias Araya. All coming together to create a sound reminiscent of 70's psychedelia at its best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNS4nGq-MaU

Coming up in next week’s episodes: Lorn, Marina & The Diamonds and The Futureheads.

Until then…

Kate & James

So, now we've met all of the Sharpe family. There's dad Phil who doesn't seem too popular with mum Gabby and then there's the kids, Taylor and Amber. Taylor's astute and sensitive and Amber's a real live wire.

We obviously know who the Hutch's favourite is (can Tony just keep it in his pants for five mintutes?), but which Sharpe is your favourite?

Back in July we told you lovely lot that a new family called the O'Connors were coming to Hollyoaks. Now we can reveal that they're due to hit our screens on 1st September! Oooooh! And see that picture above? Yeah? Well, that's what the O'Connors look like!

You may recognise Diane O'Connor (middle right) - she's played by Alex Fletcher. Alex starred in Brookside for a whopping 13 years as Jacqui Farnham (nee Jacqui Dixon). You may also recognise Sinead O'Connor (not the popstar!) because she's played by Over The Rainbow's Stephanie Davis.

Alex had this to say upon joining the show: "I am delighted to be back filming at Lime Pictures where I started my career on Brookside (then Mersey TV). I worked with Paul on Brookside and I’m thrilled and honoured to be working with him again, especially as this is such an exciting time for Hollyoaks."

If you can't wait until 1st September for the family's on screen arrival, then click here for O'Connor spoilers!

So, that's then... In Friday's 6.30pm episode, after four years on the show, the remaining members of the Valentine family said goodbye to the Hollyoaks circus and off they went with a trumpety-trump.

They had bad times, they had sad times, they had good times (though we can't actually think of any). They'll be missed. But which one of Friday's departing Valentines will you miss the most? Lauren? Leo? Or Sasha?

Normally us folk here at Hollyoaks HQ only ever watch Hollyoaks (we have it on loop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), however, today we've got special allowance to briefly take our eyes off all the goings-on in the Deva village.

Yep, tonight we'll be tuning into Living TV at 9pm because there's a special Hollyoaks themed episode of Britain's Next Top Model being aired.

In the episode, the stunning would-be supermodels are mentored by Hollyoaks cast members before performing various unscripted scenes based on outrageous soap scenarios that they later acted out for Hollyoaks’ Series Producer Paul Marquess. Paul then identified the strongest actor with the winner bagging herself and a friend a special date with two Hollyoaks hunks in a top Liverpool night spot.

The following day, the girls returned to the Hollyoaks set where they donned skimpy underwear and high heels for their roles as sexy extras in an actual Hollyoaks episode. The winning model, from the previous day’s challenge, also landed herself a speaking part in the episode which is due to air on Friday 27th August.

Hollyoaks Series Producer Paul Marquess said, “It was great fun having the Britain’s Next Top Model girls come down to the set and perform for us. The scenes in which the girls feature for Hollyoaks were absolutely hilarious. I don’t want to spoil anything for viewers but all I will say is that Duncan Button (Dean Aspen)'s reaction to being in a room of hot models in their underwear makes for very entertaining viewing!”

Dudes and dudesses, it's that time of the year when we plead. We plead like a footballer asking for forgiveness after cheating on his WAG! We don't want no second chances though, we merely want you to go on over to www.insidesoap.co.uk and put a cross next to all things Hollyoaks!

By voting and filling in all your details you stand the chance of winning a pair of tickets to the Awards ceremony, to be held in London on Monday 30 August. Oooh!

The Hollyoaks Inside Soap Awards nominees are:

Best Actor

* ASHLEY TAYLOR DAWSON (Darren Osborne, Hollyoaks)
* KIERON RICHARDSON (Ste Hay, Hollyoaks)
* GLEN WALLACE (Malachy Fisher, Hollyoaks)

Best Actress

* CLAIRE COOPER (Jacqui McQueen, Hollyoaks)
* GEMMA MERNA (Carmel Valentine, Hollyoaks)
* CARLEY STENSON(Steph Cunningham, Hollyoaks)

Best Young Actor

* ELLIS HOLLINS (Tom Cunningham, Hollyoaks)
* LYDIA WATERS (Holly Hutchinson, Hollyoaks)

Best Newcomer

* DEAN ASPEN (Duncan Smith, Hollyoaks)
* KRIS DEEDIGAN (Des Townsend, Hollyoaks)

Funniest Performance

* ASHLEY TAYLOR DAWSON (Darren Osborne, Hollyoaks)
* BRONAGH WAUGH (Cheryl Brady, Hollyoaks)

Sexiest Male

* ASHLEY TAYLOR DAWSON (Darren Osborne, Hollyoaks)
* ANTHONY QUINLAN (Gilly Roach, Hollyoaks)

Sexiest Female

* JENNIFER METCALFE (Mercedes Fisher, Hollyoaks)
* CARLEY STENSON (Steph Cunningham, Hollyoaks)

Best Wedding

* TONY HUTCHINSON & CINDY CUNNINGHAM (Hollyoaks)
* CALVIN & CARMEL VALENTINE (Hollyoaks)

Best Exit

* LOUI BATLEY (Sarah Barnes, Hollyoaks)
* RICKY WHITTLE (Calvin Valentine, Hollyoaks)

Best Stunt

* JOSH ASHWORTH'S  CAR CRASH  (Hollyoaks)
* SARAH BARNES' PARACHUTE DEATH (Hollyoaks)

Best Dramatic Performance

* CARLEY STENSON  Steph learns she has cancer (Hollyoaks)
* STEPHANIE WARING Cindy's terror at young Holly's disappearance (Hollyoaks)

Best Soap

* HOLLYOAKS

Vote!!!

Welcome to this week’s blog from the Hollyoaks music department.

This week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

‘You Should Learn’ by We Are Scientists – You’d think poor old Malachy would have learnt to have a bit of caution when it comes to the ladies by now, but it seems he’s been played again, this time by Veronica. Poor old Mal, when will he learn?

‘Celestica’ by Crystal Castles – Another track that made the leap from the ‘on our stereo’ section to the programme and very pleased about it we were too. If you’re lucky enough to be heading to the Leeds/Reading Festival this year you’ll be able to catch Crystal Castles live. They play Leeds on the 27th and Reading on the 28th.

‘This Sweet Love (Prins Thomas Sneaky Edit)’ by James Yuill – This beautiful remix provided the perfect soundtrack for an emotional farewell to the Valentine’s (sob sob). We wish them all well and here’s hoping a happier future lies ahead for them all!

Check out all tunes played in our Hollyoaks playlist!

On our stereo this week:

Magnetic Man - 'I Need Air'

Magnetic Man are the combined forces of three rather successful dubstep producers Skream, Benga and Artwork.This is the first single to be released from their upcoming debut album. Skream has already tasted mainstream success - he produced the huge remix of La Roux's 'In for the Kill', which featured everywhere last year. Combining ravey synths, big snares and a delicate and hooky melody, reminiscent of some great dance tracks from the nineties,  the song has already gone top ten and we think it deserves all the attention it can get!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2vWQFHP3D0

‘Lost Art of Keeping A Secret’ by Queens of the Stone Age – Rated R has just been re-released and we can think of no finer reason to revel in the glory that is this track. Devil horns at the ready - let’s rock!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l0nzPpvbFs&feature=av2e

Coming up in next week’s episodes: Sarah Blakso, Five for Fighting and Christina Aguilera.

Until then…

Kate & James

During Wednesday night's 6.30pm episode, Malachy finally saw the light and effectively handed his notice in with Mercedes! Yep, after a year and a half of not-so marital bliss, it looks like Malachy and Mercedes have come to an end.

We guess their split was only a matter of time, what with Mercedes having had a long-term affair with Calvin Valentine (R.I.P) and Malachy wanting a quickie with Veronica...

But what next for Malachy? Should he remain single? Perhaps you think he should give it another go with Mercedes (and if so, why!?)? Or what about Cheryl's best mate Lynsey? Could there be chemistry between them? Or maybes you think Mal should hook up with someone else?

Let us know in the poll below!

There's been much rumour and speculation surrounding young Miss Hollie-Jay Bowes of late. Well, we can now officially confirm that Hollie-Jay, the lass who plays Michaela McQueen, is set to leave Hollyoaks.

Yes, the girl who loved Hollyoaks so much that she changed her name to Hollie (this isn't necessarily true) makes her last appearance in the show on Monday 23rd August.

Hollie-Jay has played Michaela since 2006. She first appeared as Amy Barnes' "friend". Well, at times she appeared more like an enemy to poor Amy, but still...

Other Michaela Mac storylines include: Her quest to meet her real father (which ultimately ended in disaster); losing her virginity to Sonny Valentine; singing lead vocals in the best band in the world ever (The Baby Diegos); having a heroin overdose; developing a crush on Mike Barnes (our particular favourite); seeing her sister Tina blown up to smithereens and finally; her on-off relationship with cheeky chappie/racist Zak Ramsey.

So how does Michaela leave the village? Well, you'll just have to tune in on August 23rd to find out! The suspense is killing us!

Last week Mitzeee found a pair of boxing shorts belonging to Jason, Jasmine's alter-ego. Then during Monday's 6.30pm episode on Channel 4, Jasmine was forced to hide from her dad Carl to escape being seen dressed as a boy.

This whole issue is obviously causing Jasmine some distress and, you know what they say, better out then in, so who do you think Jasmine confide in? Who should confess to about Jason?

Hollyoaks actors Anthony Quinlan (Gilly) and Stephen Uppal (Ravi) recently proved they ain't no fools when they met The A-Team actor Rampage Jackson (pictured left).

Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter and Hollywood actor Rampage took time out from his busy A-Team promotion schedule to train with his UFC cohort Michael Bisping (pictured right) in Widnes' Wolfslair gym. 

You'd be forgiven in thinking, "Yeah, ok, but why the blazes are Gilly and Ravster knocking around with UFC fighters?" The reason, dear readers, is that Bisping's set to star in the next series of Hollyoaks Later. The Hollyoaks spin-off, which is to air on e4 in October, sees Bisping play an underworld gangster called Nathan.

Find out what Hollyoaks series producer Paul Marquess had to say about Nathan right here.

Move over the A-Team because the McQueen girls are the FHM-team! Jorgie Porter (Theresa), Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes), Gemma Merna (Carmel) and Claire Cooper (Jacqui) got dirty for the special action issue of the magazine which is on sale now.

Such snippets of info like the below feature in the mag:

Claire Cooper said: “I like an action man, I like a guy who can do stuff and use his own initiative. Weirdly, I really fancy Jeff Goldblum, he rocks my world, he’s a big tall man. Bruce Willis in Die Hard is quite hot. But it has to be Goldblum, though not in The Fly.”

Jorgie Porter added: “For my work experience at high school I went into the Army for a week. It was the best thing! If I wasn’t doing this, I think I’d definitely join up. I fired a gun – I think it was an SA80 – and I got my skin caught when I changed the magazine. That hurt!

Jennifer Metcalfe commented: “A man needs to be a real man, not those bulging six-packs, that’s disgusting. I like a real man, none of that action-hero body stuff – that’s weird.”

“As I’ve got older I’ve got a lot more fearless. We had to do our own stunts for this church explosion [in Hollyoaks], and we had to chuck ourselves off the church balcony. That was fun.”

Gemma Merna revealed: “I wouldn’t say I was particularly hard. I’ve only ever been in play fights. But I’d definitely step in to protect a friend. I used to do tae kwon do and judo when I was young and was good at the kicks and punching, but I didn’t get a black belt. I didn’t get into a fight, I got bored and moved onto dancing. I could dance myself out of a fight.”

Anyways, the full feature, including more amazing pictures appear in this month’s FHM Magazine, which is on sale now or you can see more of the Hollyoaks ladies at www.fhm.com/hollyoaks

Warning! Spoiler alert!

Grab those hankies because a whole host of characters are leaving Hollyoaks this week.

Des, Jake, Kris and Zak are all set to depart the village, but what we want to know is who your favourite has been?

Ok, so Des went a bit (read: a lot) racist, but before that he actually seemed really nice. As Jacqui McQueen's boyfriend he counter-balanced her tough ass persona really well.

Then there was Jake, who returned for a second spell in the village in 2009. He tried ever so hard to shake off the shackles that come with being sectioned in a psychiatric ward, but unfortunately for him the residents of Hollyoaks village were less than forgiving. Cindy pinned the blame on Jake after her daughter Holly went missing, his old nurse then kidnapped him and then Loretta decided to make Jake seem mad again. Poor bloke.

What can you say about Kris? The unique fashionista didn't care what he said or who he said it to as long as he got his point across. A jack of all trades from DJing to designing, from counselling to a call centre, Kris had to contend with a HIV scare and a bisexual love triangle.

Though it doesn't seem it, Zak "the mouth of scouse" Ramsey, has actually been in and out of Hollyoaks since 2004. In his time Zak has had romantic liasons with Zoe (jealous!), Jess and Katy before settling with the one-time love of his life Michaela. Unfortunately, the death of Zak's brother in Afghanistan lead the once cheeky Zachary to go off the rails. He went nuts and lost his lady.

Welcome to this week’s blog from the Hollyoaks music department.

This week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

‘Brighter Than Sunshine’ by Aqualung – a reappearance for Steph & Gilly’s ‘song’ for this touching moment where they are choosing the music for their first dance. Ahh - ain’t love grand. 

‘Rollerblades’ by Eliza Doolittle – a theme of change runs through this song brought to us by the latest perky pop songstress. This fitted the opening sequence well as we see our characters struggling to come to terms with all the changes afoot. 

‘Liar’ by Mumford & Sons – this track was chosen by the writer and it was great to be able to use one of the less well known Mumford & Sons tracks. You can’t really argue with the appropriateness of the lyrics which fitted in so neatly with Michaela and Jacqui’s dismay over Zak and Des’ deception.       

Check out all the tunes played in this week in our Hollyoaks playlist!

On our stereo this week:

‘Tell Em’ by Sleigh Bells - Futuristic and weird pop which manages to sound like loads of other stuff and nothing else at all at the same time. It's as if someone greedily scoffed loads of different musical genres and then sneezed them back out again.  Some grimy distorted beats clash pleasingly with shoe-gazey guitars and a sing-song nursery rhyme melody from singer Alexis. All this accompanied by what sounds like a group of teenagers having a pretty aggressive game of laser quest in the background. From Brooklyn (why do bands like this never come from Ipswich?), the two-piece have been receiving a fair share of attention recently - nice to see a band rewarded for doing things a little differently.

http://www.myspace.com/sleighbellsmusic

‘In The Water’ by Beat Connection – blissful shimmery electro pop instantly transporting you to a sun-drenched beach with the sound of the ocean gently lapping at your toes. With July pretty much having been a wash out, this track is enough to make us chant "rain, rain go away, let us have our sun again"! In the hope that we can put on our headphones, lie back and let the loveliness of this track wash over us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvg_Vz3gpBk
 
Coming up in Hollyoaks next week: We Are Scientists, Crystal Castles and James Yuill.

Until then…

James & Kate 

All the internet savvy folk amongst you will be well aware that the Official Hollyoaks website is all over Twitter. Oh yeah, we regularly update you with salacious gossip, news and views from set of the Chester village.

What's more, a load of the Hollyoaks cast are also on Twitter. So, our prying eyes couldn't help but notice that a certain Gerard McCarthy (who plays Kris) made a bit of a faux pas yesterday. We'll let Gerard talk you through it...

"I have never been so mortified in my entire life!!! I was just walking along the South Bank and spotted Ricky Whittle (Calvin Valentine) just ahead of me. I ran up to him, jumped on his back, started screaming like a 14 year old girl and wrestled him onto the grass. Just as I was mid-dry-hump he shouted, "What the **** are you doing man?" The man turned to face me - and it wasn't Ricky!!!!! I honestly have never experienced embarrassment like it... Ever."

Poor Gerard! But did Ricky offer any sympathy? Nope! "That is the funniest thing I've heard. Ha ha!!" said the former Hollyoaks hunk.

Official Hollyoaks: http://twitter.com/hollyoaks

Gerard McCarthy (Kris): http://twitter.com/Gerard_McCarthy

Ricky Whittle (Calvin): http://twitter.com/MrRickyWhittle

Poor old Lauren's had a tough time of late. She's been lead astray by bad boy Gaz Bennett, she's had her bro Calvin murdered and she's had a spell in hospital. Is it any wonder she's considering a move away from Hollyoaks?

However, her way out of the village has come via her very unreliable mother, Val. Can Lauren trust or should she stick with her dad Leo and her sister Sasha?

Tomorrow (Tuesday) Victoria Atkin who plays new Hollyoaks character Jasmine is to feature on BBC1's Breakfast show. So, if you fancy finding out more about Victoria whilst your chomping down on your bowl of cornflakes be sure to tune in from 6am-8:45am.

As we mentioned at the beginning of last month, Jasmine's set to be involved in one of Hollyoaks' hottest ever storylines, so who knows what goss Victoria might spill about here character tomorrow morning?

For more info on Victoria click on her cast profile.