:

The TV Choice Awards 2010 have opened, which is obviously great news in itself, but get this, right, because Hollyoaks has been shortlisted as 'best soap'! Ooooooooh!

Could you do us a favour and vote for us, please? It'll take less than a minute of your time and we'll be ever so grateful. Please! I'm begging here!

Just think of all the awesome storylines we've had this year: The Calvin murder, the student car crash, Holly's disappearance, Josh's prison stretch. Then combine these gripping plots with our sexy cast and, well, what we're looking at here is the 'best soap'.

Click here to do the voting honours!

Thanks!

It's been a hell of a week for Tony! One minute it seems he's about to buy a family home in North Wales for himself, Cindy and Holly and then the next, well, he wants a divorce!

What the heckers is going on? Well, for starters he's met Gabby Sharpe.

But is Tony doing the right thing? Should he divorce Cindy? Or deep down are they well suited? Or do you think he's better matched to Gabby?

Let us know in the comments box below!

As regular readers of this here Official Hollyoaks website will know, there are LOADS of new characters set to make their way into the village over the forthcoming months. In the last two weeks we've told you about the future arrivals of the mischievous Bart McQueen, an aspiring glamour model called Mitzeee, the O'Connor family, Cheryl's best mate Lynsey and Cheryl's bad boy brother Brendan.

If you care to shifty your eyes up a bit, then you'll see what Brendan looks like... WHAT A MOUSTACHE, EH!? Does it float your boat? Does HE float your boat? Are any of your boats involved at all!? Let us know in the comments box below!

Emmett J. Scanlan - the actor who plays Brendan Brady - can be followed on Twitter. And don't forget! For all your Hollyoaks news, views and silly 'Oaks related tweeting, follow insidehollyoaks. Sorted.

*Warning! Spoilers!*

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

Cheryl's brother Brendan Brady (Emmett Scanlan) bursts into Hollyoaks in the week commencing 2nd August and he’s a real bad boy to say the least!  Driven by inner demons, he lies, he cheats and he’s willing to do just about anything to get what he wants. Everyone can see that he’s trouble but poor Cheryl will have none of it – in her eyes Brendan is a real gent.  He’s far from a gent, he’s a classic soap villain!

Cheryl’s gorgeous best friend Lynsey (Karen Hassan), who we first met in 2008’s Hollyoaks Later series, also turns up in Hollyoaks village in early August. While she’s not out to hurt anyone, Lynesy manages to ruffle someone’s feathers when she finds herself the new love interest of a much-loved Hollyoaks resident! 

Bart McQueen (Jonny Clarke) is set to cause trouble for the rest of the McQueen family this summer when he misleads them into taking him in. Myra and the girls meet Bart at his step-mum’s funeral where he’s suited and booted and appearing as the perfect gent. But like Bredan, Bart ain’t no gent! Myra knows she’s in for trouble when he lists a history of ASBOs and misdemeanours. Bart has a thirst for doing wrong; he’s scruffy and fuelled with attitude, but yet he’s charming and never fails with the ladies! 

In the week commencing 19th July, Samantha Giles returns to the role of Val Holden, after Lauren (Dominique Jackson) is seriously injured following an accident involving her sister Sasha (Nathalie Emmanuel).  But does Val’s return spell more heartache for Lauren?  Her mum has always let her down in the past, but could this be a new start for the troubled mum and daughter?  Samantha Giles comments, “I’m thrilled to be back working with the girls and of course the lovely Brian Bovell (Leo).  It feels like I was never away and it’s great to come back and play the fabulously manipulative Val – and this time without the restraint of a big baby bump!”

But as new cast arrive; sadly some much-loved Hollyoaks residents are setting sail for pastures new.  In the week commencing 2nd August, Hollyoaks waves goodbye to Kris (Gerard McCarthy), Zak (Kent Riley) and Jake (Kevin Sacre).  It’s an emotional departure for Kris and Zak who arrived in Hollyoaks in 2006 as university freshers; they were part of the first set of students to graduate on the show. But it’s time for a fresh start for the cross-dressing graduate. And for Zak, it’s an opportunity to put his recent mistakes behind him. Jake leaves in more troubling circumstances as ex-girlfriend Loretta's (Melissa Walton) behaviour becomes increasingly disturbing and her unstable mind puts him and another Hollyoaks’ resident’s lives at risk… 

Hollyoaks producer Paul Marquess said “This is a really exciting time for Hollyoaks and Brendan, Lynsey and Bart bring more fun, drama and sexiness to the show. Of course we’re sad to say goodbye to Kris, Zak and Jake but we wish the boys well in their future endeavours and we look forward to the new residents causing some trouble in the Village!”

Brendan and Lynsey aren't the only new characters coming to Hollyoaks. Earlier this week we told you about an aspiring glamour model set to make waves in the village...

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

The Hollyoaks musical highlights from June 21st - 25th:

‘Take It In’ by Hot Chip – The hectic opening to this track worked really well with the confusion between Tony and Gabby and the subsequent car crash. As the more upbeat chorus kicks in we see young lovers Newt and Rae doing their thing in Relish. The song is taken from the band’s pop-tastic recent album “One Life Stand.”

‘On Melancholy Hill’ by Gorillaz – One of the few tunes from the excellent new Gorillaz’s album ‘On Plastic Beach’ which doesn’t feature guest stars, giving an opportunity for Damon Albarn’s gift for simple melodies to shine. One of the more straightforward pop songs on the album, the nostalgic opening riff and the plaintive vocal fitted the opening of the episode well, as we see Tony considering his future with Cindy and Newt and Rae struggling to cope with Newt’s young sibling Jensen.  

‘Bitter Boys and Graceless Girls’ by The Fanclub – The scene with Newt deciding to leave Hollyoaks for good needed a track which was both dramatic and emotional but not too sad. The instrumental version of this track by the up and coming London five-piece ‘The Fanclub’ fitted the bill perfectly and meant the popular former emo-child bade his final farewells to the village with hope and fond memories in his heart.

For a list of all the tunes played in Hollyoaks, check out our playlist page.

On our stereo this week:

‘Stay Close’ by Dolorean – A euphoric slice of balarean-dance-pop from these young Spainards. Effotlessly combing the best elements of house music with floaty vocals and pinpoint melodies, this would be a suitable soundtrack to all those world cup barbeques this weekend. Maybe ‘Fab Cap’ should try it in the dressing room before the game - could well get the players loosened up and ready to thrash Germany!

http://www.myspace.com/delorean

‘All I Want’ by Sarah Blasko – Pleasingly offbeat tune with an ae-inspiring, eerie vocal and some delicate keyboard work. Her impressive recent album was produced by Bjorn of Peter, Bjorn and John, and it’s a great example of skilful production aiding great songwriting.

http://www.myspace.com/sarahblasko

Coming up in Hollyoaks next week, listen out for Ladytron, Skeletons and Foals.

Until then!

James and Kate 

21-year-old aspiring glamour model Mitzeee is set to arrive in Hollyoaks this summer! Played by the gorgeous Rachel Shenton, Mitzeee looks likely to cause havoc in the village, and break many hearts along the way.

We caught up with Rachel to find out how she feels to become a part of the Hollyoaks cast: “To be a part of something as fun as this with such a young cast is great. It’s just a lovely atmosphere. I’ve been working here about six weeks and I know it’s such a cliché to say everyone’s lovely and it’s really friendly, but it actually is!"

“It’s so nice to play something that is the complete opposite to you, because I don’t think you get the chance to do that very often in soaps since it mimics real life,” Rachel added. “Mitzeee is the complete opposite to me, and it’s great to get in character because she’s so fun to play. I’ve never played a character like this before. She’s such a trouble-maker!”

We can't reveal any more than this, but keep your eyes glued to your screens to catch the stunning Mitzeee's arrival, and find out about the big secrets she's hiding...

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

Last week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

‘Keep On Swimming’ by Matthew P – the sentiment of this song is overwhelmingly one of keeping hope alive in a time of adversity, something all the characters in our opening sequence are battling to do.

‘You Are My Sunshine’ by Frank Turner – a seemingly happy song on the surface, Frank Turner’s delivery brings a melancholia to this track, which is perfectly in keeping with Gilly’s concern for the terrible struggle Steph is facing.  

‘I Can Talk’ by Two Door Cinema Club – this band have previously featured in our ‘on our stereo’ section and once again bring us a seriously catchy driving melodic indie number. It was a real pleasure to find a scene where the track could be put to such good use. It may only be a short scene, but it gives you enough of a taste to want to hear more, which is indicative of this Bangor trio’s music.   

Discover all the songs played in Hollyoaks last week here.

On our stereo this week:

‘Forever and Ever Amen’ by The Drums - This band seems to split opinion quite dramatically, lots of people  think they're an overly fey Smiths/Joy Divsion rip-off, whereas others are proclaiming them as a fresh,summery and exciting addition to the rather crowded indie scene.I would say it's always better to cause a fuss and a debate than to illicit mere shrugs of indifference.  Whatever your opinion on them, it's hard to deny the sheer melodic energy of this track, and the songwriting skills on display. They have a knack for crafting classic-sounding choruses and it would be no surprise to hear them being belted back by passionate crowds at the British festivals this summer. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkk8kUGWYZA

‘Tenderoni (Larry Tee and Beckwith remix) by Kele – Kele’s Okereke’s relatively commercial, electro sounding, debut solo single was crying out for some banging remixes and this one certainly unleashes it’s floor filling potential to full effect. Turn the volume up and you’re sure to be waving you’re hands in the air like you just don’t care before the track is done. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oit38h1zEw8&feature=related

Coming up in Hollyoaks next week listen out for Hot Chip, the Gorillaz & The Fanclub.

Until then!

James and Kate

So Michaela’s desperately trying to make a name for herself as a journalist, but has she gone too far this time? She might be on to a ‘killer’ story, but exploiting a grieving Carmel isn’t exactly a very sisterly act! 

Maybe this will be Michaela’s big break or could she be about to get her just desserts..? Either way, what do you think? Was she right to put her career first? Does she care about her sister’s feelings? Is she actually determined to find Calvin’s murderer or is she just bothered about making headlines?

Carley Stenson - AKA the loveable Steph Cunningham - has announced that she is to leave the show at the end of the year!

Stephanie ‘De La’ Dean arrived in Hollyoaks in 2000 and has experienced some of life’s most difficult challenges including; the emotional breakdown of her parents’ marriage, the realisation of her epilepsy, love, heartbreak and the death of her husband Max on their wedding day, surviving a terrifying attack from stalker / psycho Niall, and most recently her diagnosis of cervical cancer that has rocked Steph, who is just 24 years old, to the core.

In emotional and dramatic scenes, viewers have recently seen Steph cope with the revelation that she has cervical cancer after she ignored key symptoms.  As she undergoes a hysterectomy to treat the cancer, Steph’s future with new found love Gilly is uncertain…

Producer Paul Marquess has said: “We are very proud of the cervical cancer story-line and Hollyoaks’ ability to bring a sweet and humorous tone to such a tragic story.  Viewers can look forward to the return of ‘Stephanie De La Dean’ as Steph revisits her desire for fame and stardom in a bid to cope with her illness.  We also hope that the message of early detection for cervical cancer reaches our young audience.  We are obviously very sad to see Steph go – she has been a much-loved character on the show for a decade, but we wish Carley all the best for a very bright and successful career.”

Meanwhile Carley commented: “Leaving Hollyoaks is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made.  It has been my dream job for 10 years and I shall miss all of the fantastic friends I have made in the cast and crew.  I am very sad to leave but I’m ready for new challenges and I’m looking forward to pursuing a career in musical theatre.”    

Poor Theresa is struggling to know what to do about her unborn baby. Carmel’s been trying to persuade Theresa not to terminate her pregnancy. With Calvin gone, she sees Theresa’s baby as a new life to look forward to and Carmel wants to help.

Meanwhile Jacqui’s pleading with Theresa to go through with the abortion. She points out that not only could the baby become evidence pointing towards Theresa being Calvin’s murderer, but finding out the truth about the baby’s father would kill Carmel.  

Theresa has a really tough decision to make. Should she listen to Carmel and keep her baby? Or should she take heed on Jacqui’s warning and go through with the termination?   

What do you think Theresa should do? Let us know in the comments box below...

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

This week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

‘Bourre Pif’ -  Laurent Garnier – The script for this episode asked for Rae to be listening to some music that would annoy Darren at that time of the morning. We chose this smooth drum ‘n’ bass banger from the legendary French Dj/Producer Laurent Garnier, from his impressively diverse album 'Tales of a Kleptomaniac' on which he switches effortlessly between techno, drum and bass, hip-hop and dubstep.

‘Chaos’ - New Young Pony Club –. We thought the lyrics to this tune from NYPC’s new album fitted the intro to this scene really well. It’s a pacy, energetic track as well, which can always help the menu sequences have some more impact as we are introduced to that episode’s main stories.

'Barricades' - Fyfe Dangerfield – The director specifically asked us to choose a song for this difficult scene. The emotional resonance of this beautifully sombre track worked perfectly for a scene where Steph is contemplating her fate and the fate of her relationship with her beloved Gilly.

On our stereo this week:

'The Suburbs' - Arcade Fire - loved it from the first listen and loved it even more on the 2nd. Perhaps not as sonically challenging as 'Month of May' (their other new track) it would be easy to dismiss 'The Suburbs' as quite mainstream. However, delve a little deeper beyond the relaxed swagger of the piano and you'll hear some incredibly bleak lyrics, characteristic of Butler's writing style, creating a depth to this track which is sure to make it a classic.  

http://www.myspace.com/arcadefireofficial

‘Forced to Love’ – Broken Social Scene – An anthemic but typically and endearingly scrappy number from this Canadian 7-piece’s new album “Forgiveness Rock Record.” The track skips along on a driving rock beat with funky, simple melodies before a disarmingly catchy group chorus enters along with some pleasing guitar lines. Another great tune from this multi-talented group, who kick started the careers of Feist and Emily Haines of Metric who were vocalists on their early albums.

In next week’s Hollyoaks watch out for tracks by The Phantom Band, Matthew P and Nouvelle Vague.

Until then!


James and Kate

Things aren’t looking too good for Steph. She’s been diagnosed with cervical cancer and she’s not taking the news very well. Devastated, she’s determined to keep this secret from her family and friends—she’s even dropping poor Gilly like a sack of hot potatoes!

Do you think she should tell Gilly the truth or is she doing the right thing keeping him at arm’s length? How do you think he will react when he finds out? Do you think they can make it through this together?

Dean Aspen – AKA cheeky chump Duncan – will be taking part in the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride on 4 July to raise money for The Christie Charity. 

Speaking about the 65 mile bike ride, Dean said: “The work that people do at Christie's is so very important and the cause is something very close to my heart. It is for this reason that I will be getting up at some ridiculous time in the morning, putting on some skin tight shorts that feel like they have a nappy sewn inside, dragging my big fat backside onto a bike (with a very skinny saddle!!!), and sweating, panting and (I'll be honest) probably crying for the 65 miles all the way to sunny Blackpool!!” 

He added: “After all day on a bike chances are that my poor buttocks may never be the same again but it will be worth it to know that we, together, have raised some money for a good cause. So please think of the people you will be helping, think of my bruised posterior and give generously!” 

You can sponsor poor old Dean on his mammoth bike ride by visiting his JustGiving page!

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

This week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

‘Heaven’ by Unkle - one of the stand out tracks from the album End Titles: Stories for a Film. The light and ethereal feeling of this song perfectly suited our characters dreaming of happier times. Fans of skate boarding really should check out the video for some slo mo skating. It’s starts off quite slow but it’s well worth sticking with for some surprisingly explosive action.   

‘Mowgli’s Road’ by Marina & The Diamonds – a slightly eccentric & quirky yet extremely catchy offering from Marina, very much in line with her eclectic approach to pop music. We were very excited to have the band on site recently, recording for an episode of the Hollyoaks Music Show with Matalan.co.uk. Be sure to check out their performance on Saturday 26^th June!

‘Take Over’ by Dutch Uncles – we were really pleased to get a track by this band on, having been fans of theirs for some time. Bringing an upbeat new wave/post punk sound, this unsigned five piece from Manchester have already had some exciting times this year touring with The Futureheads. Check out their myspace (http://www.myspace.com/dutchuncles) for forthcoming gig dates and a brand new single. 

On our stereo this week: 

'Swoon' by Chemical Brothers - The block rockin' funsters return with a euphoric track which could possibly only increase in greatness if pumping out of 200 ft speakers in a field full of happy summer festival goers, as I'm sure it will throughout the summer. A simple vocal hook combines with a wistful guitar riff and the 'brothers' trademark big beats push the song forward to a joyful if abridged conclusion. The 3 minute running time leaves you wanting more of their tasty beat treats, they'll surely provide that on their upcoming album 'Further.' 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCp_3zw-CxA  

‘Tightrope’ by Janelle Monae ft. Big Boi –taken from the genre-splicing, sci-fi inspired album The ArchAndroid, this amazingly funky track stands out as immediately more commercial than some of her earlier work. The Wondamix version of the track is also worth checking out, featuring B.O.B it offers a more paired down sound, leaning heavily towards the hip hop side of things. Check out this incredible live performance: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys4GpR6v0TQ

In next week’s Hollyoaks watch out for tracks by Laurent Garnier, New Young Pony Club and Fyfe Dangerfield. 

Until then!  

Kate and James

In case you haven't heard, The Hollyoaks Music Show with Matalan.co.uk is back for a second series! Show's one and two saw the likes of Diana Vickers, Tinie Tempah and Gabriella Cilmi singing live on the Hollyoaks set. But there's plenty more musical madness to come!

This Saturday, Professor Green, Robyn, and You Me At Six will be performing their tracks in the Hollyoaks village. Meanwhile Diana Vickers will feature in the much-loved 'Popstar, Hollystar'! So make sure you don’t miss The Hollyoaks Music Show with Matalan.co.uk on T4, Saturday 5 June, at 12:30pm… 

Head over to the Matalan.co.uk site now for exclusive interviews, photos and behind the scenes videos from the show…

Josh’s court date for drunk driving is fast approaching and Neville’s got no sympathy for him. Do you think Nev should give him a second chance or does Josh deserve the cold shoulder?

If that’s not enough, rowing with Nev’s driving Suzanne to hit the bottle herself, but instead of stealing cars and driving into trees, she’s been getting a little frisky with Darren! What do you guys think of this turn of events? Should Darren give in to Suzanne’s advances? Would Nev forgive Suzanne if he found out? Should he?

Let us know in the box below!

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

This week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

‘Light It Up’ by Blood Red Shoes – We changed the originally-scripted track as it had been used a few times before and suggested this punchy number from Brighton two-piece Blood Red Shoe’s new album ‘Fire Like This’ instead. The lyrics fitted particularly well with the scene, as we see Jacqui attempting to burn the evidence from Calvin’s murder and Cheryl lighting candles in his honour in the village.

‘You Broke My Heart’ by Alexandra Burke –  The director asked us for a strong, female vocal song for this scene to represent Carmel’s feelings of anger and sadness after finding out about Calvin and Mercedes’ illicit love shenanigans. This dramatic and powerful tune from the 2008 X Factor winner did just the trick.

‘Lovesick’  - 'Friendly Fires' – This funky track from the band’s eponymous debut album highlights their ability to pen catchy disco-pop gems and fitted well with Malachy’s anger at Mercedes and gave the scene some nice pace. Look out for some new material from them soon.

On our stereo this week:

M.I.A. - 'XXXO' – A very commercial return from the artist best know for her Clash-sampling mega-hit ‘Paper Planes.’ That track hung around for a few years after its release but achieved worldwide recognition after it appeared on the ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ soundtrack. A short, simple, well-produced pop song, this may repeat some of that success and should be all over your radios this summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu2YdKuVSRM

The Divine Comedy 'At The Indie Disco' - Neil Hannon once again manages to eloquently described the shared experience of many, managing to make it feel completely personal at the same time. A feat previously achieved in the lyrics of 'National Express' as any one who has sampled the 'delights' of a long haul coach trip will no doubt identify with. Thankfully this track brings far happier memories to mind, although obviously we're far too young to remember ever going to an indie disco (ahem cough cough).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB--qzE4JhE

In next week’s Hollyoaks watch out for tracks by Unkle, Marina and the Diamonds and Dutch Uncles

Until then!


James and Kate