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Like the 80s cartoon star before them (Inspector Gadget – ask your parents, kids), the cast of Hollyoaks love nothing more than to mess around with the latest gizmos.

Why, just the other day, Kevin Sacre (Jake) and Melissa Walton (Loretta) took time out from their busy schedules to test the latest massaging equipment. Whilst Kev and Melissa often do this type of thing in their social lives, this time around they did it for FIVE’s 'The Gadget Show'.

You can see the gadget obsessed pair playing around with a hi-tec foot massager this coming Monday (5^th April) at 8pm on FIVE.

By the by, Gerard McCarthy (he of Kris fame) won media personality of the year at Northern Ireland’s Fate Awards 2010. Woo! Basically that means that Gerard factually has more personality than such Northern Irish celebs as Eamonn Holmes and Terry Wogan. What an accolade!

On Tuesday, Hollyoaks producer Paul Marquess told us that a new family's arrival in the Hollyoaks will change the life of a much loved character forever!

It got us thinking - who is this much loved character? We want your thoughts on which character's life you think will be turned upside down and why.

Let us know in the comments box below!

Back on March 11th, Hollyoaks producer Paul Marquess told us his plans to bring in a new family. Now we can EXCLUSIVELY reveal the name of the family…

… Drumroll, please…

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.”

The clan are set to arrive in Hollyoaks village this summer, so keep them peepers peeled.

Remember, for all your official news, come to e4.com/hollyoaks.

We’ve been banging on about it for months (since early January, in fact) and now we can finally conclude that Kieron did a ruddy good job! Of course, we’re talking about his stint wowing all and sundry in ITV1’s Dancing On Ice.

On Sunday night Kieron (Ste) finished third in the competition and for a man who had never really skated before, well, that was brilliant!

Here’s Kieron’s post-final reaction:

“Just to get through week one, week two and week three and stay in the competition for that long was a complete shock, but to get to the final? We were shocked just as much as everybody else! To perform in the final and getting to see everyone else from the show come back and then getting to fly was just a dream come true.”

As the proclaimed dark horse of the show mentioned, he was flying in the final – literally! Harnessed into all manner of wires, Kieron elegantly floated over the ice. Then, for his second dance of the night, Kiersy resurrected his punk meets Jedward ‘Ever Fallen In Love’ routine.

Unfortunately, Kieron’s ice-y excellence wasn’t enough in the end and some woman or other from Emmerdale won, but we’re not too concerned about that!

As Chris Fountain (who formerly played Hollyoaks’ Justin) put it, “Well done to Kieron Richardson – success story of Dancing On Ice 2010! Every one of us is proud of you!”

Over the last few months Hollyoaks has certainly been well represented in reality TV. Kieron Richardson (Ste) finished third in Dancing On Ice, Ricky Whittle (Calvin) was a runner-up in Strictly Come Dancing and Kev Sacre (Jake) starred in Dancing On Wheels.

All of that got us thinking, which Hollyoaks character would you like to appear in a reality TV show?

Perhaps you’d like to see how the conniving two-faced Darren Osborne would get on in the Big Brother house or maybe the thought of Little Tom Cunningham getting all adventurous in the jungle on I’m A Celebrity tickles your fancy?

Let us know in the comments box below!

You can’t have failed to notice – we’re a bit Dancing On Ice Kieron crazy here at Hollyoaks HQ. Little did we know that the man who plays Ste would go so far in the competition, but he has! HE’S GOT TO THE BLIMMIN’ FINAL!

Anyway, the “blimmin’ final” (trademark Official Hollyoaks website, 2010) is this Sunday on ITV1 at 7.45pm! We would love for you to vote for him if you can. It’s hard to believe, but this time last year Kieron had never skated before, but now look at him! He just glides across the ice like some elegant perma-tanned, Jedward haired angel! Beautiful!

Not only is Kieron supremely talented, but he’s also a genuinely nice man! We know so because each week we’ve been putting him up against your questions. Check out the latest and FINAL Kieronator Dancing On Ice update video. He talks about whipping off his trousers and everything. In fact, at one stage in the video you can even see his pants. Not for the faint hearted!

Meanwhile, back in Hollyoaks village, you may have seen none other than Chip Diddy Chip AKA Chipmunk rocking Duncan’s sixteenth birthday extravaganza at The Loft. We’ve got behind the scenes pics of Chipmunk doing his ting!

Have a good weekend… and vote for Kieron! Please!

In Friday night's Channel 4 episode of Hollyoaks, Theresa finds herself caught between two men - young Duncan and old Tony.

If you were Theresa who would you choose? Perhaps you'd go for another Hollybloke? Maybe you think she should go running back to Newt?

Let us know in the comments box below!

Earlier this month we exclusively announced that the Hollyoaks fellas had recorded a World Cup record for charity. Now, after letting you hear a 30 second teaser of the song ‘Sing For England’, you can see an exclusive clip of the download single’s promo video!

As you can see above, the guys had a lot fun larking about on the set of Hollyoaks whilst making the vid. Our favourite bit’s got to be Brian Bovell (Leo Valentine) doing the Peter Crouch robot – cracking stuff!

We have a sneaking suspicion that some of you pervier folk (if “pervier” is a word!) may enjoy a topless Ricky Whittle (Calvin) too! Ricky Whittle’s also the subject of our latest Hot Topic (‘Who’s your favourite Hollyoaks actor?’)! Pop on over there and give us your opinion!

If you’ve been won over by ‘Sing For England’, you might like to know that the song’s released on Sunday 23^rd May 2010. All profits made from the digital download will go to Alder Hey Imagine Appeal, which raises money for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

There's no doubt about it, this last year has seen Hollyoaks at its most dramatic! Ste Hay was involved in the story which nearly saw baby Lucas abducted, Malachy had to deal with contracting HIV and his wife's affair, and Calvin, well, he's had to deal with being shot dead!

So, it's no surprise to see the Hollyoaks actors who play the above folk - Kieron Richardson (Ste), Glen Wallace (Malachy) and Ricky Whittle (Calvin) - being nominated in the 'Best Actor' category at this year's British Soap Awards.

Let us know which of those actors is your fave in the box below and also remember to vote for your favourite on the British Soap Awards website...

You guys did it! You got Kieron (Ste Hay) through to the final of ITV1’s Dancing On Ice!

Kieron would be first to admit his chances at getting to the showdown of the ice extravaganza were slim, but through sheer hard work and your invaluable support he’s in the grand finale! He even avoided the “dreaded skate-off”!

After his routine, which was performed to Green Day’s ‘Time of Your Life’, judge Karen Barber said, “You were doing some of the hardest things you’ve done so far… For me it was one of your best performances.”

In the build-up to Sunday’s final showpiece (ITV1, 7.45pm), we’ll be catching up with Kieron, as we have done ever since his debut appearance on DOI. We’ll be asking him about his nerves, his hopes, his fears, his fake tan and his thoughts on celebrating in Benidorm. As per, we want your Dancing On Ice questions for Kieron too!

Leave your questions in the comments box below!

Now, it may just be our cupid-like minds working overtime, but it seems like Newt and Rae are growing closer together.

As relationships go, Newt and Rae's is a pretty darn weird one!

At first Rae was a figment of Newt's imagination, then Rae turned out to exist in real-life! Completely different to the Rae that Newt imagined, Newt and Rae waged war against one another. However, it seems like the pair have found common ground of late.

Could Newt and Rae work as a couple? Would you like to see them together?

Let us know in this comments box below!

Contrary to reports on other websites, we can EXCLUSIVELY and OFFICIALLY deny that Claire Sweeney is joining the cast of Hollyoaks.

It had been touted that Claire, who has previously starred in Brookside, would be heading up a new family in the ‘Oaks. But no, no! This is just tittle-tattle! We know so because we’ve just spoken to the man at the helm of Hollyoaks, producer Paul Marquess. He had this to say on the matter:

“I'm a big fan of Claire Sweeney - and really enjoyed working with her during my time on Brookside.  Claire and I have not talked about her joining Hollyoaks, however, so you shouldn't believe everything you read!”

Remember, for all OFFICIAL Hollyoaks news, come to e4.com/Hollyoaks.

Josh has had a tough time of late, but it's ok, it's his birthday today! The question is though, what would you give him for his special day? A new guitar? Singing lessons? A punch in the face!?

Let us know in the comments box below!

Do you remember back in January when we told you Ricky Whittle (Calvin Valentine) was nominated for something called a TRIC Award? Yeah, we had no idea what it was either, but, good news, Ricky won it! He came away as victor of the TV Soap Personality category. IN YOUR FACE, STACEY SLATER!  

So, to belatedly celebrate Ricky’s greatness, we’ve compiled our top ten Ricky Whittle mottos that have no doubt helped him along the way in capturing such an accolade. Oh yeah, Ricky’s quite the philosopher! He leaves us with something to ponder over on daily basis. He’s like the Mr. Motivator of the mind! He is Twitter’s great thinker!

The many thoughts of Sir Ricky Whittle…

“When you reduce life to black and white, you never see rainbows.”

“If you want to make a permanent change, stop focusing on the size of your problems and start focusing on the size of you!”

“Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognise them. Head down, sleeves up and make it happen.”

“God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers, for the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.”

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it. You grow up wanting to leave and grow old wanting to get back.”

“It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees.”

“You were born an original. Don't die a copy.”

“If your walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, no matter the obstacles, distance or time, eventually you'll make progress.”

“People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents. Aim higher.”

“Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises, be inspired, take the chance.”

And our favourite…

“I'm starving, u know a Nandos is in order today!!! Euston Nandos was genius idea!!”

For more of Ricky Whittle’s wise words on Twitter click here. You can find our Twitter account here, but be warned! We’re not as enlightened as Ricky!

Last week we asked you who you were voting for as Sexiest Male at this year's British Soap Awards. It seems at the moment your favourite Hollyhunk is Kieron Richardson (Ste), but who's your fave Hollyhoney? Jorgie (Theresa)? Jen (Mercedes)? Or Gemma (Carmel)?

Let us know in the comments box below and then vote for them on The British Soap Awards website...

Hold on to your hats, because we can officially confirm that Lee “blimmin’” Hunter is coming back to Hollyoaks village!

Lee, played by Alex Carter, was last seen in Hollyoaks way back in 2005. The character left to do voluntary work abroad, but, after a five year hiatus, the cheeky chappy is back. Viewers may also recognise Alex Carter from his four year stint on Emmerdale as Jamie Hope.

Classic Hollyoaks characters are the subject of our latest Hot Topic. Get involved!

Another Hollyoaks-er who’s been moonlighting over on ITV1 is Kieron Richardson (Ste). Kieron, as if we don’t go on about it enough, has been wowing the nation on Dancing On Ice. Anyways, last night he skated his way into the semi-finals after surviving the dreaded skate-off. Thanks to everyone who voted for him, let’s keep it going!

If you have a question for Kieron, leave it in the comments box below and we’ll ask get Kiersy (as he’s never been called before) to respond to it in our weekly Dancing On Ice update.

Following the return of Lee Hunter (as announced in today's blog!), we want to know which other past Hollyoaks cast members you'd like to see back in the show.

Leave your comments in the box below. Ta!

We featured a couple of fresh faces on the Official Hollyoaks website this week. We had a li’l chat with the new man at the helm of Hollyoaks, producer Paul Marquess, as well as a video interview with Helen Russell-Clark.

Helen plays Jem, Gilly’s latest bit on the side. Yep, Gilly, far from his loser persona from a few years back when he couldn’t “bag a bird” to save his life, has got a new woman in his life. You can find out more about Jem in her cast profile and, if you think you know all there is to know about Gilly’s failed relationships, why not test your knowledge in our latest quiz, Gilly’s Girls.

It probably hasn’t escaped your notice either, but H R-C, as we like to call Helen (Jem), is a bit of a hottie, so we thought it was only right to get our hands on a photoshoot of her wearing shorts. Why the hell not, eh?

Someone else who would look good in shorts (and definitely looks good in a leotard!) is Kieron Richardson (Ste). He’s performing in the last five of ITV1’s Dancing On Ice this Sunday (March 14^th). He desperately needs your votes as he seeks to get into the semi-finals of the ice extravaganza, so be sure to tune in at 7.10pm. You can read Kieron’s answers to your Dancing On Ice questions here.

Have a great weekend!

In the next few weeks we'll be following our gal on the inside - Miss Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen) - with a camera as she runs around the set of Hollyoaks, finds fellow Hollyoaks cast members and then asks them your questions!

Once she's done that we'll put the video of their answers up online. Sounds all good in the hood, doesn't it! "Yes!" 

So, what we need from you is questions. If you have any questions for any cast member, simply leave them in the box below.

Nb. 1) Keep the questions clean! 2) They can't answer questions about future storylines and 3) No, they won't marry you, no matter how nicely you ask!

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!”

Remember, for all your official news, come to e4.com/hollyoaks.

Last week we announced that the Hollyoaks lads are to release an England World Cup 2010 charity single. Fourteen of the current cast - plus Chris Fountain (Justin)! – teamed up to record ‘Sing For England’ with all proceeds from the song going Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Nick Pickard (Tony “The Hutch” Hutchinson), long-standing player and captain of the Hollyoaks football team says: “All the lads in the team are passionate about football and we love playing regularly to raise money for charity, so it only seems natural to show our support for the England football team in South Africa by releasing ‘Sing For England’.”

‘Sing For England’ will be available for download from Sunday 23^rd May 2010, but, in the meantime, you can whet your appetite for the ditty with this thirty second sample:

Check out the lairy gallery of the lads in action, as they recorded a promo video for the single.

Here at Hollyoaks HQ we love nothing more than a good dramatic storyline, but, let's be honest, we also love a good bit of flesh on show! "If you've got it, flaunt it!" Well, Hollyoaks has it and, yes, it certainly does flaunt it!

So, it's no surprise to see three Hollyhunks nominated in the 'Sexiest Male' category at this year's British Soap Awards. But who do you think's sexier - Ashley (Darren)? Kieron (Ste)? Or Ricky (Calvin)?

Let us know in the box below and also remember to vote for your favourite on the British Soap Awards website...

Following from the startling news that the Hollyoaks football team are to release an England World Cup 2010 charity record in aid of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, we can now reveal that the Hollyoaks girls are also releasing a charity record!

Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra), Alice Barlow (Rae), Dominique Jackson (Lauren), Jorgie Porter (Theresa) and Melissa Walton (Loretta) have added their vocal prowess to a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s 1980s classic, ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’.

The unique cover will showcase the talents of both cancer sufferers (including British DJ/singer, Sonique) and celeb contributors (including the Cheeky Girls – oh yes!). It’ll be released in late April and sold exclusively in over 800 Tesco stores and available to download on iTunes with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

You can see the Hollyoaks girls in recording session action in this fabulous photo gallery!

Kieron Richardson (Ste)’s also been busy! On Sunday night he skated his way into the last five of ITV1’s Dancing On Ice. Performing a ludicrously camp routine (he was wearing a pink mac and dancing to the Pink Panther theme for cripes sake!), Kieron wowed judges and voters alike as he scored in the twenties for the first time this series. Thanks to all those who voted for him!

So, Gilly's back from his travels with a new woman in his life! Much to Steph's annoyance, he seems pretty loved up with this Jem lady. And then there's Cheryl - why, less than a month ago she was engaged to Gilly!

Who do you think Gilly should be with? Cheryl? Jem? Steph? Or, I dunno... maybe Suzanne Ashworth!? Let us know in the box below!

No one can ever say Hollyoaks is just a mere weekday evening soap opera! Oh no! The show’s had late night spin-offs, online spin-offs, online open auditions, a music show, a character whose storyline reflected her real life, a storyline where a fictional band released a real life single, perfumes, and, of course, our world famous sexy calendars. These are just a few of the things that Hollyoaks has put its name to…

… Sooooooo, it should be of no surprise for you to discover that the Hollyoaks football team is releasing a charity single! And, what with it being a World Cup year, the charity single is an England 2010 World Cup song! Back of the net!

The single, ‘Sing For England’, will be released on Sunday 23^rd May 2010. All profits made from the digital download will go to Alder Hey Imagine Appeal which raises money for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

We’ll put a sampler of the song up on this very website next week. The angelic/lairy chanting voices that feature on the record are from:

• Nick Pickard (Tony)
• John Pickard (Dom)
• Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren)
• Sonny Flood (Josh)
• Nico Mirallegro (Newt)
• James McKenna (Jack)
• Anthony Quinlan (Gilly)
• Stephen Uppal (Ravi)
• Kris Deedigan (Des)
• Stephen Beard (Archie)
• Ricky Whittle (Calvin)
• Brian Bovell (Leo)
• Ashley Margolis (Ricky)
• Chris Fountain (Justin)
• Darren John Langford (Spencer)

*Spoiler Alert*

Next week Gilly returns from his travels. He’s brought a lady going by the name of Jem back with him too! “What about Steph!?” I hear you say! “I thought Steph was the love of Gilly’s life!” Well, that’s exactly what we thought! Helen Russell-Clark, who plays Jem, explains all in a new video interview that’ll be on the website from Monday.

Bit o' fun for a Friday! Following the news that the Hollyoaks football team is set to release a charity record, we want to know which Hollyoaks cast member you think could cut it in the savage world of pop?

Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren) gave it go with alllSTARS*back in 2000 and Hollie-Jay Bowes (Michaela) is currently giving it a go with her group Jeanie In The Radiator, but is there anyone else in the cast who could give Gaga a run for her money?

Let us know below!

The voting for this year's British Soap Awards has now officially opened! Please support Hollyoaks by casting your votes in the following viewer vote categories...

Sexiest Male - Kieron Richardson (Ste), Ricky Whittle (Calvin) and Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren)

Sexiest Female - Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes), Gemma Merna (Carmel) and Jorgie Porter (Theresa)

Villain of the Year - Jamie Lomas (Warren) Joel Goonan (Gaz) and Lydia Kelly (Lydia)

Best Actor - Kieron Richardson (Ste), Ricky Whittle (Calvin) and Glen Wallace (Malachy)

Best Actress - Bronagh Waugh (Cheryl), Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes) and Jorgie Porter (Theresa)

Best Soap – Hollyoaks

Cast your vote over here http://www.britishsoapawards.tv/!

In other news, we’re asking for your questions for ANY Hollyoaks cast member!

Our girl on the inside, the amazing Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen), will be following up her Valentine’s backstage video special by roving around the set of Hollyoaks asking your questions to Hollyoaks actors left, right and centre! Leave your questions for them below…

Kieron Richardson (Ste) showed his six appeal on Sunday evening as he breezed into the last six of ITV1's Dancing On Ice (DOI).

Have you got any questions for Kieron about his DOI experience? If so, let us know below! We'll get Kieron to respond to your queries in his weekly update on Friday...

Happy new week! Hollyoaks’ Tony and Cindy won’t be celebrating though – not after Holly went missing last week. Nick Pickard and Steph Waring, who play Tony and Cindy, will be talking about the Holly storyline on Live From Studio Five tonight.

The pair will be chewing the fat with Ian Wright (ex-footballer), Emma Willis (the wife of ex-Busted star, Matt Willis), and Kate something-or-other (winner of The Apprentice). The show’s on Channel 5 at 6.25-7.30pm. Please note, these times do clash with Channel 4 and e4 transmissions of Hollyoaks!

What else are Hollyoaks cast members up to? Weeeeeeeell… Kieron’s through to the final six of ITV1’s Dancing On Ice! Thanks for your voting, peeps! You’re not the only ones liking Kieron Richardson (Ste) at the moment either. The Dancing On Ice judges seem to be loving him. In fact, judge Emma Bunton said she really “enjoys” watching him. Looking at all your comments, Bunton’s not the only one loving a gawp at Kieron!

If you’re one of the many folk keen on Kieron perhaps you’ll be interested in winning a 'Vote Kieron' t-shirt, designed by Kieron and Bronagh Waugh (Cheryl)? Enter a competition to win the t-shirt here!

Back to the village now and Elliot's having a hard time. We’d go as far to say he’s in a pickle! It’s Elliot’s state that’s our current Hollyoaks Hot Topic. Have your say about the Welsh boyo here!

Elliot’s on the verge of a breakdown after stressing about his studies. He was getting distracted by his housemate Archie, so he moved out. He moved in with Nancy, but now he’s getting distracted by baby Charlie and Nancy’s constant need for attention. His friends just won’t leave him alone!

What should Elliot do? Answers in the comments box below please!