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Welcome to this week’s blog from the Hollyoaks music department.
We’re bringing you something a bit different this week as the Hollyoaks Later episodes have been jammed packed with music in addition to the usual sonic goodies from the 6.30pm episodes. With all of those delights, we simply don’t have room to squeeze in any ‘on our stereo’ tips.

This week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

The 6.30pm shows brought us an array of treats for the ears including:

California Gurls by Katy Perry – definitely one for the girlies this, as Cheryl enjoys her birthday celebrations, Anita & Rae throw their cares aside & make some shapes to the strains of this anthemic pop track from Mrs. Brand.

Metropolitan by Married to the Sea – is Leanne & Lee’s dream of wedded bliss in tatters, or just Lee’s coursework? The lyrics of this lovely slice of indie pop fitted so well with this opening sequence. We were really pleased to have an excuse to feature a track from this band who are particular favourites of ours. If you fancy seeing them live, and we highly recommend you do, check them out supporting the Bluetones at their forthcoming gigs around the country throughout November & December.

It Will All End in Tears by The Drums – the title of this track explains perfectly the feeling of the scene as Cheryl recalls being overwhelmed with emotion by the gift that Steph gave her & faces up to the fact that she is going to be losing her best friend and there is nothing anyone can do about it.

Meanwhile the darker side of village life was explored throughout the late nights, with a soundtrack to match. Highlights included:

I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas – the night ahead is filled with promise of excitement for our characters as they sing along to this track which so perfectly catches the anticipation we all feel when we are getting ready for a big night out.

Starstrukk by 3oh3! feat. Katy Perry – Mitzeee is determined to show the girls how things work in her world and it all starts with her own variety of makeover.

We’re All In This Together by Gabby Young and Other Animals – it’s all too easy to dismiss new female fronted groups that we come across as just another Florence etc...but there is a depth to this track which sets it apart from the crowd in our opinion. An achingly beautiful vocal performance enhances the emotion of this scene where Jasmine is finally able to confide in someone about her struggle with gender identity.

One by Swedish House Mafia – just like the track, the tension and excitement is beginning to ramp up in the late night world of Hollyoaks. How will the girls get in to the party & just what revenge has Liam got in mind?

My Kz Ur Bf by Everything Everything – things take a distinctly dark turn as Liam seizes an opportunity to take revenge and holds Seth under the water in an attempt to drown him.

The Fire by The Roots feat. John Legend – the lyrics of this track are all about living life to the full & that is just what Nancy intends to do as she gets swept up with the glitz and glamour all around her & falls for the smooth talking of Dean. Little does she know the dangerous position she’s put herself in.

This Is How It’s Meant To Be by Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo Band – the director found this track and used it to brilliant effect as a stark juxtaposition against the climatic action of the final scenes of this year’s Laters. The track is the first single from her new album Almanac, which will be released on Emily’s own label in January. In addition there will be a special offer  on a beautiful 7” vinyl version of This Is How It’s Meant To Be to run for a limited period of a month from the broadcast date. To get the discount when buying the single, enter the code ‘hollyoaks’ at the check out stage of our shop here:

http://emilybarker.bandcamp.com/track/this-is-how-its-meant-to-be

So after all the excitement of the Laters, business will resume as normal next week. Listen out for a brilliant Twelves remix of a Two Door Cinema Club.

Until then…

Kate & James

Hollyoaks Later has kicked off with a bang. At first it looked like Riley and Seth had made a new mate in Liam. Things have taken a slightly darker turn since then and as we left it last night, the brothers were drugged and at the mercy of nasty Nathan. Plus, Nancy's also been drugged and left to the mercy of a load of lecherous footballers.

Meanwhile, Jasmine’s being blackmailed by Fern and Mercedes looks set to swoop back in on Malachy.

What else would you like to see? Do you think the Costellos are going to be rescued? And if so, by whom? Will Jasmine’s secret come out? Will Malachy and Mercedes patch things up? Let us know in the comments box below:

Yesterday we teased which character was going to be returning to Hollyoaks. There was lots of speculation and some of you clever guys n’ gals managed to guess the right answer before it was even revealed in the show. If you didn’t catch the episode (shame on you, straight to the back of the class!) then you will have missed old favourite Mandy appearing out of nowhere and scaring the bejeebus out of Duncan. He thought he had seen a ghost. Literally. Luckily though, Mandy's still very much alive and kicking.

Actress Sarah Jayne Dunn is delighted to be back in the show, mixing with friends old and new. She said:

"It's great to be back, I feel like I've never been away and it's fantastic to work with all my old friends. I’m really excited about being a part of the show again and about the storylines that producer Paul Marquess and the rest of the team have in the pipeline for Mandy."

Why do you think Mandy’s back though? Do you think she will reignite things with Tony? Or is she back to look after Tom after hearing about Steph’s terminal illness? Either way, you can bet that when the proverbial rock is chucked into the proverbial pond it’s going to make some rather big proverbial waves. Too much of the proverbial stuff? Well, basically, we’re saying that there’s going to be guaranteed drama!

 

As you all know, Warren Fox is set to return to Hollyoaks this week. However, tonight’s episode will see yet another blast from the past back in the village! But just who will it be?!

Could it be Bombhead, back from the circus and wanting to join Lee Hunter’s play? Could it be Clare Devine, in hot pursuit of Warren to finish what she clearly didn’t succeed in doing last time?! Could it be OB, coming to visit Steph and Tom?... Let’s face it; it could be anyone that has left Hollyoaks village over the past fifteen years! But who do you think would want to come back – and more importantly, why?

Make sure you don’t miss Hollyoaks, tonight at 6:30 on Channel 4, to find out who the mystery character is! And have your say here now… Who do you think is coming back to Hollyoaks tonight? 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:

‘How Can You Mend A Broken Heart’ by Al Green – does Lee’s passionate stage kiss mean a broken heart ahead for Leanne or is he just a really good actor? Nancy’s doesn’t seem to think so, judging by her review of the play. Poor old Lee is heartbroken by the bad review.

‘Thieves In The Night’ by Hot Chip – Hot Chip are a favourite here at Hollyoaks music HQ. Their music lends itself to all sorts of scenarios & in this case it’s a spot of internet research by Rhys, which throws up some interesting info about Danny Houston’s past. Meanwhile, Bart contemplates calling Jasmine, but thinks better of it.  

‘Real Love’ by Dolorean – a nice bit of moody electro which works well as the underscore to some pretty intense looks between Ste & Brendan, Bart & Jasmine and Riley & Carl. Who needs words when a facial expression can speak volumes....?

Check out all tunes played in our Hollyoaks playlist!

On our stereo this week:

'Deadness' by Darkstar - very atmospheric and glitchy track from from Dubstep-peddling three piece, Darkstar. Swathes of synth and 80s keys sit sweetly under a plaintive vocal from singer James Buttery. Dark and contemplative, whilst at the same time being relaxing and uplifting, the track is reminiscent of Radiohead's electronic side and brings to mind Burial as well. Their recently released album 'North' is well worth checking out for the coming dark winter nights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3-PrWlI9Vw

‘I Need A Dollar’ by Aloe Blacc – if Bill Withers had been born in the 70’s rather than the 30’s this is most likely the kind of music we’d be hearing from him. Full of classic soul sounds and yet keeping it fresh, this smooth track couldn’t feel more appropriate as government spending reviews warn of lean times ahead for us all. Oh well at least we’ll still have great music! Check out this slick live performance:

http://www.aloeblacc.com/home/


Coming up in next week’s episodes, listen out for Kate Nash and a very special song from Lee!

Until then…

James & Kate  

You know what they say about change, yeah? That it’s inevitable? That it comes to us all, whether we like it or not? No, change is as good as a holiday. That’s what they say. And they’re right.

So, to keep things from getting too stale, we’ve decided to have a little shake-up. That means we’re changing the times that our ‘First Look’ shows go out, so that they will link better with ‘Later’ episodes.  Here’s the official statement from the programme big-wigs:

For the first time ever, Hollyoaks main 6.30pm show will link directly into E4's HOLLYOAKS LATER series. To get the full impact, viewers are encouraged to watch both shows sequentially.
We have therefore changed the schedule so that the 6.30pm C4 TX will be repeated on E4 at 8.30pm leading straight into the LATER episode at 9pm.
As a result, there will be no ‘First Look’ episode on Friday 22nd October. However on Friday 29th October E4 will have a Hollyoaks marathon with a repeat of 6.30pm at 8.30pm, HOLLYOAKS LATER at 9pm and then a first look of Monday's Hollyoaks 6.30pm episode at 10pm.
From Monday 1st November, normally scheduling will resume.

Make sense? Clear as mud? Basically you’ll still be getting all the Hollyoaks hits you need to get you by, just at slightly different intervals. Thanks folks, that’s all for now…

How small acorns do grow into mighty Oaks! Can you believe that this weekend Hollyoaks will have been going for a whopping fifteen years?!

Remember when Tony Hutchinson first strolled onto our screens all those years ago, all floppy-haired and doe-eyed? How far we've come from then! Well, Tony's had a hair-cut at least.

And it's not just Tony's barnet that's undergone a few make-overs. There's been more wrangling over The Dog and Hollyoaks' other establishments than a Texan auction. 

But what's been your favourite storyline? Hannah's anorexia? Warren vs Calvin? Elliot and Sheila's Star Wars Sex Game? Or something else entirely?

Let us know in the comments box below...

 

 

 

We caught up with Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox) now that he’s back on set, to find out what he’s been up to, and what we can expect from Warren on his return!

How does it feel to be back in Hollyoaks?

I’m really excited. I got the call and I got told about the storyline and it was great – full of twists and turns. I kind of thought that my character had run his course with the other characters that were around before, but there’s a new breed in now, so that means plenty of potential for Warren to come back in and cause some more mayhem.

What have you been up to since we last saw you on the show?

I went to LA in November for a little holiday and I met with some agents too. Then I got a job over here doing some work on a musical, a couple of films, and then Casualty. So I’ve been busy.

Can we expect a new direction for your character?

I don’t think you can really change a character like Warren. I think it would be a little boring if he came back as some sort of softie but, like I say, there are new people around now for him to bounce off.

How do you think Warren’s going to react to Brendan Brady?

I don’t know yet, that’s for the story team to decide, but there’s no drama unless there’s conflict is there? Warren gets a buzz off winding other people up, and Brendan’s a really good character too, so I think there will be a good dynamic there. I think you can expect some fireworks!

Warren Fox will return to Hollyoaks village on Friday 29th October. Be sure to check our exclusive spoilers to be the first to find out what happens!

Lee's big student production went ahead last week and amongst all the heat and fervour of rehearsals, we saw him getting all up close and personal with fellow thesp Amy.

Leanne was hoping she'd be in line for the plum role when Jem stormed out, but in the event she got upstaged by Amy and it looked like wanted to break more than just a few legs...

What should Lee do though? There's obviously chemistry between him and Amy, but he's already engaged to Leanne!

Let us know in the poll below...

 

 

 

 

If you thought this would be the last you ever saw of bad boy Warren Fox, then you were wrong! Warren (played by Jamie Lomas) is set to return to Hollyoaks village in a shocking twist...

Notorious gangster Warren was last seen on screen in May 2009 when he was seemingly killed in The Loft fire that was started by the revengeful and crazed Clare Devine (played by Gemma Bissix).  However in a shocking twist, Warren Fox will return to Hollyoaks in the coming weeks, and in special flashback scenes viewers will be able to watch how Warren actually escaped the infamous blaze and fled Hollyoaks Village, allowing everyone to think he was dead. 

However, Warren’s motives for returning are still unclear and viewers will have to tune in to find out why he’s back and exactly what he wants.  One thing is for sure, Warren Fox is as big and bad as ever before and his return sparks trouble and danger for the residents of Hollyoaks…

Warren’s return was to be soap’s best kept secret, and producers have been secretly plotting the notorious character’s return.  Doubles were used and filming was kept off set to avoid any leaks, but when Jamie was spotted at the show’s Liverpool based studios it proved impossible to keep the secret of one of soap’s most notorious villains returning.

Producer Paul Marquess has said: “When Warren Fox died in the Loft fire we all thought that was the end of the dangerous gangster that terrorised the residents of Hollyoaks village.  But when our writer's made the shocking suggestion to bring back Warren in a juicy plot it was just too irresistible to ignore as they not only made it feasible that Warren could have escaped the fire and fled the village, they created an explosive and very clever plot with lots of twists and turns that guaranteed to have the audience hooked."

Warren will return to Hollyoaks on Friday 29th October - so keep your eyes glued to your TV screens!

What do you think about Warren coming back? Why do you think he's returning to the village, and what do you think will happen? We want your thoughts! So 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:

‘Around the Bend’ by Asteroids Galaxy Tour – Amy may well be driven round the bend after realising the envelope from the student loan people is not bringing a cheque as she had hoped.

‘Born Again’ by RPA & the United Nations of Sound – you will have heard this track from Richard Ashcroft’s latest incarnation play as Cheryl braced herself for her return to Chez Chez & Steph braced herself to try and rescue ‘Maskara’, Lee’s stinker of a play.   

‘Jelly Bean’ by Boe Weaver – the atmospheric & slightly agitated edge to this track echoed Taylor’s shock as he tried to make sense of his Dad being called Dad by another family!

Check out all tunes played in our Hollyoaks playlist!

On our stereo this week:

‘Pumped Up Kicks’ by Foster and the Kids – this track has been doing the rounds on the music blogs now but is sure to gain some deserved exposure by being featured on the new NME Radar album. With some solid beats and a nice bit of fun whistling to boot this track has an addictive quality and we guarantee you’ll catch yourself singing it & wanting to go back for another listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-A21Dhcc-w

‘I Really Need Love’ by The Bees – the opening track from the new album ‘Every Steps A Yes’ is, as always with The Bees, effortlessly retro & timeless at the same time. As the nights draw in & we feel the first chill in the air this song brings a feeling of summer to even the dreariest Autumn day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-EtVXC-G7I


Coming up in next week’s episodes, listen out for some classic soul from Al Green, amongst other treats for your ears.

Until then...

James & Kate 

This year's Hollyoaks Later starts in only ten days time! In previous years we saw Niall Rafferty kidnap Steph and commit suicide when he realised she didn't love him, Sarah Barnes fall to her death during a parachute jump, and Tony Hutchinson get lost in the wilderness during his stag do thanks to Darren! But what will this year bring?

Hollyoaks Later will start on Monday 25 October on E4 at 9pm, with one hour-long episode each night...

Who would you like to see in Hollyoaks Later? What would you like to happen in the show? We want your thoughts, so let us know in the comments box below!

Hollyoaks Later is just around the corner lads and ladies. Last year we had some dynamite storylines, including Loui Batley (Sarah Barnes)'s dramatic exit from the show, which earned the show the award for 'Most Spectacular Scene' at the National Television Awards.

After having a butcher's at the stories for this year, Later promises to be every bit as explosive this time around. Our new cast members have been put through their paces shooting for the late-night spin-off and there's going to be a few new faces thrown in to put the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons too...

If you're wondering what on earth to do with yourselves between now and transmission, then don't worry, we do have a solution. The Hollyoaks Later site launches next Monday. So, from next week you'll be able to gorge your hungry appetites with spoilers, backstage interviews with the cast, character profiles, episode guides and loads more to get your chops around...

 

 

 

As you'll be able to see for yourselves, Hollyoaks has been going through a bit of a make-over recently.

First of all we got all dolled up with some shiny new titles.

Now we've given the website an M.O.T and a fresh lick of paint too. So, what do people think of the new look show and site? Are we working it or what?

What else would you like to see on the show?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below...

 

 

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

This week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

‘Written In the Stars’ by Tinie Tempah –kidnap seems an extreme way to stop a friend from making what you think is a mistake, but apparently our very own Bonnie & Clyde duo (aka Texas & Darren) thought it was a great plan, until they knocked their friend out by accident that is. Oops.

‘Leave House’ by Caribou – an atmospheric track which reflects the mood as the tension builds with Lynsey, fearing for the safety of the stolen baby, threatening to call the police if Diane doesn’t let her into the house.

‘What Remains’ by Foals – another atmospheric track which works well as our characters are left dealing with the aftermath of some major drama’s. Ste & Brendan’s somewhat rocky, to say the least, relationship, Diane’s desperate act of stealing the baby & speaking of drama, rebellion in the camp as the students fight against Lee’s directorial efforts.   

Check out all tunes played in our Hollyoaks playlist!

On our stereo this week:

‘Stop & Stare’ by Fenech Soler – this band have become festival favourites over the year and it’s easy to see why with their infectious and uplifting offering of Indie Dance goodness such as this:

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

‘Mona Lisa’ by Dinosaur Pile Up – hearing a bit of grunge again is like meeting up with an old friend you haven’t seen for years. The years just fall away as you chat about old times and it seems like no time at all has passed as you settle into a warm glow of familiarity and contentment  Describing themselves as ‘melody in a sea of noise’ Dinosaur Pile Up bring us this little gem:

http://www.myspace.com/dinosaurpileup

Coming up in next week’s episodes, listen out for Boe Weaver in amongst some other sonic treats.

Until then…

James & Kate  

This week, Diane O’Connor, who’s been desperate to have a baby of her own, finally has her dream within her grasp. She’s ecstatic as she’s finally able to bring a baby home from the hospital… but she hasn’t quite gone through legal channels to get it! Snatching abandoned babies from the hospital is illegal and Diane faces big trouble with the law. Nurse Lynsey stands to go down with her for not reporting it right away.

However, if the baby really was abandoned, would it hurt to let it slide? Should the others allow Diane to register the baby as her own? Or should they take the baby back to the hospital and face the consequences?

What do you think they should do? Let us know in the comments box below!

 

We’ve been banging on about this for a while now, but that’s just because we know what great fans you are and we also know that you’d be kicking yourselves if you let the chance go by to vote for your favourite show at this year’s NTA Awards.

But don’t worry, that self-inflicted proverbial kicking doesn’t have to happen; there’s still time to vote. As long as you get over to http://www.nationaltvawards.com/home by one minute to midnight on Monday 11 October.

Last year Loui Batley (Sarah Barnes) took the glory for ‘Most Spectacular Scene of the Year’. This time around we want to trump that. We’ve got a whole handful of stars nominated in the category for Best Serial Drama Performance. There’s probably a few chappies from some of those other soaps knocking about, but we’re not much interested in them.

So, who’s getting your vote…

 

Since joining the show back in 2005 (!) Rhys ‘stud-muffin’ Ashworth has made so many female conquests that he must be running out of notching space on his proverbial bed-post.

First, Sarah stole his heart like a sexy thief in the night. Since then, true to form, Rhys has been involved in a string of relationships; all failures.

Now it looks like he’s taking a fancy to Jacqui McQueen. Of course, the McQueen household isn’t exactly unfamiliar territory for Rhys. Remember his saucy affair with Mercedes?

Could Rhys and Jacqui really be the next Hollyoaks power-couple though? Let us know your thoughts in the poll below…

Over at Hollyoaks HQ we like to keep our stars busy. Early starts, late finishes, gruelling shoots...fame doesn't come easy! That's why it's great to know that our lovely stars manage to find time in their spare hours to give something back to the community.

Ashley Margolis aka Ricky Campbell, has been working hard to raise awareness about Manchester based Disability Sports Events (DSE). On 26th September a group of brave souls abseiled down from the top of the Printworks, as part of a fundraising event marking the two year countdown to the London 2012 Paralympics. Together with Coronation Street's Sian Powers (Sacha Parkinson), who's pictured above, Ashley went along to offer a friendly face of encouragement to those making the big descent from on high.

Ashley had these words: "I thought it was a great day with a fab cause! The disabled contestants don't get any government funding and so they rely on charity. I personally believe it's a great charity and I was so happy to be involved."

Disability Sports Events is the events arm of the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) and they organise national championships in a variety of sports for disabled people.

For more information on this important movement, go to: www.disabilitysport.org.uk

 

 

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

This week’s Hollyoaks musical highlights:

‘Tenderoni’ by Kele– Another little belter that has made the fabled graduation from the ‘on our stereo’ section of the blog, to the main programme proper. The Bloc Party frontman’s debut single runs behind shots of Ste admiring Brendan in Chez Chez. The lyric “Been running with the rude boys, you think you’re one of them” seems particularly appropriate as we see Ste trying to emulate Brendan’s skills with the coin.

‘Rules Don’t Stop’ by We Are Scientists – Another comeback single, this time from everyone’s favourite off-the-wall anglophile American indie duo, We Are Scientists. This catchy paen to breaking rules is again lyrically appropriate as we are witness to bad-boy Bart’s blatant disregard for the basic rules of a household. In this case the rule being ‘Don’t nick big envelopes of money from other members of your family’.

“Where’s My Money‘’ by TC (Featurecast Remix) – We suggested this excellent remix of the TC classic for use after it was passed on to us by one of our track-layers here at Hollyoaks HQ and it was utilised to great effect by the director to give a sharp, choppy and cool intro to the episode where we see various characters counting their wonga.
 
Check out all tunes played in our Hollyoaks playlist!

On our stereo this week:

‘Scribble’ By Underworld

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHs8LxPepKU

The third comeback single to grace this week’s blog. Underworld are duo Karl Hyde and Rick Smith. They have consistently produced great dance music for the last 20 years, reaching widespread audiences when ‘Born Slippy’ was used on the ‘Trainspotting’ soundtrack in the mid nineties. This is a euphoric chunk of frantic drum-n-bass influenced dance which, if penned by Pendulum, would be all over Radio 1.

‘Somebody to love me’ by Mark Ronson and The Business International

One of those songs you presume must be a cover because of it’s timeless nature. Mr Ronson spreads his magic song-writing and production dust over this funky tune, featuring a brilliant bass-line and some lovely call and response vocals. All this whilst also resurrecting the career of one of the biggest stars of the 1980s. Good work. Check this snazzy live version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=savi6OsaCBc
 
Coming up in next week’s episodes, listen out for Caribou and various other treats!

Until then…

James & Kate