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

This week’s musical highlights on Hollyoaks include:

‘Lights On’ by Katy B – This week’s episodes saw the Hollyoaks lads head out for a night of fine champagne, searing banter and, hopefully, a bit of action with the ladies. One of the key scenes was sound tracked by this nifty tune from the super-talented Ms B, whose album finally drops next Monday and is bound to be worth the wait. Check it.

‘Higher’ by The Saturdays – What is Riley Costello up to? When you have a lovely Mercedes to go home to, why take a ride in a Mini? Alcohol, temptation and ego-boosting compliments are this young striker’s downfall, and as this recent hit for pop’s silkiest five-piece plays, we watch Costello Jr fall foul to the wicked ways of the she-devil and land himself in all sorts of hot water with his fiery missus. Tut tut tut.  

On Our Stereo:

‘Grown Ocean’ by Fleet Foxes
 - http://vimeo.com/21577557

Fleet Foxes are an American folk band who produce lilting, harmonious tunes which put you right in the heart of a gospel tinged-middle-American forest cabin. Cracking vocals as well.
This is a new song of theirs from their forthcoming 2nd album ‘Helplessnes Blues’ which is released on May 3rd.
They were apparently a big influence on waist-coat wearing uber-massive folk megastars Mumford and Sons as well, so if you like them, you might like this.


More musical goodies await on next week’s episodes of Hollyoaks, so until then…

James & Kate

Hark! Hollyoaks wins at the Bubble Awards! Hollyoaks reigns triumphant! Take up the call, all ye faithful: ‘Hollyoaks rules, tra-la-la-la-la (etc etc)’! In the first fully-fledged Soap Awards of the year – the Bubble Awards, run by All About Soap Magazine – the nation’s favourite teen-soap was swept to glory, picking up the award for ‘Best Love Triangle’!

The award was given to us for the storyline involving Ste (Kieron Richardson), Brendan (Emmett Scanlan) and Rae (Alice Barlow). We are delighted to have received the award, after all the hard work that has gone into creating such a brilliant, dramatic storyline – from the producers, the writers, the cast, production, publicity and everyone else involved. Big props have to go to you lot though, the fans. Without your support…well, we don’t know what we’d do!

Johnathon Hughes, Editor, All About Soap, was delighted that thousands turned out to vote in this year’s awards. He said:

“We’re thrilled with the huge response to this year’s All About Soap Bubble Awards – it’s a chance for soap fans to have their say and we received more votes than ever.
Ste’s fling with Brendan in Hollyoaks proved popular.
The Bubbles has kicked off 2011’s soap awards season in style, and with May’s British Soap Awards just around the corner it will be interesting to see if the results agree with what All About Soap’s readers think!”

There’s still more to come from this story too. After Ste’s attack on Brendan, we’re on the edge of our seats, waiting to see what the fall-out is going to be…

Thanks again for all the votes guys! Next stop, the British Soap Awards! To vote Hollyoaks at the 2011 BSA’s, go to: http://www.britishsoapawards.tv/

Plus, All About Soap Magazine goes on sale today, with a special free mini-mag featuring exclusive pictures and interviews with the winners.

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

This week’s musical highlights on Hollyoaks include:

‘Hitz’ by Chase & Status – A hard hitting instrumental version of the track featuring Tinie Tempah from the duo’s recent no.2 album “No More Idols.” As it pounded away menacingly, we saw Ethan and Ste’s fishing trip turn sour as they hooked a bod (Danny Houston’s) rather than a cod (a well known fish).While the track grows in intensity we see Lynsey leaving Silas struggling for air as she tries to force him to admit that he attacked her. That’s not going to do the NHS’s reputation any good now, is it?

‘Crush’ by Pendulum – Not dissimilar in style to Chase & Status, Pendulum favour frantic drum and bass beats and powerful, aggressive synths mixed with crunchy guitars. This recent single sound-tracked a menu sequence where young gun cop Ethan tries to pin Warren to his fishy discovery in the lake, Nancy and Darren frolic happily in the hot-tub and the Costello lads indulge in some sofa-based remote control banter.

On Our Stereo:

‘Will Do’ by TV on the Radio
 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXLpXu9T7j0

TV on the Radio deserve to be more well known than they are. They mix clever and original electronic elements with classic song-writing and soulful vocals. This is the first single from their eagerly awaited album ‘Nine Types of Light’ which is out in April. Enjoy.

More musical goodies await on next week’s episodes of Hollyoaks, so until then…

James & Kate

Torso of the week

If you caught last week’s special Heat episode of Hollyoaks then you will have seen lots of amazing things…

(i)    Amazing thing the first: Mitzeee as Cheryl Cole! How good was her Geordie accent? And didn’t she squeeze into those leather trousers beautifully?!
(ii)    Amazing thing the second: Darren’s derriere! Even if he was umpa-lumpa coloured, we still think the sun shines out of his, er, rear end.
(iii)    Ethan’s wash-board torso. Yes, that’s right, DC Ethan flexed the pecs for Heat’s ‘torso of the week’! Really, you could grate cheese on those abs, no wonder they call him the strong arm of the law.

Anywho, after Ethan’s on-screen strip-tease, the actor Craig Vye has appeared in Heat Mag’s actual ‘torso of the year’ competition. You can see him in the flesh in the magazine, which is available for purchase now. Talking about his appearance in the mag, Craig said:

“I was very nervous! I’m a bit of a gym addict as it is, but I still worry about the state my body’s in, so I was worried I wouldn’t measure up to other Torsos of the Week. I was excited at the same time, as being the Torso poster is such a privilege.”

You can read a full interview with Craig on Heatworld at: http://www.heatworld.com/Fun-Stuff/2011/100857/heatworlds-hunk-of-the-day-Craig-Vye/

BSA’s

Also, as you may know, Hollyoaks has been nominated in loads of categories for the upcoming British Soap Awards. Make sure to exercise your democratic right and vote for us! To cast your vote, go to: http://www.britishsoapawards.tv/

As if you needed any extra encouragement though, here’s that dishy thesp Craig Vye again to tell you exactly why you should vote Hollyoaks.

 

From left to right: Will and Dodger Savage.

Hollyoaks is hotting up this spring with the arrival of Liberty’s (Abi Phillips) brothers Dodger and Will.  The lads will get Hollyoaks’ hearts racing when they arrive for their sister’s engagement party in April.

Fresh from West End musical Wicked, Danny Mac will join the Hollyoaks cast as cheeky chappy Mark ‘Dodger’ Savage.  Dodger will break hearts and cause trouble with his wily ways and cheeky attitude.  It’s not long before he’s got the ladies eating out of the palm of his hand.  Danny’s first scene sees Dodger get his kit off as he strolls through the village, so the ladies can be certain to swoon! Danny couldn’t believe he landed a role in the hit teen soap, “I am over the moon, the last few weeks have been crazy and Dodger’s kept me on my toes every second.  It’s exciting never knowing what he’s going to get up to next and believe me the limits are endless, I can’t wait for people to meet him!  The cast are such a close family and have been very welcoming to us lads.  I am proud to be a Savage and live in anticipation every moment to see what the next move is for the family!”

Hunky James Atherton will take on the role of geeky Will Savage.  This is James' first major TV role after studying at LAMDA. James was a keen sport enthusiast and had the opportunity to play rugby at a professional level but acting was always his passion and now he's landed the role on Hollyoaks he is delighted that he decided to study acting.  “It all happened really quickly and I’d started filming before I had time to think.  Everyone’s just been so friendly and made it really easy to settle in.  Will is awkward, shy and a hopeless romantic that hopefully the viewers will fall in love with.” 

Will is the polar opposite to his macho brother. Shy and geeky, he’s clever but clumsy and blushes at the very sight of a good looking girl.  However, behind the glasses lies a good looking guy just waiting for the right girl to notice.  He’ll quickly fall for village sweetheart Theresa McQueen but will he make his feelings known before it’s too late?

Arriving with the two brothers is their dad Dirk Savage, played by David Kennedy.  It’s clear from the offset that Dodger learnt all his con artist skills from his father as he quickly tries to charm the pants off Myra McQueen!  David has previously enjoyed roles in Eastenders and played Billy Two Hats in William & Mary.  

The new family will take the village by storm and are set to rub all the McQueens up the wrong way!  The Savage family get evicted from their home when Dirk can’t keep up with the payments.  Liberty is furious to come home and find her house all boarded up but big brother Dodger has a new house for them to live in!  Whilst the McQueens are away on holiday Dodger moves his family into the empty house and declares squatters’ rights!  How will the McQueens react to their new housemates?

 

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

This week’s musical highlights on Hollyoaks include:

‘Getting Nowhere’ by Magnetic Man – we used the instrumental version of this track to underscore the frightening opening sequence to the week where we see Lynsey being attacked by Silas. Ironically it’s Silas’ own grandson Riley who makes a timely appearance, scaring him off and thereby helping Lynsey avoid a dark fate. This pretty epic track was chosen for its perfect balance of menace & pace. We would highly recommend checking out the vocal version (with vocals provided by John Legend) and also the video.

‘Salt Wounds’ by Pendulum – tensions are running high in the village. The appearance of Sinead’s birth mother is putting a strain on her relationship with Diane, whilst Riley is outraged by Lynsey’s accusations that Silas may be the one who attacked her. If only he knew the truth about his Grandfather…

‘L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N’ by Noah & the Whale – in a recent radio interview the band encouraged people to spell out the title of this song rather than refer to it simply as ‘life goes on’. However you choose to pronounce it, the poignant lyrics of the song certainly suited the mood of this opening sequence as Lynsey has to decide how far she is going to take her accusations against Silas and Suzanne takes the decision to accept Cindy’s offer of a bribe, leaving Darren facing a future without his children.
 
On Our Stereo:

‘One Thing (French Fries remix)’ by Amerie – one of our colleagues here tipped us off (thanks Slick) about this amazing remix of the already brilliant ‘One Thing’ by Amerie. We loved the original of this song so much it was hard to see how a remix could improve it, but there is joy to be had with this, as one youtube comment simply and eloquently described it ‘exquisite’ interpretation.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWDeQ8CLEIE

More musical goodies await on next week’s episodes of Hollyoaks, so until then…

James & Kate

It’s just two days until our special one-off Heat episode, written exclusively by Lucie Cave and Jeremy Mark – Acting editor and Deputy Editor of Heat Magazine – airs on screen. And that’s not all that’s being aired in public…during the episode we will be treated to a not-so-private viewing of Ashley-Taylor Dawson’s back-side!

When Darren’s mate Doug encourages him to tan-up in order to impress the Heat bods that have come to town, he jumps right on board. Doug’s a little bit, er, over-zealous with his tanning gun though and Darren ends up looking like an extra from The Only Way is Essex.  

Plus, Doug must think that ‘Torso of the week’ is a full-frontal feature because he convinces Darren to remove his undies for the treatment. What no one on the shoot was expecting, however, was that Ashley-Taylor Dawson would comply so easily! Always the professional, he was right, er, behind the whole thing….

Don’t miss out on your chance to see Darren laid bare. Channel 4 Friday 18th March, 6:30pm (or E4 7pm Thurs 17th for you keen beans)! Sync your watches!

For a full article and quotes from Ashley-Taylor Dawson go to Heatworld…

 

It’s the match-up you’ve all been waiting to see. In the red corner: he’s the moustachioed maestro from the other side of the Irish sea, who consumes more gum than Alex Ferguson and more lollipops than a taste-tester at a Willy Wonka factory. Brendan Brady, Double B, B squared. He’s not bad with a hurley stick and he’s not shy of a bit of hurley-burley either. With Ste as a make-shift punch-bag, he’s been in training for this since he came to Hollyoaks.

Meanwhile, in the blue corner it’s super-manc himself, the fantastic Mr. Fox. And it’s Fox by name, fox by nature. A cunning old devil, full of jedi mind games, he’s been in his fair share of scraps before now, including an ongoing feud with Calvin Valentine. Oh, and he also has a knack of cheating death, which rather unfairly tips the scales in his favour actually…

If that’s whet your appetites, then look out for the uncut sequence, which airs on the week beginning 21st March.

These scenes prove that both Emmett and Jamie deserve your vote for best soap villain at this year's British Soap Awards. Remember to cast your votes!  www.britishsoapawards.com.

 

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

This week’s musical highlights on Hollyoaks include:

‘Love Get Out of My Way’ by Monarchy  - Synth maestros Monarchy, who release their pop-powered debut album in May,  provided a suitably slinky soundtrack to Seth’s fun-times at the party and Warren’s queries about Brendan’s sexual orientation.  

‘Young Blood’ by The Naked and Famous - If you like MGMT, and lots of people do, then you’ll probably enjoy this splendid little tune by the New Zealand five-piece. As it played we saw Jacqui annoyed at Theresa’s relationship with her mother, Sinead cleaning up some carrot-heavy vomit and the boys pranking Noah in their flat.

‘On My Own’ by Yasmin – As Theresa makes the difficult decision of whether to put herself forward as a donor for Billy, Yasmin asks us appropriately,  ‘have I made the wrong decision? Is this the right road to take?’ This is the debut single from the young Londoner, and it has a lovely 90s-tinged dance feel to it. Quality stuff.
 
On Our Stereo:

‘Satellite’ by The Kills - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hniPVDz12bc

The Kills return, typically scuzzy and cool but with added depth and some lovely choral vocals, this tune is delightfully tantalising. Welcome back you sexy people you.
 
More musical goodies await on next week’s episodes of Hollyoaks, so until then…

James & Kate

The Naked Truth...

Last week we announced that Heat Magazine have written a special one-off episode of Hollyoaks!

We also announced that during the episode we would be treated to seeing the naked bum of a mystery cast member. Well, we can tell you now that that bum belongs to none other than Ashley Taylor-Dawson (Darren Osborne). And yes, after close examination, we can also confirm that the sun really does shine out of it!

Ashley and Bronagh Waugh (Cheryl Brady) both speak exclusively in this week’s Heat Magazine about the episode, which also includes a meteoric cat-fight between Cheryl and Mitzeee

Radio-activity...

Keeping up the new-made sisterhood between Hollyoaks and Heat, we have also got planned a couple of Hollyoaks take-overs on Heat Radio. First up, Bronagh Waugh and Kieron Richardson (Ste Hay) will be taking over the air-waves this Saturday for three hours from 1pm for hot gossip and hot music!

Then on 18 March, it will be time for Rachel Shenton (Mitzeee) and Craig Vye (Ethan Scott) to take the reigns. Make sure you tune in. For more info, go to: http://www.heatworld.com/Entertainment/TV/2011/03/Hollyoaks-takes-over-heat-Radio/
 

MERCEDES MEETS HER MATCH WHEN ALEX GETS TONGUES WAG’ING!

It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we announce the addition of a foxy new member of the cast. Best known for her roles in Coronation Street, Married, Single, Other and Skins, Annie Cooper will crank up the heat in Hollyoaks as wannabe WAG, Alex, when she threatens to destroy local footballer Riley Costello’s (Rob Norbury) engagement to glamorous Mercedes Fisher (Jennifer Metcalfe).

Annie is excited to be joining such a gorgeous cast:

“I am delighted to be joining the glamorous cast of Hollyoaks as naughty minx Alex.  She's really going to test Riley and Mercedes’ relationship and it's exciting to see how it all turns out.  Working with Jamie, Jen and Rob is great and everyone was really welcoming when I started filming.”

Alex first appears on our screens at the beginning of April on an awards night out, where she quickly catches the eye of footballer hunk Riley.  A drunken Riley basks in the attention as the stunning blonde makes a move on him, but will he go all the way or will he stick with Hollyoaks hottie and fiancé Mercedes?

Alex only has one thing on her mind, but in the battle for Riley, which wannabe WAG will reign supreme, and at what cost?

Feathers are going to fly, that’s for sure! Make sure you don’t miss any of the action…

It’s almost time for the British Soap Awards, when soap-land's most fabulous spill out onto the red carpet to find out who’s been voted cream of the crop. Last year we were awarded Spectacular Scene of the Year, for Sarah Barnes’ parachute jump-stunt.

We’ve had some fabulous new characters and storylines this year as well as a few old hands who are long overdue an award.

The list of nominations are as follows:

Best Actor: Emmett Scanlan (Brendan Brady), Anthony Quinlan (Gilly Roach), Kieron Richardson (Ste Hay).

Best Actress: Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen), Claire Cooper (Jacqui McQueen), Victoria Atkin (Jasmine/Jason Costello).

Sexiest Male: Rob Norbury (Riley Costello), Craig Vye (Ethan Scott), Ashley Taylor-Dawson (Darren Osborne).

Sexiest Female: Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen), Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes Fisher), Rachel Shenton (Mitzeee).

Best Villain: Emmett Scanlan (Brendan Brady), Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox), Jeff Rawle (Silas).

Best Soap: Why, Hollyoaks, of course!

A real mix of old faces and new there. If we had it our way, they’d all be winning, but alas, alack, such is the nature of the game… :(

…of course, there are a few other names nominated in each category – strange types from those ‘other soaps’. Don’t worry about them though, they’re definitely no where near as glam, as funny, as dramatic or as all-round fab as our lot.

We do need your votes though. Do your bit for democracy and help us bring home the bacon! To vote, go to: http://www.britishsoapawards.tv/

 

Hollyoaks Later is coming back for another series! Following the success of last year’s Hollyoaks Later series and the continuing strength of the main 6.30pm drama, Channel 4 have commissioned a fourth series of the late night spin off for E4!

That’s right, in Autumn 2011 We’ll be bringing you five hour long episodes of explosive drama across a whole week.

Hollyoaks Series Editor Claire Fryer will produce the series alongside Hollyoaks Executive Producers Tony Wood and Carolyn Reynolds. Tony Wood comments,

“We are delighted to be working on another series of Hollyoaks Later which promises to deliver a unique cocktail of humour, glamour and grown-up drama.  We’re taking some of Hollyoaks’ most loved characters and putting them in romantic, funny and dangerous situations and we hope viewers will love the result.”

Last year’s Hollyoaks Later saw the Costellos finding themselves in peril when evil cage-fighter Nathan kidnapped Riley and Seth. The series always gives an extra level of sexiness and drama to the soap we all love and this year’s series, penned by Hollyoaks writers Neil Jones, Heather Robson, Steve Hughes, Chris Gill and Robert Butler, promises not to disappoint.

Roberto Troni, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 said,

“Hollyoaks Later is a unique brand extension that gives E4 audiences a new perspective on the main drama.  As the only British soap specifically aimed at young audiences, Hollyoaks is constantly evolving, growing and exploring new ideas.  From more ‘Laters’ on E4 this year to even more exclusive content on E4.com, Hollyoaks fans can get much more than their nightly fix of the Channel 4 show.”

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

This week’s musical highlights on Hollyoaks include:

‘Perfect Stranger’ by Magnetic Man – Katy B is just about to drop her debut album, which is sure to be full of too-cool-for-brit- school party bangers, and it’s her silky vocal which gives this skilfully-produced Magnetic Man track some feminine power. The song was used as we saw new Hollyoaks High Headmaster Pete admiring village hottie Mitzeee who, in his eyes, quite appropriately is ‘a perfect stranger.’

Yet another graduate from ‘Our Stereo’ to the main programme. It always brings a little tear to our eyes to see the little blighters up there on the big screen. Bless.

‘Rill Rill’ by Sleigh Bells – Whilst Seth is stuck in the ‘ozzy after his unfortunate encounter with some unfriendly weights, he begins to develop a crush on lovely nurse Lynsey. It’s during one of his rather creative teenage fantasies that we hear this dreamy track from HMD(Hollyoaks music department) faves Sleigh Bells. It’s less abrasive than their normal output but its smooth, sultry tones enabled us to lend a sensual edge to the scene without having to resort to cliché and use Marvin Gaye, or possibly Shaggy.

‘Ra Ra Ra’ – The Vaccines – ‘Ra Ra Ra’ say the Vaccines, who many people are tipping for the top in 2011. This suitably punky statement opens up our episode where we see Jamil contemplating what too many pastries can do to a young man’s belly. Expand it, that’s what.

On Our Stereo:

‘Lotus Flower’ by Radiohead – Kudos to Mr Thom Yorke for having the cajunas to release simply a video of him dancing as notice to the world of the return of Radiohead. Needless to say the video works, and the song is typically ace, as delicate and carefully put together as it’s titular flora. Bit of a grower though so give it a few listens and it should hit the mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfOa1a8hYP8

More musical goodies await on next week’s episodes of Hollyoaks, so until then… James & Kate

Hollyoaks lovers, we have some very exciting news to announce! We have had to keep this one under our hats for a while, but we can now confirm that we will be airing a very special one-off episode written entirely by Heat Magazine! That’s right, for one episode we have handed over the reigns to Acting Editor Lucie and Deputy Editor Jeremy from Heat Magazine. The episode will air on Friday 18 March, Channel 4, 6:30pm (or on E4 the previous night for keen beans).

We were a little nervous about giving over our baby to someone else, but the guys from Heat have done an amazing job! The episode is packed full of comedy and drama, with a definite Heat flavour to it, including a Heat readers’ torso contest, which will see Riley and a load of other Hollyoaks hunks flexing their pecs. An almighty cat-fight also ensues between Cheryl and Mitzeee after the latter poses as pop-queen Cheryl Cole in a PR stunt at ChezChez. Seriously, Simon Cowell would shy away in horror at this display of wrath! Oh, and we see a naked bum. Whose bum that is, we won’t reveal yet, but you won’t be disappointed.

Keep an eye on our website, plus on Heatworld (where there is an exclusive announcement) for updates, and make sure to tune in to Heat Radio from this Saturday (5 March) for a chance to win a special Hollyoaks prize!

P.S...Read all About it

Our own English rose Bianca Hendrickse-Spendlove, who plays Texas Longford  has been chatting about why she's not ashamed to be a book-worm. See this vid, in which she appears alongside ex-Oaks and 'Enders star Devon Anderson (Sonny Valentine, Hollyoaks, Billie Mitchell, Eastenders):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG7PRqh2vn0

http://www.digi-tale.co/devon-and-bianca/