:

Got a spotify account? Listen here and subscribe to this week's Hollyoaks playlist...

You can also see a full tracklisting of the songs featured on this week's Hollyoaks below... 

Monday 7th May

Aux Innocent – Fireworks

Married to the Sea – Mutiny

Tuesday 8th May

Best Coast – Our Deal

Wednesday 9th May

OneRepublic – Everybody Loves Me

POLICIA – Lay Your Cards Out

Ke$ha – Backstabber

Thursday 10th May

Hooray For Earth – No Love

James Morrison – One Life

Twin Planets - Stairs

Snow Patrol – The President

Friday 11th May

Gotye - Smoke and Mirrors

Ideals – Save Your Handshakes

The Heavy – Strong Enough

OneRepublic – All This Time

Review 

The buzz-word this week is ‘power-pop’ – largely oweing to the fact that I read it in a review elsewhere and thought ‘Oooh, that’s a nice umbrella term’. Anywho, this week’s episodes are packed full of jangly, love-lorn, emotive pop…

My favourite track of the week was definitely Our Deal by California-based indie-rock trio Best Coast.  A lovely piece of Cali-pop with gorgeous melodies, Bethany Cosentino’s vocal ‘I wish you would tell me how you feel, but you’ll never tell, cos that’s not our deal’ chimed perfectly as Doug tried to cope with his growing feelings towards Ste…

Maybe it’s just me, but I thought there was a certain Motown/Phil Spector quality to the production on this, lending a slightly haunting, melancholy feel to the track…

Cool fact: the video for this track is directed by Drew Barrymore (of ET and Charlie’s Angels fame). It also features two star-crossed lovers whose story ends in tragedy. Read into that what you will STUG fans…

If you like these, you may also like…Cults, Girls, Waaves

We were given two very different offerings this week from OneRepublic. Everybody Loves Me, which was chosen (for fairly obvious reasons) to play over a scene in which Maddie sauntered through school, basking in the adoration of her loyal subjects, is definitely the more ballsy of the two.  All this Time is a cinematic ballad with a big string section in the crescendo and pained vocals. The whole thing is a little saccharine sweet for me and it couldn’t really be called original, but it’s catchy nonetheless…

If you like these, you may also like…Maroon 5, The Fray

Snow Patrol have taken a slightly different direction on their new album Fallen Empires, which is packed full of piano-led, soft-rock ballads. The President is no exception. This played over another poignant STUG scene, in which Doug told Ste that he just wanted to be friends…

Save Your Handshakes by Ideals provided the sound-track to that scene in which STUG finally swapped handshakes for snogs. Nawwww…those boys…

If you like these, you may also like…The Cads, Mark Michaud

Finally, we also have to pay respect to friends of the show Twin Planets and Liverpool-based Married to The Sea. The former (pictured above) you may recognise as the band who played in College Coffee on Thursday night, just before Esther made her selfless defence of Tilly. The latter are friends of the music department and thoroughly nice lads they are too…

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Hey Hollyfolks! A few weeks back on the 'Oaks, you may remember that a certain Ms Liberty Savage got her acoustic on and performed a beautiful, self-penned song called 'Higher Ground' in College Coffee as part of the art exhibition.

Now, IRL (that's 'in real life', grandad), Abi Philips who plays Liberty is an actual popstar. And she's totally performing tonight in Manchester. 

But for us poor folk who don't live in that neck of the woods, Do Not Fear, because the gig is being streamed LIVE online tonight from 8pm here: showcaselive.co.uk/livestream

So grab your mates, get a-popping your popcorn, turn up the sound and enjoy! See ya down the front, m'lovlies. 

This week the awkward turtle has been busy popping up all over Hollyoaks Village, take a look for yourself...

The awkward moment when your friend Texas unknowingly identifies you as Riley's 'bit on the side'.... 

Texas: "You know like a piece, friends with benefits, a bit on the side..."

Lynsey: "Yeah okay Texas, I get the picture."

Texas: "Sorry! I think I might still be a little bit drunk. Anyhow, you know... rich footballer, they've got plenty of floozies..."

OUCH. Texas' epic word-chunder-blunder must have been like a knife to poor Lynsey's heart. 

But then it could always be worse. The object of your affections, aka Riley, could knowingly identify you as his 'bit on the side.' Oh wait...

And then there was Maddie's monumental faux pas. Her waspish words managed to sting Riley, without her even knowing it. Note to all Hollyoakers: spouting venemous insults in the alley is never wise.

Maddie: "Oh please, Neil. I think we can find you a slightly higher class woman than her. Preferably one that doesn’t spend her evenings flaunting herself in front of a load of sweaty guys in a club, I mean seriously dude, I can smell the desperation…"

A strong contender for this week's Awkward Turtle award has to be little Dougie. His desperate attempts to crash Ste's date were an absolute CRINGE FEST...  

Not only was Doug painfully obvious in his date-stalking (jel much?) but things got a whole lot worse. Oh yes. He then tried to make Ste jel by kissing Texas. WTF?! 

His attempt to save face...?

Doug: “What, yeah! Oh, oh no…she just had to go and wash her hair.”

We'd like to say nicely recovered, but that would be a lie. True cringe.

So which moment takes the awkward biscuit? Vote in this week's poll! 

Of course Doug should confess his feelings for Ste. It's quite clear that this isn't just some flash in the pan or fleeting fancy. We'd even go as far to say that Doug loves Ste... you can see it in his eyes.

Even if it doesn't work out between the two of them, surely it is always better to be true to your heart. Could you imagine if Doug keeps quiet, and has to spend the rest of his life wondering if Ste is the one that got away?

Ste and Doug work so well together... they're like salt and pepper. Or, seeing as our Dougie is an American, peanut butter and jelly.

Stug together are just too cute not to give it a go. This could be really good for Ste after his previous relationships have left him low in confidence and self-esteem. There'll be no emotional bullying, controlling, manipulating or physical abuse here. Ste deserves to be treated as an equal rather than an accessory. He deserves some happiness for once.

And who could be a more perfect suitor than Doug? They have fought together to achieve something, they have made that deli come to life with their own determination and hard work. Doug has already proved his commitment to Ste and the deli, just imagine what they could achieve if they were a couple?

TEAM STUG. 

Now is totally NOT the right time for Doug to tell Ste how he feels.

For a start, the chances are Doug doesn’t even know how he feels. It was only five minutes ago that he was desperately in love with Becks but now he’s into Ste? No wonder he looks so confused!

The LAST thing he needs is to tell the person he fancies – especially as said person is his business partner with whom he is the process of opening a deli. What if Ste doesn't feel the same way about him? Awkward. What if he does and then they find themselves in each others pockets as they work together each and every day? Erm, talk about complicating things!

Yes, as Scott and Annalise have just discovered, it isn’t easy when friends hook up and for Stug the stakes are even higher. If things went wrong it could be disasterous for both of them, so Doug need to be totally sure of what he wants to say before he says it.

So Doug: take some time out, as you Yanks would say. There is no rush. Examine your feelings, listen to your heart, but whatever you do keep schtum!

So what do you think? Should Doug Fess Up or Shut Up? Have your say and vote in the poll now!

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Soap Box: This week Em stands up for unsung heroes Ricky and Esther, show them some love!

Soap Box: For the love of STUG

We can confirm…

…massive UK singer-songwriter Maverick Sabre (yep, Maverick freakin’ Sabre) will be performing in a special episode of the ‘Oaks later this year! Hailing from Ireland, with a voice like silk, Maverick is one of the freshest, most exciting acts around today and we cannot chuffing wait to see him perform right here in the ‘Oaks.

Without giving the whole story away, basically, the story is that Will Savage is planning to put on a huge money-making party – with a headline act to boot – in order to save the rest of the Savage clan. Cue Maverick’s entrance onto the main stage…

It all goes off on screen in an E4 Special on Thursday 7th June 2012 at 7pm and then in the main 6.30pm show on C4 on Friday 8th June 2012.  Thursday’s E4 first look is a stand-alone special, replacing the normal first look preview.  This means that the only place viewers can see Maverick perform is on C4 on Friday 8th June.  Miss it, miss out!

Of course, there is another way to see the action. ‘How?’ you say? Well, we offered fans the chance to apply for free tickets to watch Maverick perform at Hollyoaks in his acting debut. Filming takes place this Saturday 19th May 2012 at Hollyoaks’ Liverpool based studios and lucky ticket holders will not only get to watch the drama being made, they’ll get to be involved in it as part of the show’s music crowd! Who says we never do anything for ya?!

Go to our Take Part page here to apply for tickets

Find out more about Maverick Sabre on his website here

Aww, that awkward little thing called love. This week in Hollyoaks we've seen some spectacularly cringe-tastic moments between some of our fave on-screen duos. Take a look...

Scandalise: Tongue-tied and 'weird'

The awkward hello. Mastered perfectly by new couple Scott and Annalise, as Annalise became incapable of stringing a sentence together after approximately five seconds...

Annalise: "You must be worn out after the week you’ve had?"

Scott: "No, I’m alright, it feels good to be back really..."

Annalise: "Yeah, me too. I mean, I’m happy you’re here, not me. But I am happy to be here, obviously…”

Fellow flatmates Ash and Will were feeling the awkward vibe too (just look at Will's slightly disturbed face)

Ash: "Just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s weird."

Will: "Nope, it’s weird. Definitely weird..."

That awkward moment when your hunky male flatmate (who you have recently shared a passionate kiss with) mixes your undies with the girl he's now seeing. Ouch...

Riley: "I got these out the drier for you…"

Mitzeee: "Er, those aren’t mine." Translates: Get them skanky pants away from me.

Riley: "Sorry, must be Lynsey's. You don’t mind her staying over do you?"

Mitzeee: "Course not, why would I mind?" Translates: I'm furious. And it's a bit late to be asking now, her knickers are in my laundry. SALT. IN. THE. WOUND.

Mitzeee: "I’m pleased for you" Translates: I'm not pleased for you. At all. You make me want to vomit.

Sinart: Bart gets busted

Just a little note to all the boys out there who are reading this. Always be FULLY AWARE of your GFs whereabouts before you berate her intelligence/looks/general person. 

Bart*: “Just say anything that’s going to win her round…”

Yep, like a solid gold plonker, Bart dropped himself in it. So not only was he in the bad books for setting up a cannabis farm, he also managed to show himself up as an uncaring, thoughtless boyfriend. Criiinge.

*Ricky and Jono frantically signalling that she's behind him...LOL.

Vote for the moment which made you cringe the most in our poll...

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Topless Rob vs Topless Scott. Go on, have a gander...

The ladies of Hollyoaks have a secret. On the surface they seem like everyone else: they have jobs, they have families and at least three of them have snogged Riley Costello. But when night falls we see a different side to them - a wild side, a side that involves violence, epic vomming and chickens. 

Yes, we mean the Book Club and if you're thinking of joining there are 7 rules you need to know: 

1st Rule: YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT BOOK CLUB

2nd Rule: ...You do not talk about books much either

3rd Rule: Wine is mandatory

4th Rule: ...So is a sore head the morning after.

5th Rule: No men allowed (unless they are strippers, delivering pizzas or sneaking off in their underpants).

6th Rule: Stalking or fighting with other Book Club members or locking them in a van: optional

7th Rule: Baked goods provided by a McQueen should be treated with extreme caution. 

Them's the rules. Join the Hollyoaks Book Club at your own risk...

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PHWOAR. THIS IS WHY WE CALL IT SEXYOAKS...

Open a window 'cause it's getting hawt hawt hawt in Halls! Annalise may have gone for Scott, but we're having a tough time choosing between this buff pair. 

Topless Rob or Topless Scott? You decide, vote in the poll...  

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We don't know much about Wardy. He only pops up every now and then, usually hanging around College Coffee with his phone in hand, ready to catch out anyone who might be messing around one of his boys. 

What we can tell you about him though is this: he's a complete and utter LEDGE. 

Here is what (we think) Wardy's life is like...

Turn up to a morning lecture. Haven’t been to bed yet. Classic behaviour.

Atwell’s gym. Smash a few suicide lifts. Straight to the SU for funnels. Session squared

Guns n’ Roses ‘Night Train’ #tunage

Borrowed one of the boys’ phones. Mum’s digits taken down. Getting harassed. Banter.

Just put one of the lads on a train to Brussels, sans wallet. #StagLols.

Pop the collar. Oakleys on indoors. LAD.

Crew date tonight. Will’s going Maverick. I’m Ice Man!? No way, you can be my wingman.

Rob just boshed three pints before today’s game. I boshed four and a whiskey chaser. What. A. Hero.

Putting down the chinos, picking up the trackies #DressDownWednesday

Just caught Will using herbal essences conditioner in the showers. This will not be forgotten or forgiven. Dutch oven anyone? 

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How is Jono so funny, without even being funny? It's an art. Here are a few of our favourite Jono moments from this week.

Demonstrating his excellent judge of character...

Jono to Bart: "Of course it’s going to be something dodgy. His dad’s in prison and he works for Brendan Brady. He’s got his fingers in so many dodgy pies he could open up a dodgy pie shop."

Showing his ability to impersonate Sinead...

Jono to Bart: “Eeerm Bart, why aren’t you in the library? Bart, why you such a looooser?” *Sticks chest out and does a peace sign...

Boosting his mafia-esq credentials...

Jono to Bart: "Woah, woah… Is he cool?"

Jono: "We're like the Sopranos!"

Swiftly loosing his mafia-esq credentials...

Jono to Bart: "Two guys arrived just after you left. They were kinda big…"

Being a true, supportive friend to Bart when Sinead threatens to dump him...

Jono to Ricky: "I have to see this!"

Showing his ability to think things through before he speaks...

Jono to Ricky and Bart: "This job sounds good…immediate start, no experience required, 22Gs"

Bart: "Where is it?"

Jono: "On a Cruise Ship!"

Do you love Jono? Leave us a comment below and tell us your fave #Jono moments...

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TOP TUNES: Get this week's hot playlist

Here at Hollyoaks HQ we love Hollyoaks as much as you do, so each week one of the team gets on their Soap Box to have their say about something 'Oaksy. This week,  Em salutes some unsung heroes...

"Don't take it out on me - you brought it on yourself"

YES! Was I the only one who cheered when Esther stood up to Mitzeee?

For too long Esther has been used as a proverbial punchbag by the ladies of Hollyoaks. Even before she was unfairly blamed for Mitzeee's live telly meltdown, Mitzeee was making snide remarks about her love of fashion and choice of jackets - er, Mitzeee, shall we remind you of some of YOUR sartorial question marks? - and don't get me started on the way she is treated by Ruby (like a mug, as it goes).

Yes, overlooked and underloved, Esther is one of those 'Oaks folk who fly under the radar and never seem to get the moment in the spotlight that they so deserve - remember when Esther made that dress and Ruby promptly wore it, stealing all of the attention? 

Ricky is another one of these unsung heroes. Back in our lives this week, he is largely ignored by the cool kids of Hollyoaks (it broke my heart when they failed to offer him a ticket to Technival), that is until they want something of course - a car part, for instance, or an alibi for a cannabis farm. Despite never being invited to the Folly, or to disasterous Dubstep nights at Chez Chez, Ricky will always give them what they want - and with a smile too. 

So why do Ricky and Esther put up with being treated this way? Well, much like Seth before them (forever missed *sniff*), they just want to be one of the gang, they want to belong - and have the patience, loyalty and understanding of saints, particularly when it comes to those who probably don't deserve it. 

This doesn't make them doormats though. They know right from wrong and aren't afraid to voice this - Bart would do well to listen to Ricky's sensible words of caution about growing drugs in his loft and Esther was quick to rightly point out that Maddie was responsible for the spliff-related dramas on Dubstep night.

Alas, their wise words are usually ignored and in a village of larger-than-life characters, the likes of Esther and Ricky are often lost amongst the Queen Bees and Jubys.

This makes me sad. 

I want to buy them a cake at College Coffee and tell them that just because no one in the Village notices them that doesn't mean we don't.

Keep being your lovely little selves, Esther and Ricky, we love you just as you are. 

Do you think Esther and Ricky deserve more of the limelight? Share your thoughts below! 

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