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Hollyoaks to air new producer's first episodes after behind-the-scenes changes

Hollyoaks is officially launching a new era tonight (July 30) as Lucy Allan is credited as the soap's boss once again.

Allan took over as the Channel 4 show's executive producer at the start of the year, but it has taken a while for her ideas to appear on screen as storylines and scripts are commissioned so far in advance.

Friday's E4 first look episode features a change to the closing titles, as Allan is now credited as executive producer.

Former boss Bryan Kirkwood, who stood down at the end of 2020, has been removed from the credits.

Photo credit: Lime Pictures
Photo credit: Lime Pictures

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Kirkwood announced his plans to leave Hollyoaks in September 2020, but remained in post until the end of the year. He had served in the role for eight years – his second stint as the popular drama's showrunner.

Speaking at the time, Kirkwood explained: "I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved, and I want to thank the entire team. Their talent, warmth, loyalty and friendship are why I stayed so long.

"The 25th anniversary feels like an elegant time to hand the reins over to someone else but I'm confident that the beating heart of Hollyoaks – the people who make it – will keep the show around for another 25 years."

Allan also has history with Hollyoaks as she served as the show's producer for a one-year stint in 2009. Prior to that, she worked on the show in several other roles.

Photo credit: Lime Pictures
Photo credit: Lime Pictures

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In a statement last year, Allan explained: "To arrive at Hollyoaks as it reaches its milestone of 25 years on screen was an opportunity too good to miss.

"Thanks to Bryan and his team I have inherited a show that is loved by its audience and I will relish the chance to move it forward into its next exciting chapter."

Lime Pictures' managing directors Claire Poyser and Kate Little added: "We are thrilled that Lucy is joining Lime Pictures as Executive Producer, Hollyoaks and Head of Continuing Drama.

"Lucy brings a passion for storytelling, a clarity of creative vision, has a great reputation for nurturing talent and is known for her ability to successfully lead large teams. Her extensive drama credentials also place her in prime position to engage the pre-watershed audience in ground-breaking ways."

Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.


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