Spoiler Pics: Wk 19th - 23rd March 2012

Here are some spoiler pictures from the episodes of Hollyoaks due to air during the week of the 19th - 23rd March 2012 on C4 and E4.

  All Pictures Are The Property of Lime Pictures ©

Spoiler Pics: 27th February - 2nd March

Here are some spoiler pictures from the episodes of Hollyoaks due to air during the week of the 27th February - 2nd March 2012 on C4 and E4.

 

 All Pictures Are The Property of Lime Pictures ©

All About Soap Awards 2012: Nominations

The nominations for the 2012 All About Soap Awards have been announced and Hollyoaks have gained seven in all. Check out the list below and make sure you cast your votes when voting opens on Tuesday 14th February on the official website here and in the next issue .

Voting closes on Monday 27th February 2012.

Best Actress
Coronation Street: Alison King
EastEnders: Jo Joyner
Emmerdale: Chelsea Halfpenny
Hollyoaks: Claire Cooper


Best Actor
Coronation Street: Chris Gascoyne
EastEnders: Jake Wood
Emmerdale: Danny Miller
Hollyoaks: Emmett J. Scanlan


Best Episode
Coronation Street: Steve and Tracy's wedding
EastEnders: Pat's funeral
Emmerdale: Cain's attack 
Hollyoaks: Halloween murder (Fright Night)


Best Villain 
Coronation Street: Frank Foster
EastEnders: Derek Branning
Emmerdale: Cain Dingle
Hollyoaks: Silas Blissett 


Best Mystery
EastEnders: Who's stalking Phil? 
Emmerdale: Who attacked Cain?
Hollyoaks: Who's the father of Mercy's baby? 
Home and Away: Who attacked Bianca? 


Best Dressed Soap Star
Coronation Street: Michelle Keegan 
EastEnders: Jacqueline Jossa
Emmerdale: Natalie Anderson
Hollyoaks: Jorgie Porter


Best Comeback
Coronation Street: John Stape
EastEnders: David Wicks
Hollyoaks: Steph Roach
Neighbours: Mal Kennedy 


Best Couple
Coronation Street: Peter and Carla
EastEnders: Max and Tanya 
EastEnders: Zainab and Masood
Home and Away: Brax and Charlie

Spoiler Pics: 20th - 24th February

Here are some spoiler pictures from the episodes of Hollyoaks due to air during the week of the 20th - 24th February 2012 on C4 and E4.

  All Pictures Are The Property of Lime Pictures ©

Emma Smithwick's Strive For Strong Females !!

In a recent interview with the Radio Times, Hollyoaks' Series Producer Emma Smithwick discussed her goal to make the female characters on the show strong role-models.

Smithwick who took over as Series Producer last summer said on the state of the female characters on the canvas;

“There weren't enough strong, smart and intelligent women for my liking. At a stretch, I might have considered having a drink with Texas.” 

The article goes on to argue that in recent years the general consensus of the show is that the female characters have been objectified, victimised and only judged on their physical appearance. The soaps annual 'Babes and Hunks' calendars are also critically discussed for the way they can be seen to reinforce this ideology that, can be seen to be damaging to the soaps large audience of a young demographic.

On this Smithwick states;

“I'm passionate about the portrayal of women in the media in general and specifically on television thats aimed at a younger audience. I'm determined to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.” 

Following on from this the article talks about the ways in which the the show under Emma Smithwick's regime can be seen to already be taking steps towards tackling this vague and single-minded representation of women. In the way that characters such as Jacqui McQueen (Claire Cooper) and Lynsey Nolan (Karen Hassan) have in recent months been developed further into stronger women in front-burner storylines, such as the rape trial and it's aftermath, as well as the Silas murder plot.

In relation to her  long-term goal for the series during her tenure at the helm Smithwick goes on to say;

“I want to redefine what sexy and glamorous is in Hollyoaks. I don't want girls just to watch and think, ‘I want that outfit’ or ‘I like her hair’. I'd like them to see it as an emotional encyclopedia that's relevant to the changes and issues in their lives."

“I want to look at the sophisticated social hierarchies of teenage girls, at their insecurities, at the challenges of growing up in contemporary Britain. The responsibility is enormous but the pay-off is huge.”

 Gareth McLean the author of the article praises Smithwick for her efforts when he states;

"Smithwick’s enthusiasm to transform Hollyoaks from hangover telly beloved by teenage boys for all the wrong reasons into a soap that's political with a small “p” is palpable, and the programme’s audience – of both sexes – should applaud her efforts. "

Finally based on the shows position as a leading source of entertainment and education for its youth audience and the endless possibilities it has to make a difference, Smithwick states;

“Of all the shows, we can and should be braver and have more conviction. If I haven't achieved that evolution in my time as producer, I won't have done my job right.” 

You can read an edited version of the this article by clicking here or you can read it in full in the latest issue of the Radio Times which is available at all leading newsagents.

Casting: Former Neighbours Actor Joins Hollyoaks (Updated)

Neighbours alum Daniel O'Connor who played the role of Ned Parker on the Australian soap between 2005 and 2008, is set to join the cast of Hollyoaks. O'Connor will play the role of Ally a former army medic who's recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan. In describing the character to the Australian Telegraph, O'Connor said,

"He has a dark past that will be uncovered eventually in true soap style,"

It is not yet known when O'Connor is due to debut on screen but I'll keep you updated as and when it's revealed.

..........

Updated: 17th December 2011

It has been revealed that O'Connor will debut on screen in February and will become Jacqui (Claire Cooper) and Rhys' (Andrew Moss) new lodger and will also be involved in story with Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies) and Michaela McQueen (Hollie Jaye-Bowes) as they both take a shine to him.

On joining the show O'Connor has said;

"I'm really excited about joining Hollyoaks, especially with its recent success. I have already started filming in Liverpool and there is a real buzz and energy around the place.  

"I'm really looking forward to working with some of the show's most popular characters and talented actors."

Source: Digital Spy