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.