ZapGossip

Hollyoaks@25 launches on E4

‘Hollyoaks’ is celebrating 25 years on air by launching a new series.

‘Hollyoaks@25’ is set to air weeknights on E4, with the new show focusing on some of the soap’s most talked-about storylines from different eras.

The series will feature one week of episodes for every five years of the Channel 4 soap, which first aired in the mid-90s.

Nick Pickard, ‘Hollyoaks’ longest-serving cast member, and Jennifer Metcalfe will present the first week of episodes.

Looking forward to the show, Nick said: "It is so lovely being back on set and seeing all of my fellow co-stars, and what better way to return than to host a new special birthday series with the lovely Jennifer Metcalfe?"

Nick has also reflected on how the soap has changed over the years.

He said: "I can’t believe it’s been as long as 25 years. After my first call back for Tony Hutchinson, I would never have guessed that I would still be here all these years later.

"Things are a lot different on set – the change is definitely noticeable, but there’s no better feeling than being back – it’s home. There are lots of exciting throwbacks in store for ‘Hollyoaks@25’, so keep your eyes peeled."

Jennifer, 36, is similarly excited about the new series.

The actress – who made her debut as Mercedes McQueen in 2006 – said: "I was made up that ‘Hollyoaks Favourites’ was so successful and loved that it kicked off with Dr Browning and Mercedes – one of my favourite couplings ever.

"I’m glad to be announcing ‘Hollyoaks@25’ as I’m really looking forward to seeing week-long sets of episodes, era by era, and it’s going right back to the start, too."

The first episode of ‘Hollyoaks@25’ will air on July 27.