British soap plunged into chaos after three chiefs leave amid sinking ratings and backstage drama
Hollyoaks has been plunged into crisis as three top bosses resigned following record low ratings and drama behind the scenes
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Hollyoaks has been plunged into crisis as three top bosses resigned following record low ratings and drama behind the scenes.
The Channel 4 soap is reportedly fighting for survival after executive producer Lucy Allan, series producer Philip Dodds, and script and storyline executive Josie Day left the company.
According to The Sun, a source said: "The set is in chaos. Cast and crew were clearly unhappy with the way things are going.
"Morale never been this low.
The Channel 4 soap is reportedly fighting for survival after executive producer Lucy Allan, series producer Philip Dodds, and script and storyline executive Josie Day were dismissed
Channel 4
"Ratings have plunged, storylines aren’t working and things were just toxic on set so Lime Pictures had to do something.
"Everyone knows what they’re making is unwatchable, but the three chiefs insisted on pushing their agenda.
"And blaming and sacking others when it went wrong. Actors were in open revolt."
Despite it being rare for any high profile show to lose its three executives, there is said to be no danger of the show itself being axed.
"Channel 4 want Hollyoaks to succeed. It’s still hugely popular with youth audiences and it has such strong potential. They won’t let it go without a fight to save it," the insider told The Sun.
Ratings for the show have been falling over the last two years with figures dropping from more than 2 million a night to just 200,000.
Allan replaced former Hollyoaks boss Bryan Kirkwood after he stepped down in 2020 where his time as producer saw record ratings and huge award wins for the soap.
An email sent to cast and crew members insists all three bosses had "decided to step down".
Discussing her decision to leave, Allan said: "I have loved my time as executive producer on Hollyoaks.
"It’s one of the most exciting jobs in Soapland but after two and half years at the helm it’s time to pass on the baton."
Managing directors of Lime Pictures, Kate Little and Claire Poyser said: "We would like to thank Lucy for everything she has done for Hollyoaks, leading the programme through Covid and its aftermath, forging a ground-breaking partnership with the BBC and Eurovision and delivering unforgettable, critically acclaimed storylines such as Misbah’s Rape and The Long Walk Home.
"We will miss her but wish her all the very best in her next adventure."