HOLLYOAKS has won a battle for viewers after show bosses debuted new bold storylines targeted towards a younger audience.
The Channel 4 soap was axed from its broadcast slot amid plunging ratings last year but has clawed its way back and is now becoming a favourite amongst youth.
Hollyoaks debuted full length episodes on YouTube at the start of 2024 which are currently being avidly watched by people aged 13 to 34.
Writers also took on the challenge of exploring difficult topics in the show, with many new viewers tuning in to see the sensitive portrayal of sibling sexual abuse and of a teen questioning their gender identity.
For those who were already long time fans of the soap, iconic characters such Theresa McQueen and Freddie Roscoe made a reappearance.
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The show has seen positive results from these changes, as it gained 40 per cent more viewers in 2024.
This put it back in competition with the big three for the first time in years.
Channel 4 Commissioning Executive for Hollyoaks Ben Wadey celebrated the upswing, saying: "The Blockbuster year we promised has gotten off to a flying start; with bold and daring storylines sparking debate and helping to drive an impressive increase in young viewers, who have really connected with the current and relatable issues we’re exploring, especially across social and streaming.
"We have so much more to come, and viewers will be gripped throughout the summer and as we approach the much-anticipated Autumn stunt, that will throw us forward, both in time and into an exciting, addictive and fresh new era of Hollyoaks.
"We are of course mindful of the impact these changes are having on the Hollyoaks team and we aim to honour our amazing characters, whilst ensuring we remain the most relevant and loved soap among young audiences as we approach our 30th anniversary in 2025 and well beyond."
Previously Hollyoaks began to lose steam when producer Bryan Kirkwood quit - after being at the helm for over half the time the soap had been airing.
Then the show faced major racism and sexism scandals that saw it lose some of its viewership.
Three top bosses were ousted during that difficult period, with a source calling the content they were creating "unwatchable".
It seems the axing was for the best now that the show is on its way to thriving once again under new leadership.
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