Hollyoaks Star Seeks New Job After Show Cuts
- A Hollyoaks star has exited the show following cast reductions by Channel 4.
- The soap opera is undergoing major changes in anticipation of its reboot in September.
- The star is now on the lookout for new job opportunities.
In a significant shake-up, Channel 4's long-running soap opera Hollyoaks has seen the departure of another cast member, Iz Hesketh, who portrayed Kitty Darper. Hesketh confirmed their exit amid a wave of budget cuts that will drastically alter the show's format. The changes come as the network prepares to reduce the number of weekly episodes from five to three, effective September, resulting in the loss of approximately 135 jobs. Hesketh, who identifies as transgender and non-binary, expressed their availability for work in a social media post, indicating they are "very much unemployed and free for the foreseeable." The news of the cuts has left cast and crew "heartbroken," as the show grapples with declining viewership, a trend affecting many soap operas in the current television landscape. Sources reveal that Hollyoaks is planning to implement a dramatic time jump storyline, which will see the exit of 20 characters. This controversial move aims to provide closure for fans while allowing the show to refresh its narrative. The decision to cut characters in such a manner has raised eyebrows, especially given the show's history of shocking plot twists and stunts. As the production team works to manage the fallout from these changes, they are reportedly offering generous redundancy packages to affected staff. The future of Hollyoaks remains uncertain as it navigates these challenging times in the competitive television industry.