Hollyoaks RESUMES filming as bosses confirm the soap WILL go off the air for two months

Hollyoaks has resumed filming after it was forced to suspend production for four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bosses confirmed that stars have returned to the soap’s Liverpool set, with temperature checks and social distancing measures in place.

It was also confirmed that the show will temporarily go off-air from Tuesday 21st July until September, when it will air four episodes a week.

Stars including Imran Adams (who plays Mitchell Deveraux) and Nick Pickard (Tony Hutchinson) returned to the set of the Channel 4 soap this week, with strict measures in place to ensure cast members were safe.

Bosses confirmed that the soap will take a two month break from screens from July 21st, with a first look trailer set to air straight after, teasing what fans can expect this autumn.

Hollyoaks will then return to screens in September and will air four episodes a week ahead of the soap’s 25th Anniversary later this year.

During Tuesday’s This Morning, star Imran also spoke about the soap’s return to filming, saying: ‘We’ve got our one way system, reminding us to keep apart, and no physical touching.

‘So it’ll be interesting how Scott and Mitchell will find other ways to show their affection for each other. but it feels good to give fans some more Hollyoaks!’

Currently Hollyoaks is airing two episodes a week, in a bid to ration shows that had been pre-filmed before the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been re-airing classic episodes to fill gaps in the time schedule.

The soap suspended filming on 22 March due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, with the UK’s other top soaps quickly following suit.

In recent weeks the show has been hit by controversy after Rachel Adedeji’s accusations of behind-the-scenes racism and claims that co-star Lysette Anthony is ‘actual trash’ for allegedly deeming co-stars who defended her ‘traitors’.

Sources claimed last month that cast members were summoned for ‘one on one’ meetings with show bosses before filming could resume.

Also, Hollyoaks star Malique Thompson-Dwyer faced backlash for attending an illegal rave in Daisy Nook Park, Failsworth, while Stephanie Davis revealed she had quit the show following a decade-long run.

Bosses are now reportedly having a ‘string of meetings’ as there is a ‘real divide’ between the cast. 

A source told The Sun: ‘They’re having a string of meetings as it’s one thing after another. The cast is at war, there is a lot of tension over Lysette’s recent comments. Some cast have threatened to quit if something isn’t done about it.

‘And with Stephanie and Rachel quitting bosses are worried others will follow them out of the door. It’s utter chaos – every week it’s some new issue.’

The source added that the cast has ‘freedom’ over their social media channels but breaking lockdown rules and laws is ‘not OK’.

While the stars are said to be ‘dreading’ returning to filming as some members aren’t aware they’ve ‘done wrong’ or ‘upset’ others.

Earlier this month, Lysette Anthony quit Twitter after facing backlash amid the show’s racism row, accused by Rachel of being ‘actual trash’ for claiming those who supported her were ‘traitors.

Rachel accused the show of behind-the-scenes racism after criticising their response to the Black Lives Matter movement, leading soap bosses to apologise and announce a plan to ‘stamp out discrimination.’

Hollyoaks continues on Monday at 6:30pm on Channel 4. It airs a First Look episode at 7pm on E4.