As I sat in mesmerised wonder as the credits rolled on the three episodes of Hollyoaks’ anniversary on a cinema screen, the atmosphere was palpable.
A ten minute montage showcased Hollyoaks’ many passions, stunts and topical storylines, the cast were tearfully hugging each other in tearful emotion, and show boss Hannah Cheers had delivered a rousing speech on what makes the show so important to everyone. Backed up by a Channel 4 bigwig by the way.
But the most important thing of all which really captured the feeling in the room was the reaction of the fans, who gave the loudest gasps, screams and more cheers than a producer’s surname.
As one of those fans – of which there were hundreds in the room – I can see why and I was heartened by the love and dedication so many show to what Hannah described as our ‘promising little show that has become huge.’
I felt proud of the very small contribution I have paid to Hollyoaks’ journey, with the last 11 years seeing me work closely with their publicity team, production and the cast, all of whom are endlessly open to chats.
It’s a little show no more, but a titan that tells the biggest and boldest stories not touched by any other soaps.
It changes lives in powerful sagas that a young (but not exclusively young!) audience can relate to and learn from. And even be saved by.
It delivers utter campness than only a show like Hollyoaks can get away with, carrying out some of most whopping stunts in soap history, more than its fair share of serial killers, and, well, the McQueens.
It showcases how soap can adapt to differing audiences and patters of consuming TV, with real success on catch-up, YouTube and TikTok.
It’s funny, it’s ridiculous, it’s topical, it’s emotional, it’s always a ride into the unknown with twists that would put a bowl of fusilli to shame – basically, it’s exactly what soap should be and more.
I was never in doubt that Hollyoaks deserves a future of a further 30 years and beyond.
But this week of crashing planes, utterly heartbreaking goodbyes, homages to Brookside and Laters, and Tony Hutchinson’s super sperm sealed the deal for me.
It had it all. I laughed at the sheer bonker-ness of Clare Devine’s (Gemma Bissix) red stiletto impaled itself into the iconic Hollyoaks sign.
I bubbled at the death of Peri Lomax (Ruby O’Donnell), and I gasped as they dared to kill off Grace Black (Tamara Wall)
My heart was in my mouth when Jez Blake(Jeremy Sheffield) had his final showdown with Sienna (Anna Passey) after becoming finely chunked fish food.
I was overwhelmed by nostalgia as Bobby and Sheila Grant (Ricky Tomlison) reflected on the state of society, something Brookside is famous for.
And I am now shaken but full of respect for the bravery of the show once more tackling male rape in Dodger Savage’s (Danny Mac’s powerful new story).
Hollyoaks packed so much into an hour, impressively written and produced and sealed together by a passionate and dedicated crew.
The cast upped their game in their performances (Kirsty-Leigh Porter and Jessica Fox take an absolute bow!), proving that while Hollyoaks is often seen as the underdog, it contains some of the best actors and iconic characters in soap.
In fact, such was the passion for the audience to enjoy this week, the whole team were tirelessly working on these episodes up to a week before they aired.
But the storylines don’t suffer as a result, I have read ahead (gosh, I’m SUCH a boaster) and the drama doesn’t let up, with the 30th kicking off new arcs, as well as climaxing their well built plotlines.
The future looks bright. Will Sienna and Cleo make it back together? How will Dodger cope in the aftermath of the horrific attack? Who shot Tony?
I am dying to know (P.S. Long live Clienna, hope you’re reading this, storyliners, thanks) – and the audience are too.
Despite my failed attempt to get a selfie with Brookside, Hollyoaks and Grange Hill legend Phil Redmond, I came away from the viewing buzzing and full of positivity.
And I can’t wait to see what Hollyoaks throws at me as it enters its next few decades.
