Two of Hollyoaks’ top bosses have quit their roles following the soap’s episode reduction and cast cull.
Kate Little and Claire Poyser are set to leave as the joint managing directors of Lime Pictures – the production company that makes Hollyoaks for Channel 4 – and sister companies Lion and Wise Owl.
As part of their roles, they have helped oversee Hollyoaks since 2013, as well as looking after other shows the company produces, including ITV’s The Only Way is Essex, MTV’s Geordie Shore and E4’s Celebs Go Dating.
Their exits come after it was announced earlier this year that Hollyoaks would be cut from five episodes a week to three, amid budget cuts at Channel 4.
As a result, the cast was reduced by around a third, while approximately 130 jobs were axed behind the scenes.
The changes are now beginning to take effect on screen, with a big stunt week culminating on Wednesday, paving the way for a time-jump next week that facilitates the character reduction.
Speaking about her exit from Lime Pictures, Claire said (via Broadcast): ‘After 12 years there are too many personal highlights to list but what has made my time at Lime, Lion and Wise Owl so memorable are the people I have worked with; brilliant people who are not only expert in what they do but care about those around them and embody the values that make the Company so special.
‘I am really looking forward to my next challenge and am grateful to Jane, Sara and Angela for their support throughout my time at All3Media.’
Kate added: ‘Together we have produced best in class programming for audiences worldwide.
‘After 12 fantastic years, however, it is time for a change and I am really excited to embark upon my next adventure.’
Last year, Hollyoaks was moved out of its weeknight slot on Channel 4 to sister channel E4, the corporation’s streaming service and YouTube, in a move the network claimed would better cater to modern viewing habits.
The soap’s new schedule will see new episodes drop Mondays to Wednesdays from 7am on Channel 4’s streaming platform before airing on TV at 7pm on E4.
