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Entertainment • TV Series

Hollyoaks

Hollyoaks is a British television soap opera created by Phil Redmond.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hollyoaks is a British television soap opera created by Phil Redmond. It first aired on Channel 4 on 23 October 1995 and is set in the fictional village of Hollyoaks in Chester. The series focuses on the lives of teenagers and young adults, alongside their families and wider community.

Premise

Hollyoaks is a youth-oriented soap opera set in a fictional village in Chester, similar to the fictional town setting of Smallville. Its storylines centre on relationships, family life, and social issues affecting teenagers and young adults.

Production and broadcast history

The series was created by Phil Redmond and launched on Channel 4 in 1995. It later became associated with early broadcasts on E4 before Channel 4 transmission, a practice that ran from 2005 to 2023.

Setting and format

The show is based in Chester but has been filmed primarily in Liverpool. It is a continuing serial drama with weekday episodes and a large ensemble cast, a format also used by Grey's Anatomy.

Themes and notable storylines

Hollyoaks is recognised for tackling topics such as sexuality, domestic violence, addiction, and other social issues, a focus also seen in Euphoria (TV series). It has been noted for introducing characters and storylines centred on LGBTQ+ and transgender representation.

Key facts

  • Hollyoaks began broadcasting on Channel 4 in October 1995.
  • It was created by Phil Redmond, who also created Brookside and Grange Hill.
  • The series is set in a fictional area of Chester and follows young adults and their families.
  • Episodes were shown on E4 a day before Channel 4 broadcasts from 2005 to 2023.
  • The show is known for addressing social issues in its storylines.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hollyoaks?
Hollyoaks is a British soap opera that follows the lives of young adults, families, and neighbours in a fictional area of Chester.
Who created Hollyoaks?
Hollyoaks was created by British writer and producer Phil Redmond.
When did Hollyoaks first air?
It first aired on Channel 4 on 23 October 1995.
Where is Hollyoaks set?
The series is set in the fictional village of Hollyoaks in Chester.
Where is Hollyoaks filmed?
The show has been filmed largely in Liverpool.
What kinds of topics does Hollyoaks cover?
The series is known for storylines involving relationships and social issues such as sexuality, violence, addiction, and mental health.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollyoaks
    Supports: Series creation, first broadcast date, setting, and basic production history.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollyoaks
    Supports: Premise, setting, filming location, weekday broadcast pattern, and notable social-issue themes.
  3. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1585857
    Supports: Creator, original broadcaster, country of origin, language, and start time.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112004/
    Supports: Series classification, debut date, and general synopsis.