Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks looks like it is set to lose another character this year ahead
of the soap’s big changes coming in September.
According to Metro, Matthew James Bailey will depart the role of Ethan Williams
after three years — but the character won’t be killed off.
The report hasn’t been officially confirmed by Channel 4 or Lime Pictures at the
time of writing, but we do know that a lot of cast and crew are sadly being let go ahead of the move to three weekly episodes in September.
Related: Hollyoaks star Daisy Wood-Davis expecting second child
The head of the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union called the cuts at Hollyoaks “devastating” for both the people affected, and the UK industry in general.
“For decades Hollyoaks has entertained generations and it is the hardworking and talented crew who brought the iconic storylines to life,” the statement reads.
“It has also provided brilliant employment opportunities and skills development for film and TV workers in the north west, and has served as an incubator of talent for the entire industry…
“All is not well in the UK TV industry and urgent government intervention and industry collaboration is needed.”
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Related: Hollyoaks to air aftermath of Dillon and Lucas split drama
Cindy actor Stephanie Waring confirmed she’s one of the cast members affected by the cuts, while Zain Rizwaan actor Jonas Khan, Warren Fox actor Jamie Lomas, Norma Crow star Glynis Barber, and Hunter McQueen star Theo Graham have either left or are leaving (although their exits are not necessarily related to the cuts).
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage