Hollyoaks stars take their costumes home for online projects after filming was suspended
Hollyoaks stars have taken their character's costumes home as part of a drive for extra online content during the coronavirus pandemic.
Before filming on the soap was suspended last month, the show's press and digital team instructed cast members to take home one recognisable costume from their character's wardrobe.
The savvy move has allowed cast to film themselves 'in character' for extra online videos, which will be released on Hollyoaks' social platforms in the coming weeks.
Some stars have also been equipped with green screens, while many others have Hollyoaks village replica signs to use in the background of their videos.
Hollyoaks has already started releasing 'Sage Advice From Sally', which sees school headteacher Sally St Claire deliver messages of support to the audience.
These have been filmed from the home of regular cast member Annie Wallace, who plays Sally. Annie has shot the clips in front of a green screen, making it appear as though Sally is in her office at the school.
A number of other videos are also being released as part of the show's 'Hollyoaks @ Home' project.
'Baking With Anna' sees fan favourite Anna Passey (Sienna Blake) film a tutorial on how to make a banana cake using essentials from the cupboard.
As many of the Hollyoaks cast are also qualified personal trainers, Sarah Jayne Dunn (Mandy Richardson), David Tag (Sylver McQueen) and Jude Monk McGowan (Liam Donovan) have been leading fitness tutorials under the title 'Wednesday Workouts'.
Ross Adams, who plays Scott Drinkwell, has been doing one-man character impressions of classic scenes to support Hollyoaks Favourites on E4.
The show has also launched the Month Of Listening, allowing young people to earn a bunny-ears filter for their online profile if they follow different challenges set by cast. These include phoning someone they haven't spoken to this year, or video-calling an older relative.
Show bosses are hoping that 'Hollyoaks @ Home' will help to support young people's mental health while isolating.
Channel 4 commissioning executive Rebecca Holdsworth commented: "Hollyoaks is incredibly connected to its audience, crucially through the #dontfilterfeelings campaign, which provides on and off-screen support for young people facing mental health challenges – often for the first time.
"The response for resources to help younger schoolchildren and parents at home has been incredible, but isolation also has a huge impact on teenagers and young adults.
"Many are missing really important life events, like sitting A-Levels and GCSEs they have worked so hard for. Graduations and milestone birthdays have been cancelled and the impact of that is huge.
"Hollyoaks is working to find ways to support them while at home through social platforms, in ways that are practical, fun, engaging and interactive. The response has been overwhelming."
Hollyoaks has reached nearly half a million video views on Instagram with its project so far. The 'Hollyoaks @ Home' updates have also attracted almost double the amount of engagement compared to a regular post on the Hollyoaks Instagram page.
Hollyoaks currently airs new episodes on Mondays and Tuesdays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4. Hollyoaks Favourites airs on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm on E4.
The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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