Lucy Allan quits Hollyoaks

Lucy Allan quits Channel Four soap Hollyoaks just a little over a year since she took over from Bryan Kirkwood. Paul Marquess, former executive producer of The Bill, will replace her.

C4It’s been announced that Lucy Allan has quit her role of producer on Hollyoaks. Allan took over from Bryan Kirkwood on the Lime Pictures produced soap in January 2008 but after just 12 months or so in the role she has decided to stand down. During her short spell with Hollyoaks it has suffered some of its lowest ratings especially over the festive period however following Bryan Kirkwood was a tough act for any incoming producer to follow because he so successfully turned around the fortunes of the soap. 

“I am very proud to have been part of the Hollyoaks team. I’ve had a fantastic time working on this show but am now equally excited about what the future will hold.” – Lucy Allan 

Allan will now be replaced with Paul Marquess who’s previous credits include The Bill, Brookside and creating Footballers Wives. His stint on The Bill saw him turn the weekly drama into a soap opera with the personal lives of the officers taking precedent over the more typical crime orientated stories the series had previously featured. Marquess reign at The Bill saw shed loads of characters meet grisly ends and the Sun Hill Police station blown up twice. He also introduced a host of new characters to the drama which were mostly played by ex-soap stars such as Bernie Nolan, Todd Carty and Jane Danson. 

“Taking up this position at Lime Pictures feels like I’m going home, as I began my career working with both Carolyn and Tony at Granada and my first major project was Brookside at Mersey Television. I’m a huge soap fan so to be handed the reins of Channel 4’s flagship teen drama is not only a huge challenge but also a massive honour.”- Paul Marquess

Hollyoaks won’t be the only soap changing producers this year with Bryan Kirkwood replacing Diederick Santer on EastEnders and former Doctor Who producer Phil Collinson taking over from Kim Crowther on Coronation Street.