Hollyoaks’ timeslot replacement has been revealed following Channel 4’s rescheduling

Channel 4 has revealed Hollyoaks’ timeslot replacement following the news that it will become the UK’s first all-digital soap.

Last week, the broadcaster announced that Hollyoaks would no longer air weekdays on Channel 4.

It has now been confirmed that The Simpsons will take over the soap’s 6.30pm slot from 25 September, while The Simpsons’ old 6pm slot will be taken over by Four in a Bed.

Related: 11 ways to fix Hollyoaks in the show’s next era

However, Hollyoaks will continue to air weeknights at 7pm on E4, with ‘first look’ episodes on Channel 4’s streaming service the previous day at 7.30pm.

The episodes will then be released a week later on YouTube, while the weekly omnibus will continue to air on Channel 4 on Sundays.

The schedule change comes after it was found that 64% of viewers watch via streaming on First Look or E4.

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As well as streamlining how the soap’s young audience consumes the soap, Channel 4 wants to expand its online presence by generating digital content that appeals to its target demographic.

The new schedule will kick off with a week of stunts for the soap, which includes a one-hour special (spoilers follows below).

Jemma Donovan’s final scenes as Rayne Royce will air as part of the event, with the character being killed off and setting off a huge new storyline.

Meanwhile, Peri manages to escape Rayne’s ex-boyfriend Brent, who is holding her captive.

From Monday, September 25, Hollyoaks will first broadcast online via Channel 4 every day of the week. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before premiering on YouTube a week after that.

Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.

Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage

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