Hollyoaks star Jeremy Sheffield admits atmosphere is ‘difficult’ after ‘tough’ changes

Hollyoaks star Jeremy Sheffield has admitted there is a “difficult atmosphere” on set following cuts to cast, crew and episodes.

The long-running soap is undergoing major changes behind the scenes – and in front of the camera – with a move from Channel 4 to E4 and YouTube, with 20 cast mates being given the reins and the number of episodes being reduced from five to three a week. .

James told the Daily Star’s Hot TV column: “Everyone understands why things have to happen.

“But obviously people are losing their jobs, so it’s tough. People need to rethink their livelihoods.

“There’s a difficult atmosphere. It’s hard for everybody. It’s a big change.”

These changes mean the cast feel “pressure” when it comes to their performances because they “want to do as well (as they can)” for the sake of the soap.

He explained: “There is pressure. We’re making a big change, so there’s a lot riding on this. You have to be really good.

“You always want to do the best you can for the show and that feels highlighted now.”

The 58-year-old actor returned to the grid eight years after his previous character Patrick Blake was killed off.

Instead of his alter ego coming back from the dead, Jeremy will return as Patrick’s brother Jez.

And despite the struggles surrounding the changes, he admitted there is still some excitement about how the show could improve.

He added: “The hope is that it will be tighter and we’ll be able to delve into the stories in a more complex way. So people are excited about it.”

The series – which switched to a digital-first approach last September after moving from Channel 4 to E4 and stream-only – will lose two episodes from September this year, but new executive producer Hannah Cheers is optimistic about the future.

She recently said: “Hollyoaks offers a unique proposition: bold, escapist, relatable, youth-leaning and multi-generational stories told in its innovative technicolor style.

“The show continues to bring people together, making them feel anything and everything. Approaching its 30th anniversary in 2025, “Hollyoaks” matters as much now as it did on its groundbreaking release.

“There may be speculation about the future of Continuing Drama, but as someone who was raised on the nation’s televisions – and remains a true fan – I believe their value should not be underestimated.”