New 'Oaks producer signs two sexy regulars

New Hollyoaks producer Lucy Allan has made her first couple of regular cast signings in the form of two 'blonde bombshells' from Hollyoaks Later.

Both Loretta (left) and Cheryl (below) - played by Melissa Walton and Bronagh Waugh, respectively - impressed producers so much that they have been signed up to appear as regulars in the main weekday show.

Despite Dom's (John Pickard) wife Tina's (Leah Hackett) death, lap dancer Loretta made a firm impression on him from the moment he met her and he hasn't been able to think about anyone else since. In his eyes, she's the whole package; sexy, intelligent and sophisticated. When Ste (Kieron Richardson) plays the role of cupid, Dom realises that Loretta's the one for him and the pair bond over the unlikely pastime of bird watching.

Meanwhile, Malachy's (Glen Wallace) bubbly and brash ex-girlfriend Cheryl decides to leave her Belfast life behind and start afresh in England. Her arrival in Hollyoaks, however, throws Zak off course and causes a stir between Malachy and wife Mercedes (Jennifer Metcalfe).

Speaking of the new additions, Allan said: "Cheryl and Loretta will bring an energy and a sense of fun to the show. Both Melissa and Bronagh impressed me with their performances in Hollyoaks Later and I'm sure viewers will warm to them quickly."

She added: "There will be more new faces arriving in Hollyoaks shortly, so viewers should watch this space! There's an exciting year ahead."

Loretta, who has already begun filming at the show's home Lime Pictures in Liverpool, will appear on screen from Friday, February 6, while Cheryl starts filming in March and will turn up in the village in May.

Lucy Allan took the helm at the Chester-based soap last week after Bryan Kirkwood stepped down from his role after three years.

> Kirkwood: 'Hollyoaks' is in safe hands'