'Oaks actress excited over show future

Hollyoaks star Claire Cooper has expressed excitement over what the soap has in store with new series producer Paul Marquess at the helm.

Marquess joined the Channel 4 teen drama in January following the departure of his predecessor Lucy Allan, who headed up production for just over a year.

Speaking to DS about the atmosphere on set, Cooper - who portrays Jacqui McQueen - commented: "[It's] excellent. It's so lifted. I'm buzzing - I'm really enjoying myself.

"It's mainly because I'm working and I'm getting some fantastic scripts through and I can get my teeth into it. I'm really lucky to be here and playing Jacqui."

The actress added that she hopes the meaty scripts continue to come through following a quieter year for her alter ego.

She said: "I'm here 'til next June at least. Hopefully it'll be an interesting year because I've felt that this last year, I've not really been used. You've got to step back at times but I felt that Jacqui's not really had an identity, so it would be lovely to get back into it."

Cooper also praised the string of new signings announced by Marquess last month. She explained: "I'm really excited about the new cast. You have to keep it fresh and it has to be revitalised every so often."

> Click here to read our interview with Claire Cooper
> Click here to read more from Claire Cooper in Soap Scoop