'Hollyoaks' boss denies ratings crisis

Hollyoaks boss Paul Marquess has dismissed suggestions that the show could be axed by Channel 4 for poor ratings.

The teen soap's viewing figures have dropped below 1m on a number of occasions this year, with one recent episode pulling in just 640,000. The disappointing numbers have caused some speculation that the serial could be facing an uncertain future.

However, Marquess is currently heading up a period of rejuvenation at the show after taking office at its home at Lime Pictures in Liverpool in January. In recent months, he has axed a number of characters, cast three new families and promised to take the programme back to its roots.

Speaking in a new interview with the Liverpool Echo, the former Brookside and The Bill producer insisted that talk of Hollyoaks coming to an end is "bizarre".

He commented: "It is important for Lime Pictures and for Liverpool to keep Hollyoaks as strong as it is. I've had no meetings with Channel 4 about ratings."

Discussing the soap's current revamp, Marquess added: "It's all about word of mouth. I knew The Bill was doing well when I heard a group of girls talking about an episode on the Tube. It is an exciting time for Hollyoaks and there is already a real buzz on site."

Marquess's appointment as Hollyoaks' series producer came following the departure of Lucy Allan, who took on the role for just over 12 months.