Exclusive: 'Hollyoaks' bosses to cast deaf teenager

Hollyoaks bosses have begun casting for a deaf teenage character who will join the soap later this year, Digital Spy has learned.

Show chiefs are looking for a young deaf actor who will play a 16-year-old male character named Mikey on the programme.

The newcomer will initially appear as a guest on the teen drama, but it is thought that he could later become a regular.

Hollyoaks will also put Mikey at the centre of an online spinoff initiative which feeds into his role on the main soap.

An online casting call for the part reads: "Hollyoaks is looking for a deaf actor over 16 years old. This is a brilliant role for a young deaf actor.

"After a few initial episodes, the role will feature heavily in groundbreaking online material, before returning to the show and potentially becoming a regular character.

"Actors can be fully or partially deaf, must be able to communicate in sign language, and must be either 16 or older and able to realistically play 16."

Digital Spy understands that the early details of Mikey's role are subject to change as character and storyline plans are often altered after the casting stage.

Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with a first-look screening at 7pm on E4.

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