C4 commissions fourth 'Hollyoaks Later'

Channel 4 has commissioned a fourth series of Hollyoaks Later, it has been announced.

The late-night E4 spinoff show will return to screens in the autumn, airing as another week-long run of five hour-long episodes in a 9pm timeslot.

This year's Hollyoaks Later will be produced by the main soap's series editor Claire Fryer alongside Hollyoaks' executive producers Tony Wood and Carolyn Reynolds.

Speaking of the commission, Wood commented: "We are delighted to be working on another series of Hollyoaks Later which promises to deliver a unique cocktail of humour, glamour and grown-up drama.

"We're taking some of Hollyoaks' most-loved characters and putting them in romantic, funny and dangerous situations and we hope viewers will love the result."

Channel 4's commissioning editor Roberto Troni added: "Hollyoaks Later is a unique brand extension that gives E4 audiences a new perspective on the main drama. As the only British soap specifically aimed at young audiences, Hollyoaks is constantly evolving, growing and exploring new ideas.

"From more Laters on E4 this year to even more exclusive content on E4.com, Hollyoaks fans can get much more than their nightly fix of the Channel 4 show."

The decision to recommission Later follows the success of last year's series, which focused on one fateful night for the Costellos and the McQueens among others.

A show source told DS today: "Hollyoaks has been given a huge vote of confidence with this commission, which reflects the show's continuing strength within the Channel 4 and E4 family. The main show is currently enjoying consistent audience numbers on Channel 4, while last year's series of Later proved extremely popular with viewers. Everyone is working hard to ensure that the fourth late-night run will be just as successful."

Hollyoaks Later's fourth series is currently in pre-production and will begin filming in the summer.