Hollyoaks confirms crossover with another iconic series in surprise spin-off

Hollyoaks has announced a crossover with the iconic series Come Dine With Me to celebrate the soap’s 30th anniversary.

Soap cast members past and present will swap drama for serving up their finest dinner creations in a special week on the long-running cooking show.

Competing against each other for the chance to win £1,000 for the charity of their choice are Nicole Barber Lane (Myra McQueen), Anya Lawrence (Vicky Grant), James Redmond (Rory ‘Finn’ Finnigan), Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne) and Charlie Wernham (Robbie Roscoe).

This isn’t the first time Hollyoaks stars have appeared on Come Dine With Me, with the cast joining the show for crossover series in both 2015 and 2020.

The latest version is set to premiere on E4 later this year, and will also be available on Channel 4’s official streaming platform after broadcast.

Channel 4

Speaking about the return of the collaboration between two of TV’s most-loved shows, Channel 4’s Barry Agnew commented: “With Come Dine With Me celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, we think it’s perfect for these two giants of Channel 4 history to team up once again for an extra special treat to mark the much-loved Hollyoaks on its 30th birthday. A silver and pearl celebration!”

Hollyoaks executive producer Hannah Cheers at Lime Pictures added: “We at Hollyoaks are delighted E4 will be extending the party for our big birthday with this Come Dine With Me special.

“Airing alongside the explosive anniversary episodes, we’ll see Hollyoaks faces representing every era of our show cooking up a treat. There are more exciting surprises up our sleeves.”

Channel 4

Hollyoaks is also set to air another special crossover this year, with old favourites from Brookside appearing on the soap.

Returning cast members include Ricky Tomlinson, who is reprising his role as Bobby Grant, and his The Royle Family co-star Sue Johnston, who is returning as Sheila Grant.

Other actors set to return include Michael Starke as Thomas ‘Sinbad’ Sweeney, Paul Usher as Barry Grant, John McArdle as Billy Corkhill, Philip Olivier as Tim ‘Tinhead’ O’Leary, and Suzanne Collins as Nikki Shadwick.

Created by Sir Phil Redmond, Brookside first aired in 1982. The soap broadcast for 21 years, until 4 November 2003.