Lucky readers visit the set of Hollyoaks!
SARAH FROM BEDFORDSHIRE GOT VIP ACCESS TO THE VILLAGE…
After a fabulous time exploring all the Dales hot spots, our prizewinners were whisked off to Liverpool, to spend the day hanging out in Hollyoaks village! There were cast aplenty who were very happy to meet and greet our VIPS – and here Sarah Munton relives her experience of the spectacular set…
“I used to watch the Hollyoaks omnibus
every Sunday morning, so the village felt kind of homely when I first saw it. I’m really pleased that all my favourite characters like Luke [played by Gary Lucy] and Warren are back on the show again.
“It was amazing seeing the pond
in the middle of the village. At first it seemed really small and enclosed compared with what’s on TV, but after spending the morning looking around, I’ve got used to it and it feels normal and life-sized!
“Everybody who works here is so chilled out.
We visited all the sets, and when I was asking what I could touch, the staff would say, ‘Yeah go for it, do what you like!’. So I had a real blast. I enjoyed Djing over at the Loft, stepping behind the counter at Price Slice, and having my hair done at the Donovans’ salon.
“My favourite family is the Mcqueens,
so visiting their house was my favourite part of the tour. It’s such an iconic location in Hollyoaks, and the place felt like a propersized living room, which was surprising after seeing lots of dinky little rooms over at Coronation Street! It was crazy to think of all the different Mcqueens who’ve been in that house over the years, and it was hilarious seeing the Myra statue up close.
“I was really chuffed to meet some of the old faces
like Darren, Nancy and Tom. I’ve watched Ellis [Hollins, who plays Tom] grow up on screen – and I called him ‘Tom!’ He just felt so familiar.
“Alex Fletcher, who plays Diane, was the first face I saw when we arrived.
I was a massive Brookside fan back in the day [Alex played Jacqui Dixon], so it was nice to talk to her. Tony [played by Nick Pickard] was there, too, but he was asleep! Clips of him were playing on the screen behind him, which was surreal.
“We got to watch some filming in the village,
and even got to sit in the canteen and eat our lunch surrounded by the cast and crew! Everyone here has been so lovely, open and friendly, and I’ve really enjoyed myself. Can I stay?”