Someone's talk has shaken the very foundations of the Showbiz Shed.
\r\nThey've come out and committed a mortal sin - by slating Hollyoaks.
\r\nWe present to you our defence of the glorious soap over the years...
\r\nJames Cordan has had a massive rant against our fave show - he had a little part on the programme and didn't enjoy the experience.<\/p>","url":"2008/7/23/James-Corden-0708-1.jpg","width":385,"height":540,"alt":"James Corden 07.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
We wonder what the McQueen girls (Jennifer Metcalfe, Leah Hackett, Claire Cooper and Gemma Merna) think of this?<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Jennifer-Metcalfe-Leah-Hackett-Claire-Cooper-and-Gemma-Merna-0508.jpg","width":385,"height":540,"alt":"Jennifer Metcalfe, Leah Hackett, Claire Cooper and Gemma Merna 05.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
\"It's f***ing awful. I can't tell you the sheer disdain I have for the place and people,\" James told Esquire.\"
\r\nBut James, look at Carmel's bouffant, big boobs and bronzed skin - you've just got to love her.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Gemma-Merna-0508.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Gemma Merna 05.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
James continued: \"I met a couple of really good friends there, but it's (only) 20% nice people.
<\/p>
\"It just breeds pricks - all these people walking around with this chicken-in-a-basket fame, talking about going to LA.\"
<\/p>
He better watch his back because you don't want to mess with the McQueens. Headed up by tough cookie Myra (Nicole Barber-Lane) and her even tougher daughter, Mercedes (Jennifer Metcalfe).<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Nicole-Barber-Lane-and-Jennifer-Metcalfe-0508.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Nicole Barber-Lane and Jennifer Metcalfe 05.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Mercedes has one marriage already under her belt but that doesn't put her off the men folk.
\r\nHer sex addict antics keep us glued to the screen.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Jennifer-Metcalfe-0508.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Jennifer Metcalfe 05.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Jacqui McQueen (Claire Cooper) is a scary mare.
\r\nShe's a bit of a tea leaf and doesn't mind bending the rules but now she's got herself Tina's baby will motherhood calm her ways?<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Claire-Cooper-0108.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Claire Cooper 01.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
This is a pairing you'd never see on the show.
\r\nThat's because Jake Dean (Kevin Sacre) has been sectioned.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Claire-Cooper-and-Kevin-Sacre-0507.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Claire Cooper and Kevin Sacre 05.07"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
If any bloke ever needed a good excuse to watch Hollyoaks, here it is - Louise Summers (Roxanne McKee).
\r\nFor the moment, Warren's the luckiest bloke on the block.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Roxanne-McKee-0708.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Roxanne McKee 07.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Another hot blonde comes in the form of Zoe Carpenter (Zoe Lister) - she got it on with her best mate's dad, Mr Barnes.
\r\nOnly on Hollyoaks would such a tryst take place.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Zoe-Lister-1007.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Zoe Lister 10.07"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
... And let's not forget her cross-dressing buddy Kris Fisher (Gerard McCarthy).
\r\nHe's a straight-talking guy who makes us giggle daily.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Gerrard-McCarthy-and-Zoe-Lister-0208.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Gerrard McCarthy and Zoe Lister 02.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
We will never forget Hannah Ashworth's (Emma Rigby) heart-wrenching anorexia storyline.
\r\nThey're dealing with tough issues, James Cordan - show them some respect.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Emma-Rigby-0708.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Emma Rigby 07.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Don't look into her crazy eyes of Clare Cunningham (Gemma Bissix).
\r\nBefore you know it she'll have you wed, drugged up and will be trying to bump you off. How can James resist?<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Gemma-Bissex-0708.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Gemma Bissex 07.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
It's the man who broke John-Paul McQueen's heart, Mr Craig Dean (Guy Burnet). He left John Paul with a broken heart, but rumour has it Craig may be back in the 'Oaks at the end of 2008.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Guy-Burnet-0308.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Guy Burnet 03.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
We learn such important life lessons from the 'Oaks - John Paul McQueen (James Sutton) has taught us that true love conquers all by getting together with the priest Kieron Hobbs (Jake Hendriks). See James? Seeeeee?<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/James-Sutton-0708.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"James Sutton 07.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
... Speak of the devil, their relationship would give many a great romance a run for its money.<\/p>","url":"2008/7/15/James-Sutton-Jake-Hendriks-0708.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"James Sutton Jake Hendriks 07.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Hollyoaks has never been short of eye candy, and Calvin Valentine (Ricky Whittle) is largely to thank.
\r\nWe love a man in uniform and police officer Calvin isn't bad on the eye at all. Will he make an honest woman of Carmel McQueen? We can't wait to find out.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Ricky-Whittle-0708.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Ricky Whittle 07.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
... Don't take any notice of this real-life lip lock.
\r\nAs we all know Steph Cunningham (Carly Stenson) is still grieving over Max's (Matt Littler) death.
<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Ricky-Whittle-and-Carly-Stenson-0708.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Ricky Whittle and Carly Stenson 07.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
You're not alone Steph, we're finding it hard to come to terms with too. We imagine James' comments aren't helping you at this time.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Carly-Stenson-0508.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Carly Stenson 05.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Now here are some chaps who've had storyline and a half.
\r\nGilly Roach (Anthony Quinlan) was all set to marry Beth (not pictured)... that was until he found out that she was having it away with his best mate and Beth's half bro Rhys Ashworth (Andrew Moss) - shocking, non?<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Andrew-Moss-Carly-Stenson-and-Anthony-Quinlan-0806.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Andrew Moss, Carly Stenson and Anthony Quinlan 08.06"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Since Beth's death they've been trying to sort out their mateship but it's still early days.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Anthony-Quinlan-and-Andrew-Moss-0507.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Anthony Quinlan and Andrew Moss 05.07"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Bad boys don't come better packaged than Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas). Despite being a dark horse and villain extraordinaire, he's remarkably irresistable.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Jamie-Lomas-0708.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Jamie Lomas 07.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
It's Hollyoaks version of PJ and Duncan - Max Cunningham and OB (Darren Jon-Jeffries).
\r\nCome on admit it - you were crying buckets when Max died in OB's arms.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Matt-Littler-and-Darren-Jon-Jeffries-0608.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Matt Littler and Darren Jon-Jeffries 06.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins) is now looked after by Max's wife, Steph - but we know he must be broken-hearted about losing Max... we're off again, sniffle, sob.
Oh, James, really, how can you not adore<\/i> the plausibility of the storylines?<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Matt-Littler-and-Ellis-Hollins-0906.jpg","width":385,"height":540,"alt":"Matt Littler and Ellis Hollins 09.06"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
The cute factor belongs to Tom - he's growing up on Hollyoaks and we love it.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Ellis-Hollins-0505.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Ellis Hollins 05.05"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Jessica Harris (Jennifer Biddall) brought us complication overload - she was always having issues.
\r\nEspecially after her dad went bankrupt and stopped her allowance - she became embroiled in a complicated love triangle with best mate Zoe and her then boyfriend Darren Osborne.
\r\nShe went out of the show in true drama... taking Darren's gambling profits with her.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Andrew-Moss-Jennifer-Bidall-and-Anthony-Quinlan-0107.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Andrew Moss, Jennifer Bidall and Anthony Quinlan 01.07"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Ah, yes, the sight of fireman Ben Davies sans his clothes in the streets of Chester. And the entertainment was all courtesy of Isabelle \"Izzy\" Davies (Elize du Toit).
\r\nNot that she had life easy, there was her miscarriage and her indiscretion wtih Scott whilst married to Ben.
\r\nFans got a brief glimpse of the Izz-ster in October 2007 when she made a brief appearance. Wonder if she'll ever come back for good?<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Elize-Du-Toit-1103.jpg","width":385,"height":540,"alt":"Elize Du Toit 11.03"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Now then, now then - how could we ever forget Lisa Hunter (Gemma Atkinson).
\r\nShe went from tormented teen who cut herself to a smokin' sex pot who got Jake to cheat on his wife, Becca Dean.
\r\nBut we were all super-jeal when she headed off with our all-time fave hottie Ben and gave us extra 'Oaks time with Hollyoaks: In The City.<\/p>","url":"2008/5/9/Gemma-Atkinson-0508.jpg","width":385,"height":540,"alt":"Gemma Atkinson 05.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
The 'Oaks party scene was alive and well when Jude Cunningham (Davinia Taylor) was around.
\r\nRemember how she set up a fake wedding and then skipped the country with her dead sister's passport? Priceless.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Davinia-Taylor-0608.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":" Davinia Taylor 06.08"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Double delights came from Sophie (Connie Powney) and Mel (Cassie) Burton.
\r\nThe girls had some harrowing storylines, like Mel's rape by Andy, and eventually met dark times when they both died in a fire at The Dog.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Connie-Pourney-and-Cassie-Pourney-0505.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Connie Pourney and Cassie Pourney 05.05"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) is currently having a bit of a heavy time - he's latest genius plan was to pretend his dad Jack had died, to get the old fella out of money problems by cashing on his life insurance.
\r\nMeanwhile, Justin Burton (Chris Fountain) has quite a hectic past - from an affair with his teacher to getting her banged up and moving a dead body.
\r\nThis 'Oaker has been to some dark places, James, and don't you forget it.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Ashley-Taylor-Dawson-and-Chris-Fountain-1007.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Ashley Taylor-Dawson and Chris Fountain 10.07"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
A blast from the past is Sol Patrick (Paul Danan) - he gave us some laughs.
\r\nRemember the late-night special - Boys Do Barca - where he and the boys went on a stag weekend to Barcelona celebrate Finn's hitching to Tony's mother Victoria?
\r\nSol had us in stitches as he was chased by a angry mob of Spanish locals.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Paul-Danan-0006.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Paul Danan 00.06"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Gina Patrick (Danielle Brent) graced our soapy screeens until 2001.
\r\nIn that time she was an eco warrior and fought for humane things a lot.
\r\nShe was also the first lesbian on the show.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Dannielle-Brent-1006.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Dannielle Brent 10.06"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
We watched little Bombhead (Lee Otway) grow up into a fairly simple young man with his best bud, Lee Hunter.
\r\nThings got a bit mixed up when his mum died and he kept her rotting body in the house while he struggled to come to terms with it.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Lee-Otway-1006.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Lee Otway 10.06"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
A classic character was Luke Morgan (Gary Lucy) - he had us gripped with the male rape storyline, which won him an award at the 2000 British Soap Awards.
\r\nWell done.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Gary-Lucy-0403.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Gary Lucy 04.03"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Scott Anderson (Daniel Hyde), Ellie Hunter (Sarah Baxendale) and serial killer Toby Mills (Henry Luxemburg) all kept us on the edge of our seats with their intense storylines.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Daniel-Hyde-Sarah-Baxendale-and-Henry-Luxemburg-1003.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Daniel Hyde, Sarah Baxendale and Henry Luxemburg 10.03"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Dan Hunter (Andy McNair) was another of the Hunter brood and Lisa's big bro.
\r\nHe dated Debbie Dean (Jodi Albert) forever - but things came to a shattering halt when he was killed off in a car crash.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Andy-McNair-0003.jpg","width":385,"height":540,"alt":"Andy McNair 00.03"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) is our fave character on the show.
\r\nProbably because he's been on it the WHOLE time since it started in 1995. We hope James counts him in the 20%.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Nick-Pickard-0003.jpg","width":385,"height":540,"alt":"Nick Pickard 00.03"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Finn Finnigan (James Redmond) was another who has pleased our eyes in the past. Sooooo cute.
\r\nAnd fret not, Jack Osbourne (Jimmy McKenna) we have a soft spot for you too - but this whole fake death thing is a little crazy.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/James-Redmond-Nick-Pickard-and-James-McKenna-1101.jpg","width":385,"height":540,"alt":"James Redmond, Nick Pickard and James McKenna 11.01"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Huzzah - Mandy Richardson (Sarah Jayne Dunn) is back in the show.
\r\nDo you remember her first time around, when her mum, Helen Cunningham (Kathryn George), kicked the bucket in a car crash with Mr C?<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Kathryn-George-and-Sarah-Jayne-Dunn-1101.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Kathryn George and Sarah Jayne Dunn 11.01"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Gordan Cunnigham (Bernard Latham) is still missed by us. And we reckon James feels sad when he thinks of that episode.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Kathryn-George-and-Bernard-Latham-1201.jpg","width":385,"height":540,"alt":"Kathryn George and Bernard Latham 12.01"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Whit-woo, Kurt Benson (Jeremy Edwards) - you brightened up our screens when you appeared on the first episode of the show and set the bar high for the rest of the hotties.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Jeremy-Edwards-0305.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Jeremy Edwards 03.05"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Ruth Osbourne (Terri Dwyer) has just popped back to the show for her dad's faux funeral.
\r\nBut we best remember her alongside the messed-up Lewis, who turned into a woman-beater.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Ben-Hull-and-Terri-Dwyer-0099.jpg","width":385,"height":540,"alt":"Ben Hull and Terri Dwyer 00.99"},{"captionHeading":"We Heart Hollyoaks","caption":"
Way hey... it's Jambo Bolton (Will Mellor), do you remember his earring?
\r\nHe was one of the originals and also one of our faves.<\/p>","url":"2008/8/7/Will-Mellor-0408.jpg","width":320,"height":540,"alt":"Will Mellor 04.08"}];