Hollyoaks fans learned recently that up to 20 characters and cast members could be leaving the E4 soap, as part of cuts at Channel 4.
With the news that crew and cast would sadly lose their jobs came the confirmation that there would be a reduction in episodes. From September there will be three episodes, 20-minutes long each, every week.
It seems it will continue with it's stream-first move, airing on Channel 4's streaming service before airing on E4 the following evening. We also know that bosses are planning a time jump one year into the future in September, which means not all of the character exits will air, and some will probably just be addressed in 'the new era'.
But who do we know is leaving so far, and what other characters yet to be confirmed could be bowing out? Here we look at the confirmed departures, and the characters that could be leaving...
Confirmed exits
Hunter McQueen and Lizzie Chen-Williams were both killed off this week in a drugs storyline, that saw them taking dodgy pills. Lizzie collapsed and died during her father Dave's wedding celebrations, while Hunter died later that evening as he seemingly passed away in his sleep, by his twin brother Prince's side.
Lizzie's younger brother Mason Chen-Williams has also left the village to live with his mum, unable to cope with his sister's death. He and dad Dave had a row leading to some harsh words, resulting in Mason fleeing.
Scott Drinkwell is a confirmed exit yet to air, after actor Ross Adams announced he was leaving the role. Also leaving is Warren Fox actor Jamie Lomas, who announced his own departure from the role too - while no details have been confirmed on how he or Scott will leave.
It was revealed this week that Zain Rizwaan, played by actor Jonas Khan, would be leaving the show too, while Jamelia's exit as Sharon Bailey has already aired in recent weeks. Another sad confirmed departure is Hollyoaks legend Cindy Cunningham, with actress Stephanie Waring recently announcing she had been axed from the show as part of the cuts.
Rumoured exits and theories
Dave Chen-Williams is tipped to leave the show following the death of daughter Lizzie and his son Mason leaving. With his new wife Cindy also axed from the show, fans are speculating Dave will leave with her.
Hilton Cunningham could also be leaving the show for the same reasons above, as the 10 year old's mother Cindy is confirmed to be departing. Similarly, with Warren leaving the show might we lose his mother and village baddie Norma Crow?
One character who feared she would be sent to prison this week was Dilly Harcourt, as she supplied the pills to Lizzie and Hunter that left them dead. Will Dilly be found out, resulting in a sad exit for Sienna Blake's sister? Hopefully not, given new Blake family members are soon to appear!
Then there's Goldie McQueen, with actress Chelsee Healey recently sparking concern with fans after a cryptic post online, that appeared to be deleted soon after. Fans are now worried Goldie will leave the show.
Carter Shepherd was recently arrested amid the soap's controversial conversion therapy storyline. Given the way he has targeted those in the village and more drama head, might there be an exit in sight for Carter?
With Scott leaving the show, and Carter a possibility, perhaps other characters who could leave are those linked to them, including Vicky Grant and Freya Calder.
Who is staying on Hollyoaks?
So far confirmed to be staying on the show is Hollyoaks legend Mercedes McQueen, played by actress Jennifer Metcalfe. The fates of other characters have not been confirmed, while fans are hoping returning characters Hannah Ashworth, Freddie Roscoe and Robbie Roscoe will be sticking around.
There were also hints that Grace Black would be staying with the show as it transforms into its new era. Fans also want some of the longest serving cast members to stick around as their characters, including the Osbornes and the Cunninghams, but who knows what will happen!
Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4's streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Fridays on E4 at 7PM.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .