Hollyoaks axing a whopping 20 cast members in huge shake-up as they plot bizarre plan to throw storyline into the future

OVER the years, soaps have dreamed up increasingly inventive stunts to kill off cast members – such as Corrie’s tram crash and a storm on Emmerdale.

But Hollyoaks’ script writers have really lost the plot with their latest, er, plot — which will spell the end for TWENTY of its actors.

I can reveal that a swathe of talent will be leaving the Channel 4 show when it goes from five episodes a week to three, making it soapland’s biggest ever bloodbath.

Bosses have come up with a bizarre “time jump” concept to fast-forward 20 characters out of the soap.

It will see the action permanently move forward by one year, when some families just so happen to have left the village.

A source said: “Losing 20 cast members in one fell swoop is eye-watering and devastating news for soapland.

“In the past, Hollyoaks has seen shock stunts claim up to five lives in a single episode.

“But the days of soaps having a big cast clear-out with a devastating stunt are long gone, especially on Hollyoaks where the budget has been dramatically cut.

“The necessary death toll would make almost any stunt idea totally unbelievable.”

I told this month how big names Jamie Lomas, who plays Warren Fox, and Owen Warner, the show’s Romeo Nightingale, have already volunteered to leave.

Boss Hannah Cheers insists the bonkers plot will benefit the soap.

She said: “”Fast-forwarding the show permanently by a year presents us with unlimited story possibilities.”

My source added: “The time jump is a way for Hollyoaks to say goodbye to the characters that need to go and give closure to the fans - but it will be controversial.

No happy ending

“Bosses are storylining how it will all work now, but as it stands September will be a big reset for the show and a relaunch for its future.”

Fans have been left wondering why they should commit to watching the soap if everything will change in six months’ time.

And others have shared concerns that characters — and the actors behind them — won’t be honoured with a proper send-off.

Either way, it feels like there’s no happy ending for ’Oaks.

Happy 20th, chaps

MASTERCHEF has aged like a fine wine – with hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace about to pop the cork on their 20th series.

The judges are in celebratory mood ahead of the new run, which kicks off on April 1 on Monday, with John saying: “Twenty years on, MasterChef continues to show if you have a dream, just go for it! The competition gets stronger and more exciting every year.”

Gregg added: “We are putting them through the most extraordinary challenges that we’ve ever seen.”

This time, the show will welcome back 15 previous winners with semi-finalists asked to cook for them.

Plus contestants will travel to Singapore for a trio of amazing challenges.

It certainly beats my 20th birthday.

MOST of us will never sample the wares of Lord Alan Sugar's Apprentices, but the same can’t be said of Anita Rani’s Next Big Thing.

The presenter is back with Eat Well For Less host Chris Bavin in a fresh hunt for new British food and drink firms who are hoping to sell their products at Aldi.

The show, beginning next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4, will follow six contestants vying for a “life-changing” contract to stock 1,000 supermarkets.

The products include a range of Halal cured meat alternatives, a vegan toad in the hole, award-winning crabcakes and a beef short rib mac n cheese created by Stormzy's personal chef Victoria Idowu.

Anita said: “Seeing products go from a prototype to supermarket shelves, in just a few months and finding out the stories behind them, has been a really special experience.”

FOOL Me Once star Adeel Akhtar, True Detective’s Finn Bennett and The Crown’s Luther Ford will join Sarah Lancashire and Ben Whishaw in Netflix thriller Black Doves.

The series, airing later this year, sees Keira Knightley play a spy whose secret lover is assassinated.

Lorraine double surprise

LORRAINE KELLY could be taking home TWO Baftas after a surprise live on air.

Viewers yesterday saw the stunned TV host find out she will receive a special award for her 40 years on screen.

Her ITV co-star Susanna Reid sneaked onto the set of Lorraine with a golden envelope to deliver the news.

Lorraine responded: “This is a prank.

“Where are Ant and Dec?

“I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Lorraine is already up for one gong for her weekday ITV programme, which is competing with Loose Women and the BBC’s Make It At Market and Scam Interceptors for Best Daytime Show.

She will receive her special award at London’s Royal Festival Hall on May 12.