Hollyoaks Star Sherrie Hewson Confesses Confusion Over Storylines as She Confirms Return of Her Character
Hollyoaks actress Sherrie Hewson has revealed that she’s finding the show’s recent developments “very confusing” as she confirms her character, Martha Blake, will be returning to the long-running soap. In recent episodes, Hollyoaks introduced a dramatic time jump, which resulted in significant changes, including the departure of numerous characters.
This controversial decision came as a response to budget cuts that forced the show’s producers to reduce the number of episodes and downsize the cast. The time leap saw the removal of about 20 characters, which accounts for roughly a third of the cast. The soap also cut back on its weekly episodes, going from five to three, told the Mirror.
Speaking about the upcoming scenes, Sherrie appeared on Johnny Seifert’s Secure The Insecure podcast, where she discussed the show’s changes. Johnny commented, “It’s been a really weird year for Hollyoaks, and I actually thought you had left the show because you’re not in the titles at the moment. And obviously, we’ve had the time jump now. So what’s going on with your character?”
Sherrie responded openly, admitting she was unsure about the specifics. “Yes, I don’t know. But I am in the next titles because I’ve now gone back. I wasn’t there in August because they were doing the time jump. So in the next titles, I’m in that. So now I’m back. Having done the time jump, I’m not sure if I could tell you much more because I really don’t know.”
She went on to explain her character’s storyline, adding, “I’ve been in a home, I think. I’m out of the home now. I’m back with Sienna now. I’m living with Sienna, but she’s thrown Jeremy out. But now I think we’re all back. It’s very confusing. I just show up and ask, ‘What’s the next scene?’”
This update follows actor Matthew James-Bailey’s recent comments after his character, Ethan Williams, was killed off. Despite surviving the initial cast cuts from the time jump, Ethan met his end under suspicious circumstances shortly after his wedding to Sienna Blake, played by Anna Passey.
Discussing his exit with Digital Spy, Matthew expressed his mixed feelings. “It’s really bittersweet. It’s come to an end a lot sooner than I would have liked. In previous interviews, I’ve said that I’d happily stay at Hollyoaks forever. It wasn’t my choice to leave, but that’s just the way that the game works, unfortunately.
It’s hard to say goodbye to the fans and all of the people there that I love. But you have to look at it as new beginnings—take the bull by the horns, get back on, and do it.” With significant changes happening in Hollyoaks, it remains to be seen how the storylines will unfold as familiar characters return and new dynamics emerge.