[bbfan1991]

Emma Smithwick has declared her desire to introduce more "strong, smart" women to Hollyoaks.

The Channel 4 soap's producer hopes that she can transform viewers' perceptions of female characters.

Recalling her thoughts when she took on her role last year, Smithwick told the Radio Times: "There weren't enough strong, smart and intelligent women for my liking," she says. "At a stretch, I might have considered having a drink with Texas.

"I'm passionate about the portrayal of women in the media in general and specifically on television that's aimed at a younger audience. I'm determined to be part of the solution and not part of the problem."

She continued: "I want to redefine what sexy and glamorous is in Hollyoaks. I don't want girls just to watch and think, 'I want that outfit' or 'I like her hair'. I'd like them to see it as an emotional encyclopedia that's relevant to the changes and issues in their lives.

"I want to look at the sophisticated social hierarchies of teenage girls, at their insecurities, at the challenges of growing up in contemporary Britain. The responsibility is enormous but the pay-off is huge."

Smithwick added: "Of all the shows, we can and should be braver and have more conviction. If I haven't achieved that evolution in my time as producer, I won't have done my job right."

[bbfan1991]

Mercedes spirals out of control and sets her sights on Ally.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s3...oaks-kiss.html

[Visage]

I think she's been out of control for quite a while..

[Jords]

So bored of Mercedes

[Visage]

Now that it's all come out about Neil and his driving test, I hope they give them all a rest for a few weeks.

[Me. I Am Salman]

OK should i watch the omnibus? Was it a good week?

[Visage]

Yes it was, but will you think it's a good week...?

Only watching it will answer that question.

[Me. I Am Salman]

Ok thanks for the heads up
Gonna watch it now

[Me. I Am Salman]

Watching it on +1

[Visage]

..........& did you enjoy it?

[Me. I Am Salman]

It was okay. Wish it was more aimed at Phoebe & George though

[Visage]

I think their story continues next week.

[Marsh.]

I've watched a couple of episodes this week for the first time in a long while. If the show was focussed on the Darren/Nancy/Cindy stuff with Lindsey, Frankie and Jack etc it would be watchable because they're finally getting stories. But I seriously can't be doing with the major majority of all the other characters. I just don't see where the logic is of having these cast heaving with what must be 50+ useless characters who add nothing.

Then they've got people like Tony and Diane on the payroll and never even use them. Diane should have been given Gabby's role in the show, going out with Tony and becoming a central character. She was great as Jacqui in Brookside.

But it also seems they've hit reset on Mercedes AGAIN. Gone back to her slutty origins, where no doubt we'll get another storyline of her messing up her life, learning her lesson before they RESET again.

The show needs sorting out, probably needs to go off air for a bit and then come back minus all the irritant screentime hoggers.

And that new EP Emma Whatsherface sounds three sheets to the wind, she's saying one thing and the show is doing another. lol

[Me. I Am Salman]

Originally Posted by 08marsh

I've watched a couple of episodes this week for the first time in a long while. If the show was focussed on the Darren/Nancy/Cindy stuff with Lindsey, Frankie and Jack etc it would be watchable because they're finally getting stories. But I seriously can't be doing with the major majority of all the other characters. I just don't see where the logic is of having these cast heaving with what must be 50+ useless characters who add nothing.

Then they've got people like Tony and Diane on the payroll and never even use them. Diane should have been given Gabby's role in the show, going out with Tony and becoming a central character. She was great as Jacqui in Brookside.

But it also seems they've hit reset on Mercedes AGAIN. Gone back to her slutty origins, where no doubt we'll get another storyline of her messing up her life, learning her lesson before they RESET again.

The show needs sorting out, probably needs to go off air for a bit and then come back minus all the irritant screentime hoggers.

And that new EP Emma Whatsherface sounds three sheets to the wind, she's saying one thing and the show is doing another. lol

Agree with you on so many things!! And the time it took you to post that they probably cast 4 new characters!!!

[Me. I Am Salman]

Originally Posted by Visage

I think their story continues next week.

Yay!

[Marsh.]

Originally Posted by Salman!

Agree with you on so many things!! And the time it took you to post that they probably cast 4 new characters!!!

Wouldn't surprise me.

[bbfan1991]

Jorgie Porter has insisted that she has no plans to leave Hollyoaks in the near future.

The actress, who plays Theresa McQueen and is currently a favourite to win Dancing On Ice, admitted that never plans too far ahead.

"Hollywood sounds lovely, but you know, I never thought I'd get to do what I'm doing. I never think, 'I'm going to do this,' because you can set yourself up for a fall," Porter told PA.

"I've never been one of those people who set their minds on winning things, because I'd be frustrated in the end. So I go into things with an open mind; I'm just going to do things that make me happy. If something isn't making me happy, then I'll change what I'm doing.

"You never know what might come along - just go with the flow. I've achieved a lot because I never thought I'd be an actress but I am one. I've had my first TV break with Hollyoaks, but you never know what might happen. I don't want to say no to anything that might challenge me."

Porter recently confessed that she would like a role in Downton Abbey.

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Jords

So bored of Mercedes

I still like her character and Jennifer Metcalfe's portrayal, although I do respect the way they have been consistent with Mercedes.

The things that annoy me are that she still has not learnt her lessons about previous mistakes despite the promises and then proceeds to make even more, maybe they might plan to redeem her after this storyline but right now I doubt it.

[Visage]

I like Mercedes, but I do find her frustrating at times, for all the reasons bbfan gave.

[Jords]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

I still like her character and Jennifer Metcalfe's portrayal, although I do respect the way they have been consistent with Mercedes.

The things that annoy me are that she still has not learnt her lessons about previous mistakes despite the promises and then proceeds to make even more, maybe they might plan to redeem her after this storyline but right now I doubt it.

I dont think its consistency in this case. They havnt allowed her character to develop because HO believe people like 'typical Mercedes' but its just annoying and boring now.

I was hoping having the baby wed see a really decent side to her, with Riley. But nope, straight back in the sack with somebody else. Even though just a couple weeks before she nearly died.

The character needs a break for a year.....

[Marsh.]

They really have lost all inspiration for the character.
But, as much as I hate having to say this, I think the McQueen's in general have ran out of steam.
I'm sure a good writer could make them great again but Carmel and Mercedes seem to be stuck in a repetitive rut that they're constantly recycling. John Paul and Tina are gone. Bart really doesn't fit in with the family and would have been better off as a stand alone and Myra never gets used. The Calvin storyline ruined anything likeable about Theresa and now I find her a nuisance.
They've done something new with Jacqui and given her more longevity. They've actually developed her character from her relationship with Tony and through this whole rape thing so they can seemingly do new things with this character but the rest of them seem to be exhausted now.

[InOne]

Doubt many will get developed now teen loving Smithwick is in charge.

[Visage]

I thought we were coming to the end of the six formers, but no they still haunt the place.

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Visage

I thought we were coming to the end of the six formers, but no they still haunt the place.

Overuse or what.

I have liked the whole wedding planning thing with Rhys, Mitzeee, Esther and Ruby.

Ashley Taylor Dawson and Jessica Fox are playing a blinder with this storyline and deserve the praise they have been getting.

Glad Lynsey stopped Mercedes from going through with it on C4 episode, enjoying their scenes and new friendship.

[Visage]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

Overuse or what.

I have liked the whole wedding planning thing with Rhys, Mitzeee, Esther and Ruby.

Ashley Taylor Dawson and Jessica Fox are playing a blinder with this storyline and deserve the praise they have been getting.

I've loved this story too, very gripping (have you seen tonight's E4?

Two reasons why I love this story.

One... Darren and Nancy are fantastic characters and they can entertain me without the need for big dramatic stories.

Two... Because it's not about the teens.