Hollyoaks tour cancelled ahead of huge anniversary over 'low ticket sales'
A huge tour for a major TV show has been dramatically axed due to low ticket sales. Hollyoaks Live, which is an external production from the Channel 4 soap opera, was expected to hit the road, giving fans an insight into the popular programme but bosses have been forced to pull the plug.
But while a string of famous faces from the show had signed on the dotted line to meet with fans, the production, which was due to take place in October, will no longer be going ahead.
Soap stars including Nick Pickard, Kieron Richardson, Jorgie Porter, Gary Lucy, and Ashley Taylor Dawson were set to meet fans who had splashed out a whopping £161 for meet and greet tickets, allowing them to ask burning questions about their favourite TV show. It comes after reports Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are set for new 'goldmine' offer - but could face issue.
However, sources have claimed that bosses behind the production had "overestimated" the appeal for the show, which was due to take place in Manchester, Glasgow and London, had been left with no option but to cancel the entire tour.
"The promoter massively over-estimated the appeal a live stage show would have to Hollyoaks' core audience," a source said. They went on to tell The Sun: "The ticket prices were incredibly high for a show that's popular with teenagers.
"The decision was made to pull the tour rather than have a loss-making venture with empty theatres." But those who purchased tickets for the events will be offered refunds at their points of purchase.
It's understood that the tour was organised by an external production team, with Hollyoaks and Channel 4 having very limited involvement in the planning. A spokesperson for the tour said in a statement: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the planned theatre events with Maple Tree Entertainment featuring Hollyoaks cast are not going to take place as planned.
"We are sad to disappoint those who had purchased tickets but they will be refunded via the venues." However, it's a stark contrast for ITV soap, Coronation Street, which is going ahead with a live theatre tour.
Long standing cast members from the Manhcester based soap opera will appear at theatres across the nation to discuss their time on the show, in a production which has been billed An Audience with Coronation Street.
Fans will pay more than £30 with the promoters promising "behind-the-scenes secrets, share hilarious stories, and relive heart-warming moments from the iconic ITV show".
Hosted by This Morning's resident soap expert, Sharon Marshall, the show promises to be filled with laughter, nostalgia, and "more than a few jaw-dropping surprises!"
Each event will feature five Coronation Street stars live on stage, including a surprise Corrie legend. The line-up will vary at each venue, with fan-favourite cast members including Andrew Whyment (Kirk Sutherland), Jack P Shepherd (David Platt), Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor), and Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald), with more names to be announced soon.
Additionally, former show legends will also appear on stage. The tour will start in September and includes dates in London, Sheffield, Manchester and Glasgow.
Promoters say in the first half, the audience will be treated to an intimate and lively interview session with some of Corrie's most beloved cast members.
Ever wondered what goes on between takes? Curious about those off-screen friendships and real-life dramas? This is your chance to hear all the gossip straight from the source.
The second act will feature a Corrie legend who will appear on stage and talk about their time on the ITV show.
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