Latest news with #KieronRichardson
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Hollyoaks rapped by Ofcom over ‘shameless' scenes that left fans fuming
HOLLYOAKS has been rapped by Ofcom after airing 'shameless' product placement that viewers slammed as blatant advertising. The Channel 4 soap breached two broadcasting rules when it featured the ClearScore app during a February 18 episode. 4 The financial tech brand was name-checked in dialogue and prominently shown on screen. Now, media regulator Ofcom has upheld those concerns, ruling the segment broke guidelines around undue prominence and promotional content. Rule 9.10 of the broadcasting code states that "references to placed products, services and trade marks must not be unduly prominent", while Rule 9.9 adds they "must not be promotional". In the episode, Ste Hay — played by Kieron Richardson — is seen discussing the app with his son Lucas, portrayed by Oscar Curtis, as they consider buying a new laptop. Ste pulls out his phone, opens the ClearScore app, and explains: 'See this? They've shown me some options – based on my financial situation and it looks like I can get you that laptop for your studies.' He then tells Lucas: 'I really want you to make a go of this, Lucas – (gesturing to the ClearScore app on his phone) and these guys are going to help me make it happen.' The regulator concluded the segment felt more like a demonstration than a natural part of the storyline — and effectively acted as a promotion for the brand. Channel 4 admitted the app was featured as part of a product placement deal, separate to ClearScore's existing sponsorship of the show. However, it insisted the inclusion was 'editorially justified'. In a submission to Ofcom, the broadcaster said: 'Part of the sponsorship and product placement agreements [was that] potential integrations into existing storylines were proposed to ClearScore by the programme editorial team, in consultation with the programme compliance team.' It also stressed: 'ClearScore had no editorial input into the storyline of the programme.' Hollyoaks reveals Ethan's murderer after he was pushed over a balcony on his wedding day The plot at the time revolved around Ste rebuilding his family life after losing a partner and spending a year in a coma. Channel 4 said his return to work and efforts to reconnect with his son were central themes — with financial struggles part of the arc. But Ofcom wasn't convinced. It concluded that the references to ClearScore exceeded what was justified by the storyline and became promotional in nature. A Channel 4 spokesperson responded to the ruling: 'We acknowledge Ofcom's decision and will review its findings carefully. Our compliance responsibilities are of paramount importance to us and we will continue to engage with Ofcom and our partners to ensure our content remains compliant.' The moment also sparked fury online, with some fans complaining over the blatant advertising. 4 4 4 One viewer wrote at the time: "Not the ClearScore ad in #Hollyoaks, couldn't have been more obvious if they tried." Another reacted to the scene, saying: 'Ste and this ClearScore product placement is so weird.' Meanwhile, a third viewer shared their frustration: "Is the ClearScore advert really starting to aggravate anyone else or is it just me?" A spokesperson for Channel 4 said that all of the product placement on Channel 4 programming adheres to the relevant regulation, and is not connected to show budgets. They added: 'Product placement is a long established part of many TV shows, as well as content on other platforms. ClearScore is a natural fit with Hollyoaks which attracts viewers who, like the show's beloved characters, face financial challenges in the current economic climate.' Channel 4 announced the ClearScore sponsorship last year, with the partnership going live in October. The deal includes ClearScore idents across Hollyoaks episodes on E4, Channel 4, and streaming platforms, as well as ads on Channel 4's YouTube channel. The agreement, brokered by Medialab and creative agency And Rising, also includes in-show product placement as part of the licensing arrangement. Hollyoaks has previously been known for addressing serious social issues, and the addition of product integration comes amid wider industry budget pressures. Budget cuts at the corporation has seen the episode order slashed to just three 20 minute episodes per week and a mass cull of cast and crew. In September, it aired a dramatic year-long time jump to explain the huge changes to the cast and relaunch the show as a three-nights a week soap. An insider said: "There's a worry high profile cast members may see this as an opportunity to leave the show. "While they're all very supportive of the soap, the reduced budget and seeing friends and colleagues leave after so many years takes its toll." From Hollyoaks to Hollywood James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap. The former American TV host doesn't have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was "hell on earth." Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey. Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010. Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs. Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child. Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady. Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent. Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth. Hannah's eating disorder storyline was the first of it's kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away. Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry 'Newt' Newton. Nico's main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact. He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village. Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America. He played one of the soap's resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 - when he was killed off at his wedding. After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods. He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009. Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt. His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off. After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop. Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving. In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC's series, taking over from Ruby Rose.
The Independent
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Hollyoaks ruled to have breached Ofcom rules by promoting fintech app in episode
Hollyoaks has breached two Ofcom rules after promoting a financial technology app on the soap, the regulator has found. An episode in the Channel 4 series was investigated after ClearScore, which sponsored the programme, was referenced both verbally and visually. The broadcast regulator found that the product placement was in breach of two rules, one for undue prominence, Rule 9.10 which states 'references to placed products, services and trade marks must not be unduly prominent'. The second rule – Rule 9.9 for promotional references – states 'references to placed products, services and trade marks must not be promotional'. The product placement occurred in an episode aired on February 18 and involved Kieron Richardson's character, Ste Hay, mention the app to his son, Lucas Hay, played by Oscar Curtis, to see if he could buy him a laptop. Ste was also seen to pull out his phone and hold it with the ClearScore app visible on the screen, showing the various functions and options on offer before saying to Lucas: 'See this? They've shown me some options – based on my financial situation and it looks like I can get you that laptop for your studies. 'I really want you to make a go of this, Lucas – (gesturing to the ClearScore app on his phone) and these guys are going to help me make it happen.' According to the report, the broadcaster confirmed that the references were made due to a product placement agreement, but that agreement was separate to an arrangement made with the company to sponsor the soap. Channel 4 told the regulator that the references were editorially justified and explained that 'part of the sponsorship and product placement agreements, potential integrations into existing storylines were proposed toClearScore by the programme editorial team, in consultation with the programme compliance team. 'ClearScore had no editorial input into the storyline of the programme'. Channel 4 also explained that Ste's character had been one of the main storylines at the time, as he was trying to rebuild his family following the death of a partner and spending a year in a coma. The broadcaster added: 'part of this storyline (was) his return to work to support his family, which (included) rebuilding his relationship with son Lucas and providing for him'. The investigation concluded that the references went beyond its editorial justifications for the storyline and became more of a 'demonstration' of how to use the app rather than a passing remark. Ofcom also concluded that the references were promotional as it described and showed how to use the app, promoting the brand as a result.
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Hollyoaks icon Kieron Richardson renews wedding vows with husband Carl Hyland in lavish beach ceremony surrounded by his co-stars
Hollyoaks icon Kieron Richardson has renewed his wedding vows with husband Carl Hyland during a lavish beach ceremony in Portugal. The actor, 36 - who plays Ste Hay in the soap - was surrounded by his co-stars as they marked a decade since saying 'I do'. The couple looked dapper in matching cream suits, teamed with crisp white shirts and stylish suede loafers. Kieron and Carl accessorised with dark sunglasses as they celebrated at stunning beach venue, The Bold Octopus. Ruby O'Donnell and Kirsty-Leigh Porter, who play Kieron's on-screen family, were in attendance to support the star, as the trio posed for playful snaps. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The guest list also included Jennifer Metcalfe, Nadine Mulkerrin, Jorgie Porter, Jessica Fox and Anna Passey. The soap star came out as gay live on This Morning to host Phillip Schofield 12 years ago. He married long-term partner Carl in April 2015 in a ceremony in the Peak District. The couple announced they were expecting twins in December 2016 and they welcomed Chase and Phoebe Ray to their family in 2017. When Kieron came out in 2010, his character on Hollyoaks was coming to terms with his own sexuality as he fell for bad boy Brendan Brady. Helping Kieron to come out in 2010, Phillip - who later revealed he was gay - said to him: 'Of course, this is on the telly and this is part of a character, but there are elements here that are in actual fact quite close to your life yourself. And what would they be?' Kieron then revealed his truth as he responded: 'The fact that I am gay in real life and at 20 years old I have kind of accepted it myself. Now I can finally relate to my character Ste, that he's 20 and he's going through things that I went through in my past.' Phillip then added: 'The people that know you will know that this is no great surprise there, because your friends know, your work colleagues know, you've had the conversation with your parents, but you've never actually said it out loud.' Kieron continued to say that during his time on Dancing On Ice, earlier that same year, bosses offered him the chance to reveal his sexuality on the show. He declined as he didn't want his personal life to over shadow his time in the competition. Keiron said: 'But now I feel that it's relevant and the storyline is relevant to some situations in my life and if maybe I could help people who are going through the same thing, then it's a bonus.' Days before the vow renewal, Jennifer turned heads as she and her co-star Nadine hit a beach club in Portugal. The Hollyoaks star, 41, looked incredible in a skimpy brown bikini, which showcased her toned physique, as she enjoyed a break from her hectic schedule. The stylish two-piece consisted of a triangle bikini top and matching high-leg bottoms and featured gold-toned hardware. The beauty accessorised her look with gold hoop earrings and trendy shades as she styled her brunette tresses in a chic updo. Her co-star Nadine, 31, who stars as Cleo McQueen in the Channel 4 soap, flaunted her enviable figure in a stylish black bandeau bikini top and matching low-rise bottoms. She completed her look with a gold pendant necklace and a black wide-brim beach hat as she enjoyed a glass of bubbly with her best pal. The beach club was aesthetically decorated and featured large sunbeds, a round pool, and a private dining area with a rustic table setting. Sharing the snaps to Instagram, Jennifer captioned the post: 'Beautiful day ☀️ ❤️ My little fellow ratty head @nadinemulkerrin.'
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Hollyoaks legend renews wedding vows in lavish beach ceremony surrounded by emotional co-stars
It comes after he starred in a recent documentary about surrogacy with his spouse I DO TWO! Hollyoaks legend renews wedding vows in lavish beach ceremony surrounded by emotional co-stars Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HOLLYOAKS fan-favourite has renewed his wedding vows in a lavish beach ceremony. The Channel 4 star, who shares two children with his partner, pulled out all the stops to mark a decade since they originally said I Do. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 A Hollyoaks actor has renewed his wedding vows in a stunning ceremony Credit: Channel 4 6 Kieron Richardson and husband Carl Hyland said I do a decade after their initial nuptials Credit: BackGrid 6 The Ste Hay actor and his hubby looked chic in matching suits for the sun-soaked ceremony in Portugal Credit: BackGrid Actor Kieron Richardson, 39, and hubby Carl Hyland looked suave as they donned matching crisp white shirts and ecru suit jackets and trousers for the ceremony in Portugal. Both accessorised with sunglasses and held hands after their sweet beach-side renewal. The Bold Octopus in Quinta do Lago, Amancil, proved the perfect host venue for Kieron, who played Hollyoaks' Ste Hay, and a slew of his co-stars too. On the guest list was Jennifer Metcalfe, Jorgie Porter, Jessica Fox and Anna Passey to name a few. Hollyoaks boss Hannah Cheers was also in attendance for the heart-warming day of celebration. Nadine Mulkerrin, who plays Cleo McQueen, too to Instagram to celebrate the moment and wrote in her caption: "Thank you to Kieron & Carl for the most memorable bank holiday weekend!!! "If me and Rory ever get married, it better have the same energy and playlist as your ten year renewal!! "Beautiful friends, how lucky are we." HAPPY CHAPTER Kieron and his husband married in 2015 and announced that they had become parents to twins on May 22, 2017. In a sweet Twitter post, Kieron revealed that the children's names are Chase Hyland-Richardson and Phoebe Hyland-Richardson. Inside Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson's incredible Cheshire mansion as he transforms it into a Christmas grotto - six weeks early The couple previously had four failed attempts at IVF with a surrogate, before getting pregnant. In an interview with The Sun in 2021, Kieron insisted wouldn't do a reality show featuring his children. He had previously starred in a documentary about surrogacy alongside Carl but said he believed a family reality show would be 'too exposing'. The British Soap Award winner explained: 'I put pictures online but that is probably all we would do. Hollyoaks - cast member cull HOLLYOAKS beauty Chelsee Healey has dropped the biggest hint yet she's been axed from the soap - yet what's happening at the Channel 4 show? Earlier this year, the Channel 4 soap was forced to address the cull of cast members. It came after The Sun was first to report Hollyoaks bosses plan to kill off a whopping 20 cast members. Now Chelsee, who recently took time away from her role as Goldie McQueen to give birth to her second daughter, has now made a cryptic move on X. The Manchester lass, 36, re-posted a picture of her character crying to her page. It came after Stephanie Waring, famed for her 28-year-long role as Cindy Cunningham, confirmed that soap bosses had axed her as part of the 20-person strong cast cull. Another big name set to quit for good is popstar turned soap star Jamelia. The soap's resident hunk and TV favourite Owen Warner has also left the show amid the cuts with fans left devastated to say goodbye to his character Romeo Nightingale. Jamie Lomas has also quit the show and will depart his Warren Fox role soon. Haiesha Mistry famed for her role as Yasmine Maalik has also left after seven years. 'We did the surrogacy thing to help people because when we started, not many people had done it before so there were loads of questions I wanted answered. "I feel like we did that and that is covered now.' Asked if he would do a family reality show, he said: 'No, I don't think I would be up for that because I do like to have my private life. It's too exposing.' 6 The duo are parents of two Credit: Instagram/@mrkieronrichardson 6 Kieron is best-known for playing Hollyoaks' Ste Hay Credit: Lime Pictures
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Hollyoaks legend renews wedding vows in lavish beach ceremony surrounded by emotional co-stars
A HOLLYOAKS fan-favourite has renewed his wedding vows in a lavish beach ceremony. The Channel 4 star, who shares two children with his partner, pulled out all the stops to mark a decade since they originally said I Do. 6 6 6 Actor Kieron Richardson, 39, and hubby Carl Hyland looked suave as they donned matching crisp white shirts and ecru suit jackets and trousers for the ceremony in Portugal. Both accessorised with sunglasses and held hands after their sweet beach-side renewal. The Bold Octopus in Quinta do Lago, Amancil, proved the perfect host venue for Kieron, who played Hollyoaks' Ste Hay, and a slew of his co-stars too. On the guest list was Jennifer Metcalfe, Jorgie Porter, Jessica Fox and Anna Passey to name a few. Hollyoaks boss Hannah Cheers was also in attendance for the heart-warming day of celebration. Nadine Mulkerrin, who plays Cleo McQueen, too to Instagram to celebrate the moment and wrote in her caption: "Thank you to Kieron & Carl for the most memorable bank holiday weekend!!! "If me and Rory ever get married, it better have the same energy and playlist as your ten year renewal!! "Beautiful friends, how lucky are we." HAPPY CHAPTER Kieron and his husband married in 2015 and announced that they had become parents to twins on May 22, 2017. In a sweet Twitter post, Kieron revealed that the children's names are Chase Hyland-Richardson and Phoebe Hyland-Richardson. Inside Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson's incredible Cheshire mansion as he transforms it into a Christmas grotto - six weeks early The couple previously had four failed attempts at IVF with a surrogate, before getting pregnant. In an interview with The Sun in 2021, Kieron insisted wouldn't do a reality show featuring his children. He had previously starred in a documentary about surrogacy alongside Carl but said he believed a family reality show would be 'too exposing'. The British Soap Award winner explained: 'I put pictures online but that is probably all we would do. Hollyoaks - cast member cull HOLLYOAKS beauty Chelsee Healey has dropped the biggest hint yet she's been axed from the soap - yet what's happening at the Channel 4 show? Earlier this year, the Channel 4 soap was forced to address the cull of cast members. It came after The Sun was first to report Hollyoaks bosses plan to kill off a whopping 20 cast members. Now Chelsee, who recently took time away from her role as Goldie McQueen to give birth to her second daughter, has now made a cryptic move on X. The Manchester lass, 36, re-posted a picture of her character crying to her page. It came after Stephanie Waring, famed for her 28-year-long role as Cindy Cunningham, confirmed that soap bosses had axed her as part of the 20-person strong cast cull. Another big name set to quit for good is popstar turned soap star Jamelia. The soap's resident hunk and TV favourite Owen Warner has also left the show amid the cuts with fans left devastated to say goodbye to his character Romeo Nightingale. Jamie Lomas has also quit the show and will depart his Warren Fox role soon. Haiesha Mistry famed for her role as Yasmine Maalik has also left after seven years. 'We did the surrogacy thing to help people because when we started, not many people had done it before so there were loads of questions I wanted answered. "I feel like we did that and that is covered now.' Asked if he would do a family reality show, he said: 'No, I don't think I would be up for that because I do like to have my private life. It's too exposing.' 6 6 6
