HOLLYOAKS fans tuning in for their usual Wednesday evening episode tonight may well be surprised by what they see on their screens.
Here’s everything you need to know about why the sensational soap isn’t airing on January 14, plus when it will be back on the box.
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On Wednesday, January 14, Hollyoaks is being replaced by live sport on E4Credit: Lime Pictures
Is Hollyoaks on tonight?
Fans of the long running soap opera will be disappointed to learn that Hollyoaks isn’t on TV tonight (Wednesday, January 14, 2026).
The programme has been pulled from its usual 7pm slot on E4 to make room for coverage of live sport.
Instead of the usual drama from the fictional village of Chester, the channel is broadcasting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash between Nigeria and Morocco, taking place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The schedule shake-up also extends to digital platforms.
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Typically, viewers can watch each Hollyoaks episode on the Channel 4 streaming service, app or YouTube from 7am, ahead of the evening broadcast on E4.
However, there is no early online release available for today’s pulled episode.
When is Hollyoaks next on TV?
Viewers will have to wait five days before they can get their fix as Hollyoaks is not scheduled to air for the remainder of the week.
Following the cancellation tonight, the next episode is set to air on Monday, January 19, 2026, when the soap returns to its usual 7pm slot on E4.
This return to the normal broadcasting pattern follows a permanent shift in the show’s schedule.
Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy meant Hollyoaks was the first UK soap to go fully digital-first.
Starting in September 2024, new episodes drop in the morning three times a week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) to stream – down from the previous five – before being broadcast later that day on E4.
The broadcaster said its research showed that this was the “optimum pattern” to keep viewers hooked while appealing to a new audience in a highly saturated content market.
An hour-long omnibus also airs weekly on Channel 4, which is also available to stream.
Chief content officer Ian Katz said: “Hollyoaks is on sparkling creative form at the moment and these changes will ensure it remains compulsive viewing for a new generation of fans as viewing habits change.
“The show has always been at the forefront of innovation in all of its forms, including increasing and decreasing episode numbers in response to viewing habits.
“These changes are a decisive step forward, designed to reflect how audiences are watching.
“A tighter schedule promises a new era of more scale and impact.
“We are of course mindful of the impacts on the production team and will work closely with Lime Pictures to minimise these where possible.”
