HoLLyOaKs HiStOrY...

The programme is usually shot about six weeks ahead of transmission. Episodes are planned months in advance, with twice-yearly long term storyline meetings laying out the bare bones of what will happen to each character over the next year or so. Some storylines, such as the development of Toby as the serial killer and his ultimate downfall, take a lot of planning. The audience has to see a situation developing over a period of months, so the long-term meetings are vital for laying the seeds of major stories. Short-term storyline meetings are held more frequently, to fine-tune the stories and to accommodate any changes in the cast or programme.