Hollyoaks film with Our Dementia Choir

Our Dementia Choir, founded by Vicky McClure MBE, is to make an appearance in Hollyoaks.

The choir will appear in an episode of the E4-aired soap this March, as Liberty Savage (Jessamy Stoddart) encourages Martha Blake (Sherrie Hewson) to become a member, providing her with a supportive community.

In 2019, actor and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Vicky McClure MBE founded ‘Our Dementia Choir’, a singing group for people diagnosed with different forms of dementia, to highlight the importance of music therapy.

Vicky McClure said

“It was an honour for Our Dementia Choir to be part of this storyline. Music has the power to uplift, connect, and create lasting moments of joy. Seeing that brought to life on screen is so important, and I couldn’t be prouder of the choir.”

Soap veteran Sherrie Hewson joined the cast of Hollyoaks in May 2024 as Sienna’s mysterious grandmother, Martha Blake, shortly before the soap embarked on a year-long time jump to launch its new three-times-a-week transmission pattern.

Martha was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease during the ‘missing year’, but there had been signs that all wasn’t well before the time jump.

Since then, Martha has returned to live with her granddaughter Sienna, and the Blake family has come together to support her.

Hollyoaks continues to work with the charity Alzheimer’s Society, who are advising on the storyline.

Sherrie Hewson is a soap legend…

Talking about filming with Our Dementia Choir, Sherrie Hewson said

“When the choir started to sing, I looked around and including me, we were all in tears, we all felt so joyous and everybody in that room cried that day because we could feel the love. Not only were they wonderful voices, but we didn’t expect to be so taken in by the atmosphere they created and the love they brought to set. We were all very moved and it was a very emotional day.”

Hollyoaks, E4, Monday-Wednesday at 7pm or watch on Channel 4 streaming now

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, Alzheimer’s Society is there to help. Visit alzheimers.org.uk or call their Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.”