Channel 4 has announced that it has commissioned a third series of Hollyoaks spin-off Hollyoaks Later following on from “the phenomenal success” of last year’s outing.

In a statement on the channel’s website it was confirmed that the show is set to air this October on E4, with five hour-long episodes spread across one week.

Hollyoaks’ recently signed series producer Paul Marquess would, it was noted, “take full creative control of the strand.”

Marquess commented: “This commission is a huge vote of confidence in Hollyoaks from Channel 4.

“Seamlessly integrated with the 6.30 shows, Hollyoaks later 2010 will be the most exciting series so far. Prepare to be blown away.’’

Roberto Troni, commissioning editor for Channel 4, added: ”Hollyoaks is a hit with E4 audiences and we always look for opportunities to extend the brand and give fans something extra.

“The Hollyoaks Later spin-off provides a unique opportunity to experiment in a late night slot while staying true to the series. The late night storylines will be a cocktail of fun, glamour and grown-up drama.”

The series is currently in pre-production stages with programme maker Lime Pictures.

Channel 4 producers have revealed that in the new series of Hollyoaks later, one star will DIE in a sky diving experience gone wrong!!

In the E4 spinoff, Zoe Carpenter, Sarah Barnes and Lydia Hart take to the skies and parachute as part of an intense training program on their boot camp regime.

But…. in true Hollyoaks-shocker style, unknown to the girls, one of the parachutes has been sabotaged! OMG!

One of the girls goes to pull the ripchord and it doesn’t work!

It’s been previously announced that both Loui Batley and Zoe Lister (who play Sarah and Zoe respectively) are due to leave the Channel 4 soap. So although we don’t know which one of the girls has the unlucky fall, we’re pretty sure it’s one of these two.

Who will it be? I guess we’ll have to find out when the new series commences on E4 – week beginning 28th September!