Hollyoaks to cast deaf teen role

Hollyoaks producers have begun searching for an actor to play a new deaf character.

The Channel 4 show's bosses are casting for 16-year-old Mikey, who will initially appear as a guest on the soap, Digital Spy reports.

The character - who could become a permanent fixture in future - is also set to be at the centre of an online spin-off which will tie into his TV role.

A web advert for the part reveals: "Hollyoaks is looking for a deaf actor over 16 years old. This is a brilliant role for a young deaf actor.

"After a few initial episodes, the role will feature heavily in ground-breaking online material, before returning to the show and potentially becoming a regular character.

"Actors can be fully or partially deaf, must be able to communicate in sign language, and must be either 16 or older and able to realistically play 16."