I used to watch Hollyoaks when it started ... they used to show it here on a channel that no longer runs. I googled some of the names I remember to catch up on the story since then as I plan to start watching it online.

EVERYONE DIED!

With the exception of a few who are apparently still in it, everyone seems to have died in an accident on or off screen! Was just surprised.

Anyway, know any good sites where I can read up on the show's history before I start watching the episodes I do have, from around the end of 2011 onwards

No not everyone dies! Occasionly if they are lucky they get to leave in the back of a cab! But that is rare!

Yep, I'm afraid that's what you get when Kirkwood is in charge

Yes I'm afraid! D unless of course they are lucky enough to get away on the bus/in a cab in a rushed out of the blue 5-minute exit storyline

You also have to get kidnapped or get blackmailed.