CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Accounting and
actuarial experts" in the Prospectus and to the use of our reports dated
February 13, 2001, with respect to the financial statements of John Hancock
Variable Life Account S, and dated March 16, 2001, with respect to the financial
statements of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company, included in this
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-6, No. 333-
55172).

                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
June 27, 2001