The iconic Liverpool soap opera Brookside made a highly anticipated return to screens tonight, captivating fans with a special crossover episode alongside Hollyoaks. This marks the first time viewers have revisited the famous L12 cul-de-sac in over two decades, sparking immediate calls for a full series revival from nostalgic audiences.
The special broadcast, designed to celebrate three decades of Hollyoaks and honour creator Sir Phil Redmond, brought back beloved characters and reignited memories of the groundbreaking show that ran from 1982 to 2003.
Key Takeaways
- Brookside returned for a special crossover episode with Hollyoaks.
- The episode aired 22 years after the original show concluded.
- Fans overwhelmingly demanded a full-time revival of the soap.
- Original stars like Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson reprised their roles.
- Creator Sir Phil Redmond believes the show should not have been cancelled.
A Nostalgic Journey Back to Brookside Close
Tonight's broadcast transported viewers back to the familiar streets of West Derby, where Brookside was filmed and set. The special episode, a 30-minute segment within a larger Hollyoaks storyline, featured a dramatic return for Mick Johnson, portrayed by Louis Emerick.
Emerick, who now plays detective Donny Clark in Hollyoaks, saw his character take a trip down memory lane. It was revealed that Donny had been living a new life for 20 years, having previously faked his own death as Mick Johnson.
Did You Know?
Brookside was Channel 4's first ever soap opera when it launched in 1982. It was known for tackling significant social issues relevant to the community it depicted.
As Donny's car pulled into Brookside Close, the show's iconic theme song played, eliciting strong reactions from fans. Many took to social media, expressing that they "screamed at the TV" with excitement and a rush of nostalgia.
Original Cast Members Reunite
The special episode saw a host of original Brookside stars reprise their roles, much to the delight of long-time viewers. Among those who returned were Sue Johnston as Sheila Grant, Ricky Tomlinson as Bobby Grant, Michael Starke as Sinbad, and Paul Usher as Barry Grant.
Other familiar faces included Philip Olivier as Tinhead, Suzanne Collins as Nikki Shadwick, and John McArdle. The reunion provided a glimpse into how these characters have evolved over two decades.
"Please bring #Brookside back full time! Absolutely loved the cross-over tonight."
The Hollyoaks Connection
The crossover was integrated into a dramatic Hollyoaks episode, which also featured major events like plane crashes and wedding day disasters. This approach allowed for a seamless, yet impactful, reintroduction of the Brookside world.
Filming for the special segment took place over a single day, a testament to the dedication of the cast and crew to bring this beloved series back, even briefly.
Fans Demand a Full Revival
The half-hour special served as a powerful reminder of Brookside's enduring appeal. As the episode concluded, social media platforms were flooded with messages from fans making the same unequivocal demand: "Bring it back."
Comments included pleas like, "I also loved the #Brookside crossover. hope that Brookside comes back as a series if not a soap," and direct calls such as "Bring Back Brookside" and "BRING BROOKSIDE BACK FULL TIME." The collective sentiment was clear: the appetite for more Brookside is strong.
A Pioneering Soap
Brookside gained a reputation for its gritty realism and willingness to tackle controversial storylines that other soaps often avoided. It addressed topics like rape, incest, murder, and the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television, reflecting the social landscape of its time.
Sir Phil Redmond Reflects on Cancellation
Ahead of the broadcast, a premiere event was held at St George's Hall, attended by many of the returning stars. During a live Q&A session, Sir Phil Redmond, the creator of both Brookside and Hollyoaks, shared his thoughts on the show's original cancellation.
Sir Phil expressed his strong personal opinion, stating,
"My personal opinion is they should've never stopped it."He recounted his frustration when Channel 4 decided to cancel Brookside, admitting he was tempted to also pull Hollyoaks at the time.
He credited his wife, Alexis, for helping him manage his frustration and calm the situation with Channel 4 bosses. Sir Phil acknowledged that without her intervention, neither show might be on air today.
- The original run of Brookside spanned 21 years.
- The show aired approximately 2,915 episodes.
- It was renowned for its diverse cast and progressive storylines.
For those wishing to revisit the show's history, all original episodes of Brookside are currently available to stream from the beginning on STV Player.
What Does the Future Hold?
While the crossover episode was a one-off special, the overwhelming fan reaction and Sir Phil Redmond's comments suggest that the possibility of a full Brookside reboot is not entirely out of the question. The episode clearly demonstrated that the show still holds a significant place in the hearts of many viewers.
The success of this special event could potentially pave the way for discussions about new episodes, bringing the residents of Brookside Close back to our screens for good. Fans will undoubtedly continue to voice their desire for a full return of the beloved Liverpool soap.