Fans of classic British soaps, rejoice! The iconic UK soap Brookside is making a return after over two decades, as part of a special crossover episode with Hollyoaks. This exciting development is part of Hollyoaks’ grand celebration of its 30th anniversary, a milestone that pays homage to the legacy of Sir Phil Redmond, the creator of both shows.
The Return of Brookside
Originally airing from 1982 to 2003, Brookside captivated audiences with its gripping storylines and groundbreaking themes. After producing more than 2,900 episodes, the Merseyside-based soap disappeared from our screens, leaving fans longing for its return. Now, nearly 21 years later, some of Brookside’s most-loved characters are set to make a comeback in October as part of Hollyoaks.
A Tribute to Shared Beginnings
Hollyoaks premiered in October 1995 and has since become a staple of British television alongside soaps like EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale. Despite recent transitions, such as reducing weekly episodes from five to three and shortening episode lengths, the show’s viewership has continued to grow. The decision to bring back Brookside serves as a heartfelt tribute to Hollyoaks’ origin story, as the two shows were created on the same site and share a rich history.
Hannah Cheers, Executive Producer of Hollyoaks, shared her excitement about the crossover, describing the episode as “a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside.” She added, “These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV and still resonate with new generations today.”
What to Expect
While plot details remain under wraps, fans can expect to see familiar faces from Brookside. The crossover episode has the blessing of Sir Phil Redmond, who is working closely with the team to ensure the storyline remains true to the legacy of both shows.
Filming kicks off next month in the iconic close, made possible by permissions from the Liverpool Film Office. Producer Hannah Cheers revealed that beloved characters will be reimagined for this tribute by Steve Hughes, a writer who began his career on Brookside. Hughes has crafted a nuanced exploration of where these characters are over two decades later, providing fans a nostalgic yet fresh journey.
A Bittersweet Homage
Sir Phil Redmond expressed mixed emotions about revisiting Brookside. “It’s always bittersweet thinking back,” he said, noting the absence of some cast members who are no longer with us. However, he remains enthusiastic about the homage. “It’s great that Lime Pictures is paying tribute in these Hollyoaks anniversary episodes,” he stated.
Fans can expect poignant moments, surprises, and of course, the warm familiarity of iconic characters like Alex Fletcher’s Jacqui Dixon and Louis Emerick’s Mick Johnson. With anticipation building, this crossover episode promises to be a highlight for fans of British soap history.
Stay tuned this October as Hollyoaks revisits its roots and celebrates its 30-year legacy with the much-anticipated return of Brookside—a moment no fan will want to miss.