Brookside will make a one-off comeback later this year and the first returning cast member has been confirmed.
Two decades since Brookside vanished from our television screens, one of its most recognisable stars is returning to the cul-de-sac where her career took off.
Channel 4 has announced that the legendary Liverpool soap will stage a one-off return later this year, with the first comeback cast member now being unveiled.
Sue Johnston, who shot to stardom as family matriarch Sheila Grant, will resurrect the character in a special crossover episode with Hollyoaks to celebrate the latter’s 30th milestone.
Production is scheduled to commence this autumn on the original West Derby street and will hit screens in October.
Sue, who received an OBE in 2009 for her contributions to drama and charity work, initially gained recognition as Sheila in 1982 before establishing herself as a familiar face across British television.
Beyond Brookside, she’s particularly celebrated for her stint in The Royle Family and received a BAFTA nomination in 2025 for her turn in Channel 4’s Truelove.
Speaking about her comeback, Sue remarked: “It’ll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such big, enjoyable part of my life,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
Brookside, Channel 4’s inaugural soap opera, aired from 1982 through to 2003 and built its reputation on addressing gritty, socially conscious storylines.
Sue’s character featured prominently in many of the show’s most dramatic arcs. In 1986, her character endured an assault, rape and beating by a taxi driver, followed by the tragic stabbing death of her youngest son Damon in London during 1987.
Sheila subsequently discovered romance with Billy Corkhill (John McArdle), with the couple departing Brookside in 1990.
Her comeback signals the first occasion Brookside Close will grace screens since the programme concluded, when Jimmy Corkhill (the late Dean Sullivan) famously changed the street sign to read “Brookside Closed”.
Hollyoaks, which commenced production on sections of the former Brookside set following the soap’s conclusion in 2003, will honour its forerunner in the anniversary special this October.
Executive producer Hannah Cheers revealed: “This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside.
“Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks – it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets. For everyone at Lime Pictures (originally Mersey TV), Hollyoaks’ history is deeply rooted in Brookside, and its legacy lives on through our crew and, of course, some of our cast.
“This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside characters in honour of that legacy.
“These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV; soap archetypes that new generations are still discovering now through Hollyoaks.
“As a lifelong soap fan who grew up watching with my mum, I was passionate about revisiting Brookside for the anniversary. With Sir Phil’s blessing – after I had the privilege of pitching the idea to him – and the support of Channel 4, we’re able to make it happen.
“Writer Steve Hughes, who began his career on Brookside, has reimagined where these characters are more than twenty years on. We hope audiences will enjoy welcoming these old friends back into their homes once again.”
Brookside’s creator Sir Phil Redmond reflected: “It is always bitter sweet thinking back to Brookie, the reminders of its success and impact, but the thoughts of many, like Dean Sullivan and Bill Dean, who are no longer with us.”
He continued: “But it is great that Lime Pictures are paying homage in their Hollyoaks anniversary cross over episodes.
“I can’t wait to see how all the gardens are coping in the heatwave and, who knows, what might pop up if someone decides to re-lay their patio. I know we left something else down there.”
The crossover scenes will be shot this September, with special consent obtained from residents of the West Derby close where the original Brookside was filmed.
Brookside returns to Channel 4 later this year for a one-off special. Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
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