On October 15, 2025, British television marked an extraordinary milestone as Hollyoaks celebrated its 30th anniversary with a crossover event that soap fans had only dreamed of: the return of Brookside to the small screen for the first time in over two decades. The ambitious episode, which will officially air on E4 at 7pm on October 22, brings together two generations of Channel 4 drama, honoring the shared legacy of creator Sir Phil Redmond and the bold storytelling that has defined both series.
For those who grew up glued to the twists of Brookside, the news has sparked a wave of nostalgia. Camera crews returned to the iconic L12 cul-de-sac in Liverpool last month, reviving a set that once played host to some of British TV’s most talked-about moments. According to LiverpoolWorld, filming began in September 2025, with legends like Sue Johnston, Ricky Tomlinson, John McArdle, Paul Usher, Philip Olivier, and Suzanne Collins all reprising their classic roles for the occasion.
But this was no mere nostalgia trip. The crossover episode was designed as a full-throttle drama, with Hollyoaks regulars Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) and Diane O’Connor (Alex Fletcher) preparing to tie the knot—only for their wedding to descend into chaos. As reported by ATV Today, the ceremony, set against the backdrop of the 30th anniversary, becomes the epicenter of a storm of criminal schemes, romantic upheaval, and dangerous secrets. Villain Clare Devine’s plot teeters on the brink of disaster, while Detective Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) is drawn into a web of intrigue that leads him straight to the doors of Brookside Close.
In a moment that delighted longtime fans, Donny’s investigation reunites him with Sheila Grant, played by Sue Johnston, whose character remains etched in the nation’s memory for her grit and heart. Executive producer Hannah Cheers told ATV Today, “We wanted Hollyoaks’ 30th year to be a real cultural moment. Brookside broke ground for working-class Liverpool drama—it gave us real people, real stories, and a voice that shaped what Hollyoaks would become.”
The return of Brookside is more than just a television event; it’s a tribute to the show’s enduring legacy. The soap first aired on November 2, 1982, and ran for 2,915 episodes until its finale in 2003, as noted by Radio Times. Its reputation was built on pushing boundaries, from the first openly gay character in a British soap to hard-hitting storylines about domestic abuse and murder. At its peak in the mid-1980s, Brookside drew audiences in excess of seven million, forever changing the landscape of British drama.
For many of the returning cast, the experience was deeply personal. Ricky Tomlinson, who played Bobby Grant, told Radio Times, “It will be lovely to take part in Brookside again especially to work alongside Sue Johnston. I’m looking forward to being on the close again after all these years.” When asked about a full-time revival, Tomlinson added, “I would certainly think about it. It would be a big commitment if Brookie came back full-time, but I’d seriously consider it, because it was very good to me and to the city of Liverpool.”
The chemistry between Tomlinson and Johnston is legendary, both on Brookside and later in The Royle Family. Johnston recalled, “Ricky and I have chemistry and history, obviously, because after Brookside we did The Royle Family. I love Ricky, but we work very differently, he calls me ‘the classical actress’ just because I went to drama school!”
Bringing these two worlds together required not just logistical ingenuity but also a sense of respect for the fans who have followed both soaps over the years. Hannah Cheers explained to LiverpoolWorld, “We ask our audience to invest in Hollyoaks and believe in our characters and our world. Soap viewers often watch more than one soap so to respect those fans who invest in a number of different universes, bringing them together is a really exciting prospect.”
The crossover isn’t just about the past, though; it’s a springboard for new drama. Tom Cunningham and Peri Lomax’s relationship faces a crossroads after a heartfelt proposal and Tom’s hesitation, reflecting the raw emotional storytelling that has become Hollyoaks’ trademark. As Finn tells Tom, “Only regret the things you haven’t done, not the things you have.” It’s advice that echoes the ethos of both shows: to live boldly, take risks, and embrace the messy realities of life.
The action spills over into Hollyoaks Later, a gritty Liverpool-set special airing Wednesday nights, where characters old and new face dangerous gangs, broken loyalties, and life-changing decisions. Executive producer Cheers summed up the spirit of the anniversary, saying, “It’s raw, risky, and everything Hollyoaks stands for at 30: brave stories, bold choices, and a celebration of where we came from.”
Channel 4 has ensured that fans old and new can join the celebration. The crossover episode will air on E4 and Channel 4.com, with Hollyoaks Later episodes released on YouTube a week later and selected omnibus episodes available on Prime Video. For those eager to revisit Brookside from the very beginning, the full run is now streaming on STV Player.
Looking back, it’s remarkable how Brookside’s influence continues to ripple through British television. As Sue Johnston told LiverpoolWorld, “It’s amazing how it’s stuck in the memory. A lady serving me in the supermarket the other day was so excited about this crossover, she said Brookside was her youth – maybe that’s it, so many people grew up watching it. Then Hollyoaks was born out of Brookside, and has taken over the mantle.”
For fans, the sight of Sheila Grant, Bobby Grant, and the familiar houses of Brookside Close is more than a trip down memory lane—it’s a reminder of how television can reflect real lives, challenge expectations, and bring communities together. As the crossover episode draws near, it’s clear that the legacy of both shows is alive and kicking, proving that bold stories and real voices never go out of style.
