Brookside, a name that once dominated British television screens with its bold, gritty storylines, is set to make a dramatic return this autumn—if only for one night. In a move that has thrilled soap opera fans across the UK, Channel 4 has announced a special crossover episode between Brookside and Hollyoaks, celebrating the latter’s 30th anniversary. Leading the charge is none other than Sue Johnston, the beloved actress who first brought Sheila Grant, Brookside’s iconic matriarch, to life back in 1982.
Johnston, now 81 and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), is the first cast member confirmed for the historic revival. She last played Sheila in 1990, when the character left Liverpool with her new husband, Billy Corkhill, to start afresh in Basingstoke. "It'll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such a big, enjoyable part of my life," Johnston told The Mirror, reflecting the affection she still holds for the role that made her a household name. According to the Daily Mail, Johnston’s return comes 35 years after her character’s emotional departure from the show.
For those who may have missed the original run, Brookside debuted on Channel 4 in 1982, conceived by Sir Phil Redmond—the creative mind behind both Brookside and Hollyoaks. At its peak, the show drew in audiences of nine million, thanks in no small part to its willingness to tackle taboo subjects. Sheila Grant, as played by Johnston, was at the heart of some of the soap’s most powerful and groundbreaking storylines. In 1986, Sheila was raped by a taxi driver, a plot that was both shocking and, for many, a turning point in how sexual assault was portrayed on British television. The following year, viewers were rocked again when Sheila’s youngest son, Damon, was stabbed to death in London—a moment that remains etched in soap history.
Sheila’s journey was never easy. She battled family finances, coped with the disintegration of her marriage to Bobby (played by Ricky Tomlinson), and ultimately found love again with Billy Corkhill (John McCardle). When she left Brookside Close in 1990, it marked the end of an era for both the character and the show’s loyal viewers. As BBC News points out, Sheila’s resilience and fierce loyalty cemented her as one of British soap’s original matriarchs—an archetype that newer generations of fans are still discovering through reruns and, now, through Hollyoaks.
Brookside itself ran for 21 years before coming to an end on November 4, 2003. Its final moments were memorable: Jimmy Corkhill, played by the late Dean Sullivan, daubed a "d" onto the sign at the entrance to the cul-de-sac, leaving it as "Brookside Closed" before driving away—a symbolic farewell to a show that had never shied away from closing the door on conventions. After Brookside’s departure, Hollyoaks stepped into the limelight as Channel 4’s continuing drama, even taking over part of the original Brookside set for its own production. As The Mirror and Liverpool Echo note, Hollyoaks’ roots are deeply entwined with Brookside, sharing not just a location but a legacy of tackling social issues head-on.
The upcoming crossover episode, scheduled for filming in September 2025 on location at Brookside Close in Liverpool’s West Derby area, is more than just a nostalgic nod. It’s a tribute to Sir Phil Redmond and the legacy he created. Hannah Cheers, Executive Producer of Hollyoaks, described the event as "a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside." She elaborated, "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." Cheers also emphasized that Hollyoaks continues Brookside’s tradition of addressing trailblazing social themes, but with a more youthful and dynamic narrative—a baton passed from one generation of soap to the next.
Fans can expect more than just the return of Sheila Grant. The special episode will feature cameo appearances from other beloved Brookside characters, though their names are still under wraps. For many, this is a chance to catch up with the residents of the famous Liverpool cul-de-sac and see where life has taken them since the show’s dramatic finale. According to Liverpool Echo, filming will take place on the original set, now home to residential properties, adding a bittersweet note of real-life change to the fictional reunion.
The significance of this crossover isn’t lost on those involved. As Cheers put it, "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." She added, "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."
Johnston’s return is also a reminder of her remarkable career beyond Brookside. Since leaving the soap, she has starred in acclaimed series such as The Royle Family, Waking The Dead, Coronation Street, and Downton Abbey. Her contributions to British television were recognized in 2009 when she was awarded an OBE, and again in 2022 when she received the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.
For viewers old and new, the Brookside-Hollyoaks crossover promises a potent blend of nostalgia and relevance. It’s a chance to revisit characters who helped shape the landscape of British drama, to reflect on how far soaps have come, and to see how the issues that once shocked a nation are still vital topics for discussion today. As the countdown to filming begins, anticipation is building—not just for the return of Sheila Grant, but for the revival of a television legacy that refuses to fade quietly into history.
Brookside’s one-off special is more than just a TV event; it’s a celebration of resilience, storytelling, and the enduring power of British soaps to tackle the tough stuff, all while keeping viewers glued to their screens.
