Brookside Returns in Hollyoaks 30th Anniversary Special

Channel 4's iconic soap Brookside, which aired from 1982 to 2003, is making a surprising comeback in a special crossover episode with Hollyoaks in honor of Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary. One of the show's memorable former child stars, Jack McMullen, who played Josh McLoughlin—a character born from a complex storyline involving a one-night stand and adoption—has since built a successful acting career. Now 34, McMullen has appeared in notable roles such as Tigger Johnson in Grange Hill, Finn Sharkey in BBC's Waterloo Road, and more recently in dramas like Time, Little Boy Blue, This City Is Ours, and the Apple TV series Hijack starring Idris Elba. While Brookside's return is highly anticipated, it remains uncertain if McMullen will reprise his role in the upcoming crossover. His extensive body of work includes additional credits in The F1rst Team, The Souvenir, Le Mans '66, Screw, and Dead Shot, showcasing his evolution from a child actor to a versatile performer. The revival of Brookside promises to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling, connecting two beloved soap worlds.