Brookside Returns with Sue Johnston in Special Episode

Channel 4's iconic Liverpool-based soap Brookside is set to return in a special crossover episode with Hollyoaks in October to mark Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary. Sue Johnston, who played the beloved matriarch Sheila Grant in Brookside, will reprise her role, making her the first confirmed returning cast member. Sheila Grant's character was known for hard-hitting storylines, including the tragic stabbing of her youngest son Damon, and her family launched the series when it began in 1982. The special episode will be filmed on the original Brookside Close set, with permission granted by the owner and Liverpool Film Office, and will honor both Brookside and Hollyoaks' creator Sir Phil Redmond. Hollyoaks took over as Channel 4's flagship continuing drama after Brookside ended in 2003, and the crossover aims to celebrate the legacy and impact of both shows. Executive Producer Hannah Cheers described the episode as a love letter to both soaps, highlighting Brookside's influence on British television and the continuing popularity of its characters.