Latest news with #PhilRedmond
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Brookside cast now - heartbreaking death, cancer battle and major X-Factor success
Brookside was the gritty soap that shocked the nation, smashed taboos, and made suburban cul-de-sacs the stage for explosive drama. But what happened to the cast? Brookside, the groundbreaking soap that shocked the nation and turned ordinary suburban streets into a hotbed of drama, was a staple of British television for over two decades. The show, which first aired on Channel 4 on 2 November 1982, followed the everyday lives of its characters, dealing with everything from heart-wrenching break-ups to shocking crimes that reflected real issues in the UK. The Liverpool-based soap ran for an impressive 21 years before its final episode aired on 4 November 2003. Created by Phil Redmond, Brookside was never one to shy away from controversial topics - it was responsible for the UK's first pre-watershed lesbian kiss and tackled subjects such as domestic abuse, incest, and even a body buried under a patio. Now, the beloved soap is poised for a comeback – featuring in an unprecedented crossover with Hollyoaks. After Brookside concluded on November 4th 2003, Hollyoaks stepped up as Channel 4 's premier continuing drama. The show began production on a portion of Brookside's former set, which remains its filming location to this day. As Hollyoaks gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary this October, it plans to commemorate the occasion with a special episode that pays homage to both Brookside and their shared creator, Sir Phil Redmond. The upcoming crossover episode will delight viewers with the reappearance of beloved, classic Brookside characters to celebrate this significant event. But what became of the Brookside cast once the cameras stopped rolling? From heartbreaking losses to surprising career changes, here's a look at where some of the show's biggest stars ended up. Dean Sullivan (Jimmy Corkhill) Jimmy, a troubled drug addict turned teacher, was one of Brookside's longest-serving characters. Portrayed by Dean Sullivan, he joined the series in 1986 and was involved in many major storylines. Tragically, Dean passed away in 2023 at the age of 68 after a battle with prostate cancer, a diagnosis he had bravely shared just months before his death. He had been diagnosed in 2018 and had been receiving treatment. Following his passing, fans and former co-stars paid their respects. Sue Jenkins (Jackie Corkhill) Jackie Corkhill, played by Sue Jenkins, was the long-suffering wife of Jimmy Corkhill, enduring his emotional turmoil and schemes in many of the show's most gripping storylines. Since the end of the show, Sue has continued her acting career with roles in Coronation Street, Holby City, and Doctors, as well as theatre productions. Now 66, she is a vocal advocate for arts education and is married to David Fleeshman, with whom she has three children, Richard, Emily and Rosie. Anna Friel (Beth Jordache) Beth Jordache, portrayed by Anna Friel, became a cultural icon when she was involved in the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television, a storyline that made international headlines. The episode aired in January 1994, also featuring Margaret Clemence, played by Nicola Stephenson. Anna has since built a highly successful acting career on both sides of the Atlantic, starring in shows like Pushing Daisies, Marcella, and The Girlfriend Experience. Now 48, she is an award-winning actress and a regular on the red carpet. She has been married twice and has one child. Claire Sweeney (Lindsey Corkhill) Claire Sweeney played Lindsey Corkhill, a member of the troubled Corkhill family, who found herself caught up in love triangles, dodgy dealings, and emotional confrontations. Lindsey started as a recurring character before being promoted to the regular cast in 1995. Actress Claire shot to fame following Brookside, transitioning into musical theatre, releasing an album, and becoming a Loose Women panellist. She has recently made a comeback to the soap world with a stint on Coronation Street. Earlier this year, Claire delighted Brookside enthusiasts as she returned to the West Derby houses where the programme was originally filmed. The 53-year-old shared numerous photographs and videos on Instagram from her impromptu nostalgic journey. In her Instagram video, Claire revealed to followers that whilst she had visited the location the previous year, she had spotted a "beautiful little surprise" beneath the Brookside sign commemorating Dean Sullivan, who portrayed her on-screen father Jimmy. Michael Starke (Sinbad Sweeney) Sinbad Sweeney was a window cleaner with a heart of gold. He became a viewer favourite after joining the programme in 1984. Actor Michael Starke subsequently featured in The Royal, Coronation Street, and even enjoyed a role in Benidorm. He has also established himself as a pantomime regular and serves as a dedicated ambassador for Liverpool's cultural scene. Now 67, his latest role saw him portray a taxi driver in Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2023. Jennifer Ellison (Emily Shadwick) Emily's storyline concluded in devastating fashion, with her character's tragic plunge from a window ranking among Brookside's most shocking departures. Actress Jennifer switched gears to pop music, reality TV (Dancing on Ice, Hell's Kitchen), and theatre, before launching her own dance academy in Liverpool. She also starred in the West End and now leads a quieter life centred around family. She is married to Rob Tickle and they have three children. Louis Emerick (Mick Johnson) Mick Johnson was the straight-talking single dad and mini-mart owner with a strong moral compass. He made his final appearance on 22 August 2001, having first appeared in 1989. Actor Louis Emerick, 64, has continued his acting career in TV dramas and soaps, including Coronation Street and Doctors, and has performed in theatre tours across the UK. Where are the others? Several cast members left the industry altogether - some moved abroad, others stepped away from the limelight. A few, like Ray Quinn (who briefly appeared in the later years), reinvented themselves entirely. Ray went on to become a singer and X Factor finalist, with a stage career.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Brookside creator breaks silence on Hollyoaks crossover saying 'it's bitter sweet'
Brookside is set to return to Channel 4 in a special crossover with Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks and series creator Sir Phil Redmond has now weighed in on the exciting announcement Channel 4's cherished inaugural soap Brookside is poised for a comeback – featuring in an unprecedented crossover with Hollyoaks. As Hollyoaks gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary this October, it plans to commemorate the occasion with a special episode that pays homage to both Brookside and their shared creator, Sir Phil Redmond. After Brookside concluded on November 4th 2003, Hollyoaks stepped up as Channel 4 's premier continuing drama. The show began production on a portion of Brookside's former set, which remains its filming location to this day. Sir Phil has garnered acclaim for his hard-hitting television dramas, including Grange Hill, which have consistently tackled pressing societal issues within their respective settings, often pioneering discussions on such topics. Hollyoaks has continued in the spirit of Brookside, addressing trailblazing social themes but through a more youthful and dynamic narrative approach, reports the Liverpool Echo. The upcoming crossover episode will delight viewers with the reappearance of beloved, classic Brookside characters to celebrate this significant event. Executive Producer Hannah Cheers expressed her enthusiasm: "This episode is 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." Cheers added: "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 20 years on. We hope audiences will enjoy welcoming these old friends back into their homes once again." Sir Phil commented: "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. "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." Filming is set to commence in September, with the owner of the close and the Liverpool Film Office granting special permission. This is because the former set and production offices, an unadopted road in West Derby, are now residential homes. The residents have been offered the chance to share a meal with the cast and crew from Lime Pictures. This marks the first time Brookside Close will be broadcast since its conclusion, which saw Jimmy Corkhill (portrayed by the late Dean Sullivan) adding a 'd' to the sign, transforming it into 'Brookside Closed', before driving away from the cul-de-sac.
