Brookside legend announces comeback 20 years after Channel 4 soap was axed

Twenty years since Brookside vanished from television screens, one of its most celebrated stars is returning to the cul-de-sac that launched her career. Channel 4 has announced that the legendary Liverpool soap will stage a one-off return later this year, with the first confirmed cast member now disclosed.

Sue Johnston, who rose to prominence as family matriarch Sheila Grant, will resurrect her character in a special crossover episode with Hollyoaks to commemorate the show's 30th milestone. Production is scheduled to commence this autumn on the original West Derby location, with the episode set to air in October.

Sue, who received an OBE in 2009 for her contributions to drama and charitable work, initially gained recognition as Sheila in 1982 before establishing herself as a familiar face across British television, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Beyond Brookside, she gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal in The Royle Family and secured a BAFTA nomination in 2025 for her starring role in Channel 4's Truelove.

Reflecting on her comeback, Sue remarked: "It'll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such big, enjoyable part of my life."

Brookside, which served as Channel 4's inaugural soap opera, aired from 1982 through 2003 and built a formidable reputation for addressing challenging, socially conscious narratives.

Sue's character remained at the heart of numerous pivotal storylines.

In 1986, her character endured a brutal assault, rape and beating by a taxi driver, followed in 1987 by the tragic stabbing death of her youngest son Damon in London.

Sheila subsequently discovered romance with Billy Corkhill (John McArdle), with the couple departing Brookside in 1990.

Her comeback signals the first occasion Brookside Close will grace television screens since the programme concluded, when Jimmy Corkhill (the late Dean Sullivan) modified the street sign to display "Brookside Closed".

Hollyoaks, which commenced production on portions of the former Brookside set following the soap's conclusion in 2003, will honour its forerunner in the anniversary special during October.

Executive producer Hannah Cheers revealed: "This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside.

"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.

"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 twenty years on. We hope audiences will enjoy welcoming these old friends back into their homes once again."

Brookside creator Sir Phil Redmond added: "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."

Production for the crossover will commence in September with special permission granted by the residents of the West Derby cul-de-sac where Brookside was originally filmed.

Brookside returns to Channel 4 later this year for a one-off special. Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4's streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.