Brookside Legends Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson Reunite for One-Off Special

Two of Brookside’s most iconic stars, Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson, have reunited on the famous cul-de-sac for a special return of the soap.

Filming took place on Wednesday as part of a one-off episode marking the 30th anniversary of Channel 4’s Hollyoaks.

Johnston is reprising her role as Sheila Grant, while Tomlinson returns as her on-screen husband Bobby Grant, the trade unionist who became one of Brookside’s most recognisable characters.

“It will be lovely to take part in Brookside again, especially to work alongside Sue Johnston,” said Tomlinson. “I’m looking forward to being on the Close again after all these years.”

The Grant family were the very first to appear when Brookside launched on Channel 4’s opening night in 1982, quickly winning audiences’ hearts as they settled into their new home with children Barry, Karen and Damon.

Joining Johnston and Tomlinson on set were several other fan favourites, including Paul Usher (Barry Grant), John McArdle (Billy Corkhill), Philip Olivier (Timothy “Tinhead” O’Leary), Suzanne Collins (Nikki Shadwick) and Michael Starke (Thomas “Sinbad” Sweeney).

Created by Sir Phil Redmond, Brookside became a ground-breaking soap, renowned for tackling challenging social issues and attracting audiences of up to nine million viewers at its peak. The show ended in 2003, with its final scene featuring Jimmy Corkhill altering the street sign to read “Brookside Closed.”

The new one-off special, the first time Brookside Close has been seen on screen in two decades, will air next month.