Brookside creator breaks silence on Hollyoaks crossover saying 'it's bitter sweet'

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.

READ MORE: EastEnders confirms Sharon Watts' return in explosive new trailer - and she's not alone

READ MORE: EastEnders' Colin Salmon gives health update on wife after devastating illness

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.

The special episode will air later this year