Louis Emerick is still surprised when fans approach him about Brookside. The 66-year-old actor, who rose to fame as Mick Johnson on the Liverpool-set soap in 1989, remained a mainstay until 2001. Twenty-five years later, people still remember his character fondly. In an exclusive interview with the ECHO, he said: 'You forget that it stays in people's hearts. The other day, I was walking around the park and someone said, "Mick Johnno". I said you're too young to remember that. She said, "No I was about 7 or 8, but I remember it." There is that smile about it. I think it's that old thing, when something is gone, you maybe value it or the memory of it more. It's a nice feeling when people say it. It's nice for me and it's nice for the memory it invokes for them.'
Brookside Crossover and Hollyoaks Role
Louis was speaking on the set of Hollyoaks, where he plays police detective Donny Clark. A bombshell storyline last year revealed Donny is actually Mick Johnson with a new identity, tying Hollyoaks to Brookside. Both shows were created by Sir Phil Redmond. The reveal came in a special Brookside crossover episode celebrating Hollyoaks' 30th anniversary. Camera crews returned to Brookside Close for one day only last year, as the iconic road is now a residential area. Legends such as Sue Johnston, Ricky Tomlinson, and John McArdle reprised their roles for the episode broadcast last October.
Louis called the filming experience magical: 'That is a day that will live in my memory for a long time. When [producer] Hannah [Cheers] dropped me the idea, I was like, "If you'd have asked me that story, I wouldn't have give you that story in a million years." That day at the close was magical. I hadn't been there in about 12 years. Within about half an hour, it was like I'd been there two weeks ago.'
Reunion with Barry Grant Star Paul Usher
Louis was particularly thrilled when Paul Usher, who played Barry Grant, reprised his role: 'I didn't think he would to be honest. I knew Ricky [Tomlinson] and Sue [Johnston] would. But when "The Ush" turned up, that was the icing on the cake. Even some of the crew that weren't booked on that day made a point of being there. It was one of those magical days.'
Possibility of a Full Brookside Reboot
The crossover episode renewed calls for a full Brookside reboot. Louis supports the idea but suggests a format change: 'I think it would work in the format of a series. Of 6/8 episodes. Put it on at 9pm so it can still have some teeth. After that little crossover we did, I think there'd be some appetite for it. Especially with This City Is Ours, The Cage, there's lots of great things being made in Liverpool at the moment and I think that could follow suit.'
Liverpool's Film Boom
Louis has been part of Liverpool's filming boom, starring in The Cage and G'wed. He said it is an honour to be part of Merseyside's cultural renaissance, as the city is now the second most filmed city in the UK outside London: 'I can't tell you how special it is. For the longest time, we were the forgotten city. Over the last 10 years or so, Liverpool seems to be the place. Not just for the programmes you mentioned. Movies are being made here. There seems to be this gravitation towards Liverpool and it's brilliant. We've got everything you need at about a third of the price to film in London. It's a magical time in Liverpool.'
Proud Scouser and Upcoming Storylines
Louis credits his upbringing in Toxteth for shaping him: 'They say the village shapes you and it certainly did. Liverpool 8 is a pure melting pot and that's given me the values of humility, support. All that is from being from here.' While a full Brookside reboot remains unconfirmed, Louis is enjoying his role on Hollyoaks. His onscreen daughter, Gemma Johnson, is the show's main villain, but Louis hopes for positive stories: 'I want Donny and Misbah [Maalik] to get married. I tell you why, it's murder getting this [real life] wedding ring off. So I want us to get married so I can leave it on [during filming]. And make an honest woman of Misbah as well.'
