Today (November 2) marks 44 years since the first episode of Brookside was aired on Channel 4. Filmed and set on Brookside Close in West Derby, the pioneering soap tackled important social issues in the community where it was set. Premiering on November 2, 1982, as Channel 4's first soap, the renowned drama ran until November 2003.
From broadcasting television's earliest pre-watershed lesbian kiss to a highly controversial incest plotline, the drama continually captivated viewers across the country. Perhaps most famously, the body buried beneath the patio made national headlines, sparking widespread debate and drawing numerous viewer complaints.
The show often drew audiences of more than seven million at its peak in the mid-1980s. Despite its popularity throughout the 80s and 90s, Brookside ended more than 20 years ago, a combination of declining ratings and lower profits leaving the show with no choice but to end.
Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston
Ricky Tomlinson was loved for playing Bobby Grant from 1982 to 1988. The actor and comedian went on to star in The Royle Family alongside his Brookside on-screen wife Sue Johnston. He also had roles in Cracker, Playing The Field, Mike Bassett: England Manager, Gloves Off and The More You Ignore Me. He appeared on The Royle Family for all three series and its Christmas specials, spanning from 1998 until 2012.
In an interview with The Guardian, the actor recalled how he landed the role of Jim in The Royle Family after a chance encounter at a buffet with the show's star and co-creator, Caroline Aherne. The lifelong Liverpool FC fan's career has spanned television, film and theatre, and in 2014 he was awarded the Freedom of Liverpool. He previously said: "I will never, ever move away from Liverpool, I love it here."
Sue Johnston played Barbara Royle in The Royle Family from 1998 until 2012. After finding fame as Sheila Grant in Brookside, she proved to be a versatile actress. Other roles include Gloria Price in Coronation Street, Miss Denker in Downton Abbey, and in 2022 she reprised her role in the film Downton Abbey: A New Era. She told the ECHO she was "overwhelmed" when she was awarded the Freedom of City award in Liverpool.
Paul Usher and Simon O'Brien
Paul Usher took on the role of Barry Grant in the soap from 1982 to 2003. Barry was the only character to appear in the first ever episode in November 1982 and the final episode in November 2003. Paul has appeared on numerous shows including a lengthy role in The Bill as Des Taviner, a role he had until 2004, appearing in a total of 135 episodes. He previously told the ECHO: "I enjoyed acting but not the fame side of it. I don't want to play that game."
Simon O'Brien began acting in 1982, appearing in the first episode of Brookside at the age of 16. Alongside Gillian Kearney, he helped Channel 4 make history by starring in Britain's first mini-series spin-off from a soap opera. In November 1987, the three-part series Damon and Debbie hit screens and was described as TV's first "soap bubble." Since Brookside, he has continued to act and also become known as a radio presenter, as well as a property developer. He has co-presented Channel 4's award winning programme Find it, Fix it, Flog it since 2016.
Other Cast Members
Shelagh O'Hara portrayed Karen Grant from 1982 until 1986, later going to Liverpool University where she is believed to have graduated in Latin American studies in 1999. The former Brookie star is now believed to be working in the antiques business.
Vince Earl was a part of Brookside until it ended in 2003. Prior to life on the soap, Birkenhead-born Vince was known for performing with his own Merseybeat bands. In 2012, the ECHO reported how the dad-of-four had successfully completed a kidney transplant after he was struck by Goodpasture's Syndrome. He made a full recovery and now lives in Chester.
Alex Fletcher is known for her roles as Jacqui Dixon in Brookside and Diane Hutchinson in Hollyoaks. Post Brookside, Alex became a trained fitness instructor, before returning to acting. She married husband Neil Davies who she met on the set of Brookside.
Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill, joined the series in 1986 as Billy's brother. He appeared on the show until it ended, becoming the longest-featured character. Sadly in November 2023, Dean died following a short illness. A statement issued by his agent said: "It is with deep sadness we must tell you that actor Dean Sullivan passed away on 29th November 2023 peacefully following a short illness."
Anna Friel played Beth Jordache for two years on the soap, first joining in 1993. Her role made headlines when she shared British TV's first lesbian kiss with Margaret Clemence. In 2017, Anna won an International Emmy Award for her role as Marcella Backland in the ITV detective series Marcella.
The Brookie actor who appeared in the most episodes of the soap is Alexandra Fletcher. Starring in 404 episodes between 1990 and 2003, she played Jacqui Dixon. Following Brookside, Alexandra took some time away from acting in the late 2000s and trained as a fitness instructor, qualifying in 2009. The actress joined Hollyoaks in August 2010 as Diane O'Connor.
