Philip Olivier, best known for playing Tinhead in Brookside, has described the reunion with his former co-stars as 'the strangest thing' as the soap prepares for a one-off crossover episode with Hollyoaks. The special, airing on October 22, marks the 30th anniversary of Hollyoaks and will feature original Brookside cast members including Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson.
Olivier, 45, said stepping back into the role of Tim 'Tinhead' O'Leary felt 'dead easy', adding: 'It was like the weirdest reunion you’ve ever had. Everyone’s aged. Everyone’s 20 years older. But seeing everyone back in the same place… it was the strangest thing, but it was great.' The episode is filmed on the original Brookside Close set in West Derby, Liverpool, which has since been converted back into family homes.
The actor joined Brookside at age 15 and played the character for several years, with storylines including a bullying arc and involvement in a drug dealer's killing. Since the soap ended in 2003, Olivier has appeared in shows like Doctors and Benidorm, and now runs his own sightseeing business, Liverpool City Sights. He admitted the return to acting was 'daunting' but a welcome chance to 'exercise the acting muscles again'.
The crossover episode will honour Brookside creator Sir Phil Redmond, who also created Hollyoaks. Executive producer Hannah Cheers said: 'This special feels like a moving and fitting tribute and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside.' The episode airs on Channel 4 on October 22.
