Brookside star Philip Olivier has spoken about his return to acting after a decade away, reprising his role as Tim 'Tinhead' O'Leary in a crossover episode with Hollyoaks. The 45-year-old, who now runs the Royal Daffodil on Liverpool's Canning Dock, admitted he was nervous about stepping back in front of the camera.
Olivier told the ECHO in an exclusive interview that he had stepped away from acting after his son was born, tired of living out of a suitcase. He has since built a successful business portfolio, including an open-top bus company, and purchased the iconic Royal Daffodil in 2018. 'It breaks your heart that the last heritage vessel, the Royal Iris, is half sunk down in the Thames,' he said. 'I was over the moon the council have given me the opportunity.'
Returning to the famous Brookside Close for filming was a surreal experience, Olivier said. 'People live in those houses now. The lady where I lived with Jimmy Corkhill said, come and see, I've still kept your room the same.' He also enjoyed catching up with former castmates including Louis Emerick, Mickey Starke and Sue Johnston.
The positive reaction to the crossover prompted Olivier, along with Suzanne Collins and Louis Emerick, to organise a Brookside cast reunion. The event took place on January 24 at the Royal Daffodil, which appears in the show's opening credits. 'The cast and crew are coming home,' Olivier said. 'But only because their houses aren't there anymore.'
Famous faces including Claire Sweeney, Jennifer Ellison and Sue Jenkins attended the reunion. The late Dean Sullivan was remembered fondly. 'He was so special,' Olivier said. 'God rest his soul.'
As the cast gathered for a photo, chants of 'bring it back' broke out. Olivier said he would support a revival, calling the show 'groundbreaking' and praising creator Sir Phil Redmond. 'It's a shame that there is not another show like that,' he added.
