Ricky Tomlinson is set to reprise his role as Bobby Grant in a one-off special episode of Brookside, marking the 30th anniversary of its successor, Hollyoaks. The 85-year-old actor will join Sue Johnston, who returns as his on-screen wife Sheila, in the crossover episode airing in October.
Tomlinson expressed his excitement about returning to the iconic soap, saying, 'It will be lovely to take part in Brookside again especially to work alongside Sue Johnston. I'm looking forward to being on the close again after all these years.' Johnston, 81, added, 'It'll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such a big, enjoyable part of my life.'
The Grant family were introduced when Brookside launched on Channel 4's first night in 1982, with the episode showing Sheila and Bobby settling into their first owned home with their three children. The show was known for tackling sensitive issues, including incest, domestic abuse, and a groundbreaking rape storyline in 1986 when Sheila was attacked by a taxi driver.
One of the most memorable moments came in 1987 when the couple's youngest son, Damon, was stabbed to death in London. The series ended in 2003 with the final episode featuring Jimmy Corkhill, played by the late Dean Sullivan, altering the road sign to read 'Brookside Closed.'
The special episode will also celebrate Sir Phil Redmond, the creator of both Brookside and Hollyoaks. All Brookside episodes are available to stream on STV Player after being digitally restored.
