Two more iconic characters from the defunct Channel 4 soap 'Brookside' will appear in a special crossover episode with 'Hollyoaks' to celebrate the latter's 30th anniversary. The one-off episode, announced earlier this month, is scheduled to air in October.
Sue Johnston will reprise her role as Sheila Grant, joined by John McArdie as Billy Corkhill and Paul Usher as Barry Grant. Billy was introduced in the 1980s as a devoted family man, whose struggles with unemployment and mental health led to a breakdown and eventual divorce from his wife Doreen. He later found love again with Sheila, and the pair married in 1990.
John McArdie expressed excitement about returning to the role after 35 years, describing it as a nostalgic visit back to the famous close. As part of the crossover, Billy will also make appearances in Hollyoaks village. Paul Usher returns as Barry Grant, the soap's first villain, with a history of criminal activity. He said he looks forward to seeing old faces.
Filming began in September, with special permission granted by the owner of the Brookside close and Liverpool Film Office. The original set in West Derby is now a residential area. The crossover episode celebrates both the legacy of 'Hollyoaks' and its creator, Sir Phil Redmond.
Previously, Brookside episodes have been digitally restored and are available to stream on STV Player, following a joint project by Lime Pictures and All3Media International.
