Soap Fans Rejoice: Beloved Drama Makes Return After 22 Years originally appeared on Parade.
Twenty-two years after it’s cancellation, the beloved British soap opera Brookside is about to make a return to viewers television screens, in a very interesting way.
The Channel 4 soap opera was canceled in 2003, meanwhile it’s sibling soap Hollyoaks continues on today. With Hollyoaks celebrating its 30th anniversary later this year, in a nostalgic twist of fate, it was announced today that the series will be honoring its sibling soap with a trip to the iconic close.
Discussing this iconic crossover event, executive producer Hannah Cheers said, “This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside. Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks — it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets.”
The show runner explained that the episode is a special that they don’t take litely, sharing, “This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside characters in honour of that legacy.
Cheers made sure not to give anything away as to who will be returning, but added, “These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV; soap archetypes that new generations are still discovering now through Hollyoaks.”
The crossover was something that got approval and support from Channel 4 as well as the series original creator Sir Phil Redmond. Cheers explained, “As a lifelong soap fan who grew up watching with my mum, I was passionate about revisiting Brookside for the anniversary. With Sir Phil’s blessing — after I had the privilege of pitching the idea to him — and the support of Channel 4, we’re able to make it happen.”
The episode is being penned by writer Steve Hughes. Cheers spoke highly of his contributions adding, “Writer Steve Hughes, who began his career on Brookside, has reimagined where these characters are more than twenty years on. We hope audiences will enjoy welcoming these old friends back into their homes once again.”
Discussing the one episode revival Sir Phil said, “It is always bitter sweet thinking back to Brookie, the reminders of its success and impact, but the thoughts of many, like Dean Sullivan and Bill Dean, who are no longer with us.”
The award winning show runner added, “But it is great that Lime Pictures are paying homage in their Hollyoaks anniversary cross over episodes.
He explained how he’s excited to see how things are handled and made acknowledgement to one of the soaps most iconic storylines with a wink to the patio, sharing, “I can’t wait to see how all the gardens are coping in the heatwave and, who knows, what might pop up if someone decides to re-lay their patio. I know we left something else down there.”
Filming for the special will take place in September with exceptional permission granted by the owner of the close and the Liverpool Film Office – as the former set and production offices, as the unadopted road in West Derby is now home to residents.
Residents of the close have been invited to share lunch with the cast and the crew from Lime Pictures.
What Was Brookside?
Brookside was a groundbreaking soap opera that aired between November of 1982 through November of 2003. The series was known for telling stories of the working class and giving a viewers a realistic look into life at that period of time.
The series was filmed in actual homes on the iconic “Brookside Close” residence. These homes were later auctioned off after the series cancellation.
A promotional video for the British re-airing of the series can be viewed below.
Hollyoaks will celebrate it’s 30th anniversary on October 23 in the U.K. Episodes air at a one week delay globally on YouTube. No current date was given for when the special Brookside episode will air.
Hollyoaks streams Monday-Wednesday’s on YouTube.
Soap Fans Rejoice: Beloved Drama Makes Return After 22 Years first appeared on Parade on Aug 17, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
