Brookside returns in one-off Hollyoaks crossover for 30th anniversary

Brookside will return to screens for a one off crossover with Hollyoaks on Wednesday, October 22, airing at 7pm on E4. The special episode, produced to mark Hollyoaks 30th anniversary, brings characters from the long-running Liverpool soap back to Brookside Close and pays tribute to Sir Phil Redmond, who created both shows. Several original cast members are reprising their roles, including Philip Olivier as Timothy O'Leary, Sue Johnston as Sheila Grant, Ricky Tomlinson as Bobby Grant and Louis Emerick as Mick Johnson.

The episode merges the two soap universes, sending Hollyoaks character Donny Clark to Brookside Close. The anniversary week narrative also includes a dramatic Hollyoaks storyline in which a plan goes awry at Tony and Diane's wedding, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries. Producers completed filming on a compressed schedule, recording the Brookside segments in a single day after an initial two day plan was shortened for logistical reasons.

Cast members described the filming as emotional and nostalgic. Louis Emerick said the reunion "was amazing. It was emotional." Suzanne Collins, who returns as Nikki Shadwick, said the experience felt familiar, adding "It...