Brookside

Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks fans are convinced they know who shot Tony Hutchinson after he was left fighting for his life on his wedding day

In a shocking turn of events on Hollyoaks, Tony Hutchinson was shot on Wednesday (October 22) episode, leaving viewers in suspense about his fate.

The drama unfolded during a crossover episode with Brookside on Channel 4, where a plane piloted by serial killer Jez (Jeremy Sheffield) crashed into the village, causing a massive explosion.

However, the chaos didn’t stop there. On what was supposed to be his wedding day to Diane (Alex Fletcher), Tony (Nick Pickard) found himself confronted by Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) for having an affair with his wife Nancy (Jessica Fox).

Darren was livid upon discovering that Tony is the biological father of his daughter, Morgan, following a past fling with Nancy. Their heated argument was briefly interrupted by the plane disaster, but quickly resumed, much to the dismay of Tony’s son, Ant Hutchinson (Brook Debio).

Adding to the confusion, Tony believed he had got Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) pregnant, only to find out she was wearing a fake baby bump. Meanwhile, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) was also expecting his child, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Tragedy struck when Mercedes lost her baby in the aftermath of the plane crash. Tony had left her trapped under debris as he rushed to save Marie, a decision that will haunt him.

Diane (Alexandra Fletcher) stepped up to rescue Mercedes, mirroring how Mercedes had previously saved her. Now, both Mercedes and Diane are furious with Tony – Mercedes for her heartbreaking loss, and Diane for her groom’s reckless behaviour.

In a later scene, Darren was seen in tears as he pointed a gun at Tony, who pleaded for his life. Suddenly, a gunshot echoed from behind Tony, and he collapsed to the ground after being shot.

Now, Tony’s fate hangs in the balance.

Hollyoaks viewers are now speculating about who could have shot Tony, with some suggesting that his own son Ant might be the culprit following their earlier disagreement.

One fan took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to ask: “So…Who shot Tony? My guess is Ant! #Hollyoaks.”

Another declared: “I’m calling it ant was the one who shot Tony! He was pretty mad at his dad #hollyoaks.”

A third joined in, saying: “My early theory for who shot Tony in #Hollyoaks: It was Ant!”.

“I feel like Ant was probably the 1 that shot Tony #hollyoaks”, another viewer added.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am

Hollyoaks fans were left floored at a cameo in the soap’s Brookside crossover episode

Hollyoaks delivered a spectacular crossover episode with Brookside, leaving viewers spotting a truly remarkable cameo appearance.

E4 broadcast a special one-off Brookside episode on October 22, marking the legendary soap’s return to television after a 22-year absence to commemorate Hollyoaks‘ milestone 30th anniversary.

Soap enthusiasts were delighted with a nostalgic journey as iconic characters made their comeback to Brookside Close, featuring Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Paul Usher, Philip Olivier, Suzanne Collins, Michael Starke, Louis Emerick and John McArdle.

Both cherished Channel 4 series were the brainchild of Grange Hill genius Sir Philip Redmond, with Brookside later serving as inspiration for the Chester-based Hollyoaks.

In a masterstroke, Sir Philip himself appeared in the Channel 4 drama on Wednesday, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The scene unfolded when Mick Johnson (Louis Emerick) made his return to Brookside Close following a lift from Chester courtesy of Thomas Sweeney, better known as Sinbad, portrayed by Michael Starke.

Whilst taxi driver Sinbad reconnected with former neighbours Nikki Shadwick (Suzanne Collins) and Tinhead (Philip Olivier), an enigmatic figure strolled down the street.

Nikki questioned Sinbad: “Is that your fare?”, to which he swiftly replied: “I think so, yeah.”

Sir Philip then enquired: “You going to Chester, mate?”, prompting Sinbad to ask: “You’re not from around here, are you?”.

In a touching tribute to bygone days, Sir Philip responded: “Used to be, but you know. Do you know the Dog In The Pond pub?”. “There’s been a big to-do there today”, Sinbad chimed in as Sir Philip, cheekily replied: “Story of my life, mate. From one drama to another.”

Fans of Hollyoaks and Brookside were quick to express their delight at seeing the soap’s creator, Sir Philip, make an appearance on screen.

One fan took to X to share their thoughts, writing: “Had to watch the #Hollyoaks #Brookside mashup. Phil Redmond’s cameo is genius especially the “… one drama to another” line. I join the call to bring back #Brookie!”.

Another viewer exclaimed: “Phil Redmond cameo! #Brookside #Hollyoaks #Hollyoaks30.”

A third added: “Omg Phil Redmond making a cameo too, omg, i cannot cope! So proud to be scouse right now #hollyoaks #brookside.

“This is just too good. Mick, Sinbad, Sheila, Tinhead, Nikki, Bobby, actual Phil Redmond! #Hollyoaks #Brookside”, one fan gushed.

“Phil Redmond saying “from one drama to another”.. see what he did there! Brilliant! ! #Hollyoaks #Brookside”, another fan pointed out.

The Hollyoaks and Brookside Crossover is available to stream on Channel 4.com

Brookside icon Tinhead is returning to the famous close for a one-off episode twinned with Hollyoaks, and actor Philip Olivier has opened up about the character’s nickname.

Brookside legend Tinhead is making a comeback to the renowned close for a special one-off episode alongside Hollyoaks.

Both beloved Channel 4 dramas were created by Grange Hill mastermind Sir Philip Redmond, with Brookside subsequently inspiring the development of Chester-set Hollyoaks.

To celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary, the shows are joining forces for a landmark crossover episode, with Philip Olivier returning to his memorable role as Tinhead.

Tim “Tinhead” O’Leary made his debut in 1996 as the offspring of Carmel and Tommy O’Leary, portraying a wayward pupil at Brookside Comprehensive High School.

Throughout his storyline, Tinhead formed an intricate relationship with beloved character Sinbad, portrayed by Michael Starke, who served as a mentor figure for the rebellious youngster, reports the Manchester Evening News.

However, Tinhead was compelled to transform his ways following a devastating incident that nearly claimed his sister Melanie’s life.

His future seemed promising when romance blossomed with Emily, portrayed by Jennifer Ellison, and the couple wed in 2001.

Yet marital happiness wasn’t destined for the pair.

Following further involvement in unlawful activities, Emily perished during a burglary in 2002, leaving Tinhead bereaved at a young age.

Philip Olivier, 45, last appeared as Tinhead in November 2003 when Brookside broadcast its concluding episode.

However, over two decades later, he’s reprising his role as Timothy O’Leary, alongside Suzanne Collins as Nikki Shadwick, for a special Hollyoaks and Brookside episode.

How did Tinhead earn his nickname?

Despite the character’s actual name being Timothy, soap fans will recognise him by his unusual moniker.

Ahead of the rebooted episode, Olivier shed light on how his character acquired the nickname, revealing it was purely coincidental.

The actor shared: “There was a pretty rough school in my area with a really hard kid who everyone knew as Tinhead. This was before I got the part. The name was spray-painted on the side of a building near the school.

“I know a lot of Brookside writers used to live round that area so they must’ve drove past and remembered the name. People thought I’d suggested it but it was a coincidence.”

Olivier also disclosed that he had initially auditioned for a different role in the show before landing the part of the teenage troublemaker.

He elaborated: “Originally, I went up to play the character of Danny Simpson, then ended up playing the kid that bullied him at school.

“I auditioned for Danny then got a call a month later about this character called ‘Tinhead’.”

The Brookside and Hollyoaks crossover episode airs on Wednesday (October 22) at 7pm on E4.

Claire Sweeney, who portrayed Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside, confirmed she is not taking part in the revival of the show – but said she is a big fan and supports the whole cast

Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney has ruled out a return to Brookside and confirmed she will miss the upcoming revival of the show.

The 54-year-old actress portrayed Lindsey Corkhill in the soap opera, initially as a recurring character from 1991 and then as a leading character from 1995 to 2003, when the programme ended. She then went on to star in other major shows including Doctors, Holby City and Benidorm.

Most recently, she took on the role of Cassie Plummer – the estranged, drug-addicted mother of Tyrone Dobbs and daughter of Evelyn Plummer – in Corrie. She arrived on the street in 2023, initially under false pretenses, but has since become a regular fixture on the cobbles.

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Now Claire has confirmed that, despite being one of Brookside’s most-loved stars, she won’t make a comeback as she is now starring in rival soap Corrie. She told the Daily Star: “It’s wonderful that it’s coming back. But I’m not doing it.”

The actress added: “It’s wonderful that there’s such excitement about Brookside coming back. I’m still a big fan of the show. I took my son to the Close a few months ago to show it to him. I got out the car and I started filling up with tears. I was in front of my old house.”

Claire’s comments come just days after it was confirmed that Ricky Tomlinson is returning to Brookside as Bobby Grant after 37 years. Recently, it was also announced that Sue Johnston is set to reprise her character Shelia Grant.

The Grant family launched Brookside when it began on the first night of Channel 4 in 1982 and audiences quickly warmed to the married couple Shelia and Bobby as they settled into their first owned home with their three children. Talking about his return, Ricky said: “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.”

The sitcom aired for 4 seasons over 14 years, after which Ricky went on to star in Grimsby, In The Flesh, and The Witchfinder. Filming for the revival is set to commence this month, with the owner of the Close and the Liverpool Film Office granting special permission.

This is because the former set and production offices, an unadopted road in West Derby, are now residential homes. The residents have been offered the chance to share a meal with the cast and crew from Lime Pictures. The special episode will air later this year.

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Brookside was the gritty soap that shocked the nation, smashed taboos, and made suburban cul-de-sacs the stage for explosive drama. But what happened to the cast?

Brookside, the groundbreaking soap that shocked the nation and turned ordinary suburban streets into a hotbed of drama, was a staple of British television for over two decades.

The show, which first aired on Channel 4 on 2 November 1982, followed the everyday lives of its characters, dealing with everything from heart-wrenching break-ups to shocking crimes that reflected real issues in the UK. The Liverpool-based soap ran for an impressive 21 years before its final episode aired on 4 November 2003.

Created by Phil Redmond, Brookside was never one to shy away from controversial topics – it was responsible for the UK’s first pre-watershed lesbian kiss and tackled subjects such as domestic abuse, incest, and even a body buried under a patio.

Now, the beloved soap is poised for a comeback – featuring in an unprecedented crossover with Hollyoaks.

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After Brookside concluded on November 4th 2003, Hollyoaks stepped up as Channel 4‘s premier continuing drama. The show began production on a portion of Brookside’s former set, which remains its filming location to this day.

As Hollyoaks gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary this October, it plans to commemorate the occasion with a special episode that pays homage to both Brookside and their shared creator, Sir Phil Redmond.

The upcoming crossover episode will delight viewers with the reappearance of beloved, classic Brookside characters to celebrate this significant event.

But what became of the Brookside cast once the cameras stopped rolling? From heartbreaking losses to surprising career changes, here’s a look at where some of the show’s biggest stars ended up.

Dean Sullivan (Jimmy Corkhill)

Jimmy, a troubled drug addict turned teacher, was one of Brookside’s longest-serving characters. Portrayed by Dean Sullivan, he joined the series in 1986 and was involved in many major storylines.

Tragically, Dean passed away in 2023 at the age of 68 after a battle with prostate cancer, a diagnosis he had bravely shared just months before his death. He had been diagnosed in 2018 and had been receiving treatment.

Following his passing, fans and former co-stars paid their respects.

Sue Jenkins (Jackie Corkhill)

Jackie Corkhill, played by Sue Jenkins, was the long-suffering wife of Jimmy Corkhill, enduring his emotional turmoil and schemes in many of the show’s most gripping storylines.

Since the end of the show, Sue has continued her acting career with roles in Coronation Street, Holby City, and Doctors, as well as theatre productions. Now 66, she is a vocal advocate for arts education and is married to David Fleeshman, with whom she has three children, Richard, Emily and Rosie.

Anna Friel (Beth Jordache)

Beth Jordache, portrayed by Anna Friel, became a cultural icon when she was involved in the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television, a storyline that made international headlines. The episode aired in January 1994, also featuring Margaret Clemence, played by Nicola Stephenson.

Anna has since built a highly successful acting career on both sides of the Atlantic, starring in shows like Pushing Daisies, Marcella, and The Girlfriend Experience. Now 48, she is an award-winning actress and a regular on the red carpet.

She has been married twice and has one child.

Claire Sweeney (Lindsey Corkhill)

Claire Sweeney played Lindsey Corkhill, a member of the troubled Corkhill family, who found herself caught up in love triangles, dodgy dealings, and emotional confrontations. Lindsey started as a recurring character before being promoted to the regular cast in 1995.

Actress Claire shot to fame following Brookside, transitioning into musical theatre, releasing an album, and becoming a Loose Women panellist. She has recently made a comeback to the soap world with a stint on Coronation Street.

Earlier this year, Claire delighted Brookside enthusiasts as she returned to the West Derby houses where the programme was originally filmed. The 53-year-old shared numerous photographs and videos on Instagram from her impromptu nostalgic journey.

In her Instagram video, Claire revealed to followers that whilst she had visited the location the previous year, she had spotted a “beautiful little surprise” beneath the Brookside sign commemorating Dean Sullivan, who portrayed her on-screen father Jimmy.

Michael Starke (Sinbad Sweeney)

Sinbad Sweeney was a window cleaner with a heart of gold. He became a viewer favourite after joining the programme in 1984.

Actor Michael Starke subsequently featured in The Royal, Coronation Street, and even enjoyed a role in Benidorm. He has also established himself as a pantomime regular and serves as a dedicated ambassador for Liverpool’s cultural scene.

Now 67, his latest role saw him portray a taxi driver in Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2023.

Jennifer Ellison (Emily Shadwick)

Emily’s storyline concluded in devastating fashion, with her character’s tragic plunge from a window ranking among Brookside’s most shocking departures. Actress Jennifer switched gears to pop music, reality TV (Dancing on Ice, Hell’s Kitchen), and theatre, before launching her own dance academy in Liverpool.

She also starred in the West End and now leads a quieter life centred around family.

She is married to Rob Tickle and they have three children.

Louis Emerick (Mick Johnson)

Mick Johnson was the straight-talking single dad and mini-mart owner with a strong moral compass. He made his final appearance on 22 August 2001, having first appeared in 1989.

Actor Louis Emerick, 64, has continued his acting career in TV dramas and soaps, including Coronation Street and Doctors, and has performed in theatre tours across the UK.

Where are the others?

Several cast members left the industry altogether – some moved abroad, others stepped away from the limelight. A few, like Ray Quinn (who briefly appeared in the later years), reinvented themselves entirely.

Ray went on to become a singer and X Factor finalist, with a stage career.

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Sue Jenkins and Richard Fleeshman both appeared on Coronation Street – but many fans had no idea about their real-life connection

Coronation Street has seen more than its fair share of real-life family members treading the cobbles, with cousins Brooke Vincent and Ellie Leach among those who’ve found fame on the show.

The late Rick Neelan (played by Greg Wood) was actually the real-life brother of footballer Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn).

However, they’re not the only ones with familial ties both on and off the screen. Fans were recently surprised to discover a mother and son duo who appeared on the soap years ago.

In 1985, Sue Jenkins joined the cast of Coronation Street as Gloria Todd, a regular character who worked as a barmaid at the iconic Rovers Return. She also shared scenes with Julie Goodyear, who famously played landlady Bet Lynch, reports the Daily Star.

Beyond her stint on Corrie, Sue portrayed Jackie Corkhill in Brookside for nine years from 1992 to 2001, and made a brief appearance in Emmerdale in 2008 as Bonnie Drinkwater.

Interestingly, Sue’s son is Richard Fleeshman, who also had a role on Coronation Street.

Richard played Craig Harris, joining the cast in 2002 as part of the Harris family, who were hiding under the witness protection programme.

His character, Craig, had some significant storylines, reports Leicestershire Live.

He embraced a goth lifestyle, much to his father’s dismay, and became Rosie Webster’s (Helen Flanagan) first boyfriend.

The plot thickened when Katy Harris, Craig’s sister, killed their father after a heated row about her secret relationship with Martin Platt.

Their mother, Angela Harris, tried to shield Katy, but overwhelmed by guilt, Katy ended her own life.

In the aftermath, Craig planned to escape to Berlin with Rosie, but ultimately left alone, saying goodbye to the cobbles in 2006 for good.

The revelation of Sue and Richard’s time on Corrie left fans gobsmacked. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer posted about Sue’s stint on Corrie.

Another fan replied: “That’s Richard fleeshmans mum!”

Another person remarked: “Wow, all this time watching and I never knew that, I can see her son in that photo now.”

A third chimed in: “Her real life son played Craig Harris, son of Psycho Tommy!”

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX

Rita Simons has joined the cast of Hollyoaks in an explosive new role. But upon her arrival, Alex Fletcher admits she was awestruck by her co-star – and even a little jealous.

Alex Fletcher admits that Rita Simons’ arrival in Hollyoaks left her feeling envious – but she can’t wait to film more scenes with the former EastEnders star.

Diane Hutchinson has had the sort of 12 months you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. She’s faced divorce, relapsed into alcoholism, learned that her teenager Ro wishes to transition and dated a bent copper who turned out to be running a child exploitation ring on the side.

So it’s no wonder Hollyoaks actress Alex Fletcher has blocked it all out. “She’s had a traumatic year,” laughs Alex, who is celebrating her 15th year on the soap.

“I genuinely put it to bed as soon as I walk out of the studio because it would send me under. I just try and bury it. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

This week sees Diane and Tony (Nick Pickard) grow closer after the stress of Ro’s court case dissipates. However, Marie (Rita Simons) is not giving up on her future with Tony without putting up a fight.

“Diane and Tony and the family have kind of pulled together as a unit again, which is a bit of a feather in Diane’s cap because she still loves him to bits,” explains Alex. “Her loyalties and her heart lie with Tony and it would be nice to work with Nick again because I’ve hardly seen him.”

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Fans will enjoy scenes where both Marie and Diane turn up in the same dress to celebrate after Ro avoids being sent to a juvenile detention centre. “That brings the family closer together again, so they celebrate and Marie and Diane turn up in the same dress,” laughs Alex.

“And Diane is like, ‘Well, I ain’t going home and getting changed love, you can go home!’ All the dynamics and blended families have been so good to explore. I think there’s going to be a lot more of that.”

Not only is Alex looking forward to being reunited with work husband Nick, she also wants more scenes with EastEnders icon Rita. “She’s brilliant,” says Alex, 48.

“Not going to lie, I was a bit jealous of her when she started. She’s so good, it’s nice to just be working in and around women of our age. Strong women. It’s fabulous.”

However, there is fresh trouble brewing for Diane: Clare Devine, played by Gemma Bissix, is coming for her. Unknown to Diane, Clare was married to DI Alistair Banks, the corrupt copper Diane had a fling with. Now he’s dead, Clare believes Diane is sitting on cash that belongs to her.

“Diane’s seemingly in a good place, though I don’t think she’s realised the backlash from DI Banks,” explains Alex. “Diane should be fearing for her life. And then, obviously, she’s also being accused of having all this cash that’s gone missing…”

Clare has been away from Hollyoaks for 12 years, but Alex is thrilled to have her back. “She’s just a great girl,” she says. “She’s a good energy – she really cares about the show and she 110% gets it.”

Before playing Diane on Hollyoaks , Alex made her name as Brookside ’s mouthy Jacqui Dixon, who married to become Jacqui Farnham. Alex loves acting but she’d also relish a stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! after cheering on Nick back in 2023.

She even wants to try a witchetty grub or two. “ It’s one of my favourite shows,” says Alex. “I am at an age where I don’t really care what people think about me anymore.

I’d have a good go. I’d be scared of the water – the water things would freak me out. But I could eat the stuff and I’d be good in a team.”

However, Strictly Come Dancing is where Alex’s heart lies. The star was in the audience of the show last year to support her pal Shayne Ward and loved watching the dancers close up.

“If I had to choose, it would be Strictly all day,” she says. “I danced as a kid and I had the privilege to go and see it last year and I buzzed off seeing the dancers. I just think it’s a skill. Not that I’ve danced in 35 to 40 years.”

Alex even knows who she’d like to dance with – Aljaž Škorjanec. “I love my fitness, I would just love it, 100%. I love Aljaž Škorjanec and I met him after the show and he was just dead friendly and brilliant,” she says. “He’d be brilliant.”

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