cameo

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

Victoria Beckham’s Netflix documentary has given fans a look at her life and career, including her mentor Roland Mouret.

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Victoria Beckham on Netflix.

Netflix’s Victoria Beckham documentary is now available to stream, but who exactly is Roland Mouret?

The three-part Netflix docu-series offers viewers an intimate glimpse into Victoria Beckham’s professional and personal journey, with considerable emphasis on her transition into the fashion world.

Years after feeling uncertain about her next move following the Spice Girls’ split, Victoria chose to pursue her passion for fashion and sought guidance from French designer Roland Mouret.

In the Netflix programme, he revealed: “To make the dream become reality, we have to kill the WAG”, alluding to the 51 year old shedding her footballers’ wives persona.

She continues by stating that Roland “saw something and believed in me”, prompting fans to discover more about the designer who guided Victoria Beckham.

Who is Roland Mouret?

French designer Roland Mouret didn’t enjoy the most promising beginning as he abandoned fashion college after merely three months.

However, he subsequently worked as both a model and stylist in Paris after allegedly being discovered in a nightclub and recruited by Jean Paul Gaultier to style his debut menswear presentation.

He relocated to London in his thirties and established a café before securing financial support to become the creative director of People Corporation, a range influenced by his café’s patrons.

But when his funding was pulled, Roland took the bold step of launching his own label, which he successfully showcased at London Fashion Week.

Over time, his designs have graced the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow and, naturally, Victoria Beckham.

He and the ex-Spice Girl became acquainted through their mutual manager Simon Fuller, famed for creating American Idol, Pop Idol and managing the iconic 90s girl band.

As revealed in the Netflix series, Victoria felt she wouldn’t be taken seriously by the fashion industry and sought Roland’s expertise to teach her the basics of fashion design.

She confessed: “Roland saw something, I don’t know what, but we connected, and he believed in me.

“He was very very honest, and he was really tough. He didn’t care if I liked what he said or not; he just said it.”

She added: “He really challenged me. I don’t sketch, but I did start by draping on myself.

“I remember standing there in the mirror, in my underwear, with Roland and just bits of fabric.

“And he just kept saying, ‘perfect the dress.’ He gave me the tools that I needed to create.”

Victoria then launched her first collection of 10 dresses, but whispers circulated that they were actually designed by Roland.

Both Victoria and Roland challenge this in the Netflix documentary, with a Beckham representative at the time clarifying that he had introduced her to his pattern cutter, fabric suppliers and seamstress atelier, which could explain any similarities with his own work.

Victoria Beckham is available to watch on Netflix.

ITV’s true crime drama I Fought the Law deeply touched viewers this evening as the final episode aired, with the real life Ann Ming making a cameo at the end of the finale

The final episode of I Fought the Law aired on ITV tonight, with viewers watching as Ann Ming successfully brought her daughter’s killer to justice after overturning the double jeopardy law. The emotional episode left many in tears, particularly as the real life Ann made a cameo alongside Sheridan Smith, who played her throughout the series.

In the final scenes, viewers watch as Ann and her husband Charlie head line dancing, with Ann seeing a vision of her daughter Julie across the dance floor after putting her killer behind bars. She then continues line dancing with Charlie as text on the screens tells viewers that at least ten people have been retried and convicted of murder since the double jeopardy law was overturned, with Ann receiving an MBE in 2007 for her services to criminal justice.

The show then revealed that Charlie (played by Daniel York Loh) battled with Parkinson’s Disease until his death in 2013 while Ann still lives in the North East and works with police forces across the country to improve how they engage with victims of violent crime.

READ MORE: Sheridan Smith reveals emotional way she has marked ‘connection’ with Ann MingREAD MORE: Loose Women star addresses son’s tragic death – ‘My gut has been wrenched out’

As the line dancing continued, the real Ann was seen sitting on the side before the camera cut to her dancing alongside Sheridan Smith. “She still enjoys line dancing, five times a week,” text on the screen reads.

Viewers took to social media to share how moved they were by the final episode, with one writing: “What incredibl final scene with the real Ann #IFoughtTheLaw.” Another said: “#IFoughtTheLaw God what a programme Sobbing mess Well done all involved.”