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.
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
15:43, 22 Oct 2025
Philip Olivier is returning as Timothy ‘Tinhead’ O’Leary (Image: Lime Pictured)
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.
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?
13:01, 16 Aug 2025Updated 13:12, 16 Aug 2025
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.
Brookside wrapped in November 2003(Image: Mirrorpix)
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)
Actor Dean Sullivan in the pressroom at the 5th Annual British Soap Awards in London on May 10th 2003.(Image: Getty Images)
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)
Sue Jenkins attended Dean Sullivan’s funeral(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
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)
Anna Friel as Beth Jordache with Margaret Clemence played by actress Nicola Stephenson.(Image: Channel 4)
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 attends the World Premiere of “A Minecraft Movie” at the Cineworld Leicester Square on March 30, 2025 (Image: WireImage)
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)
Michael Starke at Dean Sullivan’s funeral(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
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)
Brookside actresses Jennifer Ellison, left, and Suzanne Collins, in 1999(Image: Mirrorpix)
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.
Jennifer’s married now with three kids
Louis Emerick (Mick Johnson)
Louis Emerick(Image: Lime)
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.
