John McArdle and Paul Usher are to reprise their Brookside characters Billy Corkhill and Barry Grant.
They are the latest “heritage” Brookside actors to be confirmed for Lime Pictures’ soap crossover, to celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary.
As Executive Producer Hannah Cheers explained, “Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks” as the soap grew up on the site.
“For everyone at Lime Pictures (originally Mersey TV), Hollyoaks’ history is deeply rooted in Brookside, and its legacy lives on through our crew and, of course, some of our cast.”
Lime Pictures has already confirmed that Sue Johnston will appear in the show.
READ MORE – Sue Johnston is first big name to sign up for Brookside revival
She will now be joined by another hugely important character for the soap, in Billy Corkhill, who moved into to the Close in the 1980s with his wife Doreen and their teenage children Rod and Tracy.
A devoted husband and family man, the show shed light on men’s mental health through Billy’s struggles after losing his job, which spiralled into a breakdown. The emotional toll of his behaviour weighed heavily on his wife and strained their marriage beyond repair, ultimately leading to their divorce and Doreen’s departure.
He went onto find love again with Johnston’s Sheila Grant, marrying in 1990.
“It’s going to be a nostalgic visit back to the famous close. Also I’ve got to try and find the character of Billy Corkhill again as I haven’t played him for 35 years!” said McArdle.
Paul Usher also returns as Barry Grant. Living at No 5, the Grants originally consisted of parents, Bobby (Ricky Tomlinson) and Sheila and their children Barry, Karen and Damon. Paul’s character Barry was the oldest of their then-three children and the audience watched him grow from cheeky youngster to charismatic businessman and later gangster.
Barry has a chequered history of committing many crimes and was the show’s first ‘villain’ but had a huge fan-base. In 1991, in a bid to ruin friend Terry’s relationship, Barry slept with his girlfriend Sue, but when she threatened to expose their affair, he killed Sue and her son Danny by pushing them off the scaffolding on Brookside parade.
READ MORE – Brookside to return to screens in Hollyoaks 30th birthday crossover
Filming has begun for the crossover, which will air in October, to celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary and the legacy of both shows’ creator, Sir Phil Redmond.
Exceptional filming permission has been granted by the owner of the close and the Liverpool Film Office – as the former set and production offices in West Derby are now home to residents.
“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,” said Sir Phil Redmond.
“But it is great that Lime Pictures are paying homage in their Hollyoaks anniversary cross over episodes.
“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.”
