Ricky Tomlinson will return to Brookside this autumn, reprising his role as Bobby Grant more than four decades after the Liverpool-set soap first aired.
The announcement follows confirmation that Sue Johnston will also be returning as Sheila Grant, with Lime Pictures bringing back several of the show’s most recognisable characters.
The Grant family were central to Brookside’s launch on Channel 4’s first night in 1982. Tomlinson’s portrayal of trade unionist Bobby quickly became a defining presence on the Close, praised for its unflinching depiction of working-class life.
Some of Brookside’s most memorable and groundbreaking storylines revolved around the Grants, including the couple’s marriage struggles, shifting fortunes, and family drama.
Reflecting on his return, Tomlinson 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 revival comes as Hollyoaks – also created by Sir Phil Redmond – marks its 30th anniversary with a special episode later this year, paying tribute to Brookside’s legacy.
After leaving Brookside, Tomlinson went on to star as Jim Royle in The Royle Family, alongside Johnston once again, in a sitcom that ran for four series across 14 years. His other credits include Grimsby, In The Flesh and The Witchfinder, with earlier appearances in Cracker, Playing the Field and Roughnecks.
Digitally restored episodes of Brookside are currently available on STV Player, following a collaboration between Lime Pictures and All3Media International.
