Liverpool born actors, Philip Olivier and Suzanne Collins are the latest to confirm they will reprise their roles in the Brookside soap revival, happening this autumn for Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary.
Olivier’s Tim ‘Tinhead’ O’Leary first came to screens in 1996 when the character became a troubled character in the local high school, Brookside Comprehensive. Son of Carmel and Tommy O’Leary and brother to Ben and Melanie, the O’Leary family were a prominent feature in the soap.
The character developed a complex bond with Sinbad (played by Michael Starke) who became a positive influence. After causing a near-fatal accident that almost killed his sister Melanie, Tinhead began to turn his life around.
Tinhead later found love with Emily Shadwick, Nikki’s sister, and the pair married in 2001. Fiercely protective of her, Tinhead’s world unravelled when Emily drew him back into crime, leading to her tragic death during a 2002 robbery.
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Collins’ Nikki Shadwick lived in Brookside from 1998 until the final episode in 2003. Her father figure was Jimmy Corkhill, played by the late Dean Sullivan, with whom she shared one of the last ever Brookside scenes.
Talking about her Brookside return, Collins said: “I’m so honoured and privileged to be part of this special episode and to play Nikki again. It was life changing getting cast in this role all those years ago, and I’m eternally grateful.“I’ve been lucky to work for nearly 30 years, all over the world with wonderful people, but nothing comes close to my Brookside family, many I still see and work with and who have become like real family. I feel like I’m going home. It will be emotional without our darling Dean, but I think he will be looking down, beaming with pride and smiling down on us.
“I think it’s wonderful what Hollyoaks are doing, such a fitting tribute, and a heartfelt thank you to Phil Redmond, our boss, whose genius vision changed all our lives and to whom we are all eternally grateful.”
Olivier added: “It was a delight and surprise to be asked to join this special episode for Hollyoaks’ anniversary. When I was first cast in Brookside aged fifteen, I would never have thought that 30 years on, people would still be calling me Tinhead. I remember my time on Brookside with great affection and will relish returning to the close.”
Olivier has also played Jason in two series of ITV1’s Benidorm, while other television credits include Ben in Pleasure Land (C4), Iggy in Spine Chillers and Steve Morrison in Holby City (both BBC). He has voiced the role of ‘Hex’ in Big Finishes’ DOCTOR WHO Audio for the last 12 years and he has just been voted “overall best companion.” He also recently expanded his North West tourist bus service operation.
Suzanne Collins is an award winning actress with almost 30 years experience in television, film, theatre and radio. She has starred in many TV programmes and taken lead roles in feature films that have been screened at international festivals including Cannes and broadcast worldwide on platforms such as Amazon and Netflix. On stage, Suzanne has performed in theatres across the country in a wide range of styles from comedy to psychological thrillers, the latter earning her a Best Actress award. Twenty years ago she became a resident at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre with the smash hit Brick Up the Mersey Tunnels and has also worked alongside Willy Russell on Stags and Hens and Educating Rita.
Other big names to confirm their return for the anniversary show include John McArdle and Paul Usher (Billy Corkhill and Barry Grant), and Royle Family star and Brookie legend Sue Johnston.
