Last night’s dramatic Hollyoaks exit for Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) has hinted further at a long-term return for recently revived C4 soap Brookside, with the troubled character heading off for a “bowl of Sheila’s scouse” with Brookies’ Billy Corkhill, and actress Simons warning “Brookside Close better watch out” following her dramatic exit.
Brookside, which ran from 1982-2003 on Channel 4, was revived earlier this month for a one-off crossover special celebrating fellow Lime Pictures (formerly Mersey TV) North West soap Hollyoaks’ 30th birthday, and fans and stars alike have been demanding a more permanent return ever since. After last night’s drama, that could be a step closer to reality.
In last night’s E4 episode, a spiralling Marie cane clean to son Arlo about faking her pregnancy, but in a distressing turn of events, lied to Arlo that Cleo had agreed to give them her newborn baby (like you do). Outside the hospital, believing it’s all above board, a waiting Arlo told Diane that they’re here to pick up Cleo’s baby. Meanwhile, sneaking in under the pseudonym of Sienna Blake, Marie found herself in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
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We won’t get too deep into spoiler territory as it’s all available to stream on Channel 4, but the episode concluded with Brookside resident Billy Corkhill (John McArdle) waiting to give Marie and Arloa lift to their new home on… Brookside Close, where the aforementioned scouse delicacy awaited them, with Billy assuring Marie that they’ll “fit right in” on the Close.
Speaking after the night’s drama, Simon’s said: “I’ve loved every second of playing Marie. From her questionable parenting choices to her excessive partying. Spending these last two years in Liverpool with the wonderful cast and crew of Hollyoaks has been full of love and support but sadly it’s time to move on. I will miss everyone in the village, especially my boys, Rory [Douglas Speed], Tyler [Conti] and Dan [Hough].”
“Also, I want to thank Hannah Cheers for giving me the most iconic exit …Brookside Close better watch out. You never know in the world of soap…”
