Fans of the beloved and much-missed Channel 4 soap Brookside ‘can’t wait’ for the return of television Royle-ty (see what I did there?) Sue Johnston, who’ll be reprising her role as Sheila Grant.
The classic soap previously aired on Channel 4 from 1982 until its cancellation in 2003, and, during its run, it became renowned for shining a light on gritty and controversial topics, becoming the highest rated Channel 4 programme at the peak of its popularity.
Among Channel 4 soap successor Hollyoaks’ plans to celebrate its 30th anniversary – 22 years after Brookside aired its last episode – is a special crossover episode with the classic soap.
Fans excitement over Brookside’s temporary resurrection was further compounded by the news that Sue Johnston will be stepping into her beloved character Sheila’s shoes once again.
‘It’ll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day, as it was such a big, enjoyable part of my life.’
The Grant family quickly became an audience favourite following Brookside’s launch in 1982. Ricky Tomlinson starred as Sheila’s husband, Bobby, and the two later reunited as another married couple, Barbara and Jim Royle in the beloved UK sitcom The Royle Family.
Sheila’s most famous storyline was deployed in 1986, when she was savagely attacked and raped.
The news has provoked sheer excitement and joy from Metro readers, who took to social media to enthuse about the news.
‘My favourite by a country mile’ said Joyce Marie Burgess, while Ronaldo Vendre added: ‘She was brilliant as Sheila, one of our best British actresses’.
‘Yes love her’ said Ann Yates, Teresa Morgan agreed: ‘Can’t wait for this’ Sharon Singer added: ‘Fantastic actress’.
‘Bring back Jim love him and sue’ said Barry Smallman. ‘Knew she would. Guaranteed Ricky will be with her’ added Kevin Rhys Thomas. ”Can’t wait, I hope Bobby grant comes into it’ said Dean Hansen.
‘Double bubble with Ricky back also is what we need’ added Andy Christie.
‘Think Sue and Ricky deserve some recognition after all these years. They are great together’ said Val Taylor.
‘Love Sue great actress’ said Andrea Redfern while newer fan Hannah Louise Paterson added: ‘I have been watching it from the start on 4od and she is really good i was quite young when it first started’
Excitement for the resurrection of Brookside in general is incredibly high, too.
Helen McBride said: ‘Love brookside watching old ones from beginning liked Sheila n family Barry n Terry n jimmy my favourites can’t wait for new ones’
Sharon Williams added: ‘Love it brings back my childhood watching brookie. Watching at the moment ep 655’
‘Wish it was coming back permanently. I never missed an episode back in the day’ said Clara Belle.
Denise Bickerdike commented: ‘This is wonderful l never missed an episode’.
Yvonne Scott said: ‘Brilliant! Can’t wait! Look forward to seeing all the great characters again xx’
Carole Cheyne added: ‘Love a bit of Brookie’
The announcement of Sue’s return has opened up a discussion on other characters fans hope to see.
Brookie Brookie said: ‘Amazing can’t wait , hope everyone comes back especially the earlier characters like all the grants and the corkhills and Barry etc. Be amazing xxx’
‘Great news love brookside grant family also the corkhill s and the Collins family’ said Sue Dickenson)
‘Wonder if Clare Sweeney is going to go back’ Andy Tew pondered. ‘Hope Heather makes an appearance!’ Kevin Griffiths said.
There is some sadness among fans of the show, however. ‘It is always bittersweet 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 Phillip Redmond, who created the show, and Metro readers certainly agreed.
‘Shame Dean has passed’ said Jo Pryce. ‘Won’t be the same without the legend that is/was Jimmy Corkhill played by the late Dean Sullivan,’ Rob Burdis added.
It’s evident that the appetite for a visit to Brookside Close is there and fans are chomping at the bit for a return to the iconic soap!
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