Former Brookside star Ray Quinn has said the groundbreaking Channel 4 soap opera shouldn’t return.
The actor and singer, 36, who became a household name when he was runner-up in the third series of ITV talent show The X Factor was a child star on the serial drama during its latter years.
Between 2000 and the last ever episode in 2003, Ray was better known as Brookie’s Anthony Murray, the son of Marty (Neil Caple), who moved into the fictional cul de sac when Lindsey Corkhill (Claire Sweeney) sold up.
Storylines included being bullied by school mate Imelda Clough (Bellie Clements) – and later attacking her with an iron bar.
The situation escalated when Anthony chased Imelda into some woodland and then accidentally drowned her when she hit her head on a rock.
After being held hostage by a gunman, he confessed everything.
‘Brookside set me up for so much, so I can never look back with anything but amazing memories,’ Ray told Smooth Pins.
‘I loved the show, and it was so iconic and a huge piece of history for Liverpool.’
Despite that, he doesn’t think the show’s magic could be recaptured. Fans have long hoped for a revival, and were thrilled when Scottish streamer STV Player picked up the series in its entirety in 2023.
The platform also hosts soap operas Take The High Road and Shortland Street, as well as recently adding children’s drama Byker Grove.
‘I worry whether it would be as good, or whether it could dilute the legacy,’ Ray continued.
‘Maybe it’s best to just enjoy it for what it was.’
This is a sentiment shared by co-star Claire Sweeney, who told Metro last year: ‘I don’t know if it was a moment in time.’
‘‘I’m proud to be part of it, and proud now to be part of Corrie.’
Ray continued acting following Brookside’s axing, appearing in BBC police drama Merseybeat and more recently as terrorist Jonny Baxter in Hollyoaks.
He lost out on winning The X Factor to Leona Lewis, but continued to release music, appear on Dancing On Ice and form a career in musical theatre in the years that followed.
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During his time on the now defunct singing competition, he formed a close bond with judge Sharon Osbourne – and has reflected on the recent death of her husband Ozzy, who’s funeral will take place in Birmingham today.
‘Sharon was a big part of my life, even after the show,’ he said.
‘When I flew out to LA to record my album, she reached out and invited me to her house for dinner. I went to their Beverly Hills home that was featured on their reality show The Osbournes, so that was pretty surreal.
‘Ozzy was there too, and he was such an amazing guy. My heart goes out to the whole family after his passing. I remember we sat down and had lamb to eat and lots of cups of tea.’
Ray continued: ‘The whole family was amazing, and Ozzy was so kind. He asked me about my music and told me to keep going and enjoy every minute.
‘It was like sitting with one of my mates’ dads. He showed me all of his paintings that he liked to do too. He had a little art studio by the pool, and there were loads on the walls. He was a great artist and a wonderful man.’
