Once THE soap that everyone was talking about, Brookside is one of the most iconic productions to come out of Liverpool, with never-seen-before-storylines and huge viewing figures in the 1980s and 1990s.
The brain child of Grange Hill and Hollyoaks creator Sir Philip Redmond, the drama series followed the lives of families in a suburban neighbourhood in Liverpool and definitely wasn’t lacking shocking twists and dramatic exits. Though Brookside ended in 2003, after 21 years on Channel 4, it paved the way for soap operas to cover controversial topics.
Featuring local actors, the soap kickstarted the careers of many now well-known faces whose success still continues today. While some of show’s the well-loved actors are sadly no longer with us, others continue to feature on our TV screens and one was recently handed Liverpool’s highest award - the freedom of the city
From successful X-Factor contestants to Golden Globe nominees and Emmy Award winners, below are fifteen famous faces who starred in Brookside back in the day. Some are famed for their roles in the hit soap area, while others may surprise you. How many did you know?
Featuring local actors, the soap kickstarted the careers of many now well-known faces whose success still continues today. While some of show’s the well-loved actors are sadly no longer with us, others continue to feature on our TV screens and one was recently handed Liverpool’s highest award - the freedom of the city
9. Sue Johnston
Best known for her role as Sheila Grant in Brookside and Barbara Royle in The Royle Family, Sue Johnston was awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool this week. She received an OBE in 2009.Photo: Getty
10. Tina Malone
Well-known for her role as Mimi Maguire in Shameless, Tina Malone played Mo McGee from 1993 to 1998. In 2019, she featured in prison drama, Clink. | Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesPhoto: Liverpool FC via Getty Images
11. Jennifer Ellison
Former glamour model Jennifer Ellison played Emily Shadwick in Brookside and went on to feature on Loose Women and release her own music. She has starred in movies such as The Phantom of the Opera, The Cottage and Hotel Babylon. | Getty Images/Jo HalePhoto: Getty Images/Jo Hale
12. Alexandra Fletcher
One of Hollyoaks' most well-known actors, Alexandra Fletcher started her acting career in Brookside when she was just 14. She played the role of Jacqui Dixon from 1990 right up until the end of the show in 2003 and has starred in Hollyoaks as Diane Hutchinson for 14 years. | Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images