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
![Sunetra Sarker's first acting success came when she played Nisha Batra in Brookside. She has since appeared in a host of shows, including Ackley Bridge, Doctor Who and Casualty. Sarker won the Best TV Character award (Asian Media Awards) for her role in Ackley Bridge in 2019.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/09/10/12/newFile-1.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
13. Sunetra Sarker
Sunetra Sarker's first acting success came when she played Nisha Batra in Brookside. She has since appeared in a host of shows, including Ackley Bridge, Doctor Who and Casualty. Sarker won the Best TV Character award (Asian Media Awards) for her role in Ackley Bridge in 2019. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesPhoto: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
![At the age of 19, Suzanne landed the role of Nikki Shadwick in Brookside, spending 15 years as part of the cast. She has had various television and film roles since, including starring in Leon Lopez’s Soft Lad and 5Star’s Clink, alongside Tina Malone.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/01/25/14/newFile-4.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=471)
14. Suzanne Collins
At the age of 19, Suzanne landed the role of Nikki Shadwick in Brookside, spending 15 years as part of the cast. She has had various television and film roles since, including starring in Leon Lopez’s Soft Lad and 5Star’s Clink, alongside Tina Malone. | Steve Finn/GettyPhoto: Steve Finn/Getty
![Jack McMullen is best known for his role in Waterloo Road but made his television debut as Josh McLoughlin/Dixon in Brookside from 2002 to 2003. Aged just 12-years-old, He won two British Soap Awards for his performance. He has since featured in Grange Hill, Little Boy Blue and - most recently - hit series such as Time and Hijack.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/19/14/02/Jack%20McMullen.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
15. Jack McMullen
Jack McMullen is best known for his role in Waterloo Road but made his television debut as Josh McLoughlin/Dixon in Brookside from 2002 to 2003. Aged just 12-years-old, He won two British Soap Awards for his performance. He has since featured in Grange Hill, Little Boy Blue and - most recently - hit series such as Time and Hijack. | Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images
![You probably know her as Sharon Watts from Eastenders but Letitia Dean actually featured in Brookside. In 1983 - before she became a household name - Dean played Dawn in one episode.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/19/15/59/Letitia%20Dean.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
16. Letitia Dean
You probably know her as Sharon Watts from Eastenders but Letitia Dean actually featured in Brookside. In 1983 - before she became a household name - Dean played Dawn in one episode. | Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images