The show’s creator says they “should’ve never stopped it”
Sir Phil Redmond returned to Brookside Close for one day only(Image: Lime Pictures)
Sir Phil Redmond has said axing Brookside was a “ridiculous decision”. The iconic Liverpool-set soap came to an end 22 years ago, but Channel 4 announced earlier this year they would be bringing it back for an exciting crossover episode with Hollyoaks to celebrate the latter’s 30th birthday.
Brookside, which was Channel 4’s first soap, ran from 1982 to 2003. Filmed and set on Brookside Close in West Derby, the show was pioneering and tackled important social issues in the community in which it was based.
For millions of people, life on Brookside Close was as much a part of their daily routine as what was happening outside their own front door. The show was axed in 2003, but in over two decades, it was filled with over-the-top drama and wild storylines, breaking ground across the British TV landscape.
Fans of the show were thrilled to hear Channel 4 were allowing viewers back into the close after over two decades. Filming took place in one day and the jam-packed episode will air tonight, as it is set to honour Sir Phil Redmond, who created both shows.
Stars headed to the red carpet at St George’s Hall on Monday night to celebrate the premiere of the episode. The Brookside cast arrived in style at the star-studded event. The ECHO spoke to some iconic stars on the red carpet, including Louis Emerick and Suzanne Collins.
The evening kickstarted with a red carpet arrival, followed by a screening of the fabulous Hollyoaks episodes, with the Brookside crossover nestled in between.
After watching the episode, Sir Phil Redmond took to the stage for a live Q&A session, talking about everything from Hollyoaks’ early days to his favourite Brookside character.
When asked if Brookside will ever come back for good, Sir Phil said: “My personal opinion is they should’ve never stopped it.”
The 76-year-old is the mind behind both shows
He thanked his wife Alexis for helping “calm him” down all those years ago after Channel 4 bosses told him they planned to cancel Brookside. Amid his frustration at the time, he shared he was even tempted to cancel Hollyoaks too.
He continued: “When the management at Channel 4 back in the day made the ridiculous decision to cancel Brookside, I would’ve thrown all my toys out of the pram, including Hollyoaks.
“But Alexis was there to calm everyone down, and to calm me down and to calm Channel 4 down. So without Alexis none of us would be here.”
The 76-year-old is the mind behind both shows and the special one-off crossover episode will air tonight at 7pm on E4 to pay homage to his body of work, as well as the Hollyoaks milestone.
The ECHO spoke to Sir Phil on the set of Brookside last month after Liverpool Film Office and the close’s current owner granted exceptional permission for camera crews to return to the now residential area.
He said: “I said I’d never go back once we’ve moved off, but it’s been great. The 30th anniversary of Hollyoaks is a good, fun thing to do and then seeing all the cast. The old craic from the old days has been good fun.”
The Hollyoaks/Brookside crossover episode airs tonight at 7pm on E4