Could Brookside revival become permanent?

Could Brookside make a permanent return to the small screen following its “one-off” revival episode?

“Never say never,” said executive producer Hannah Cheers, who was instrumental in resurrecting the pioneering and hard-hitting Channel 4 drama after nearly 22 years.

Brookside tackled some of the biggest social issues of its time during a 21-year run which started in 1982.

“We can dream, and even six months ago this wasn’t even in the offing and we had no real idea of what the actual appetite would be,” she said.

“But there’s an appetite, and where there’s an appetite…”

TV royalty Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson were among the cast members who returned to the famous Liverpool cul-de-sac for a special crossover episode to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hollyoaks, also produced by Lime Pictures.

The pair were joined on set by Brookside favourites including Paul Usher, John McArdle, Louis Emerick, Philip Olivier, Suzanne Collins and Michael Starke.

Conceived by Sir Philip Redmond, who had already created school drama Grange Hill and went on to produce Hollyoaks, Brookside drew in nine million viewers at its peak.

Its final episode was broadcast on 4 November 2003.

Hannah Cheers said it felt like a dream to see so many of the show’s famous characters return to Brookside Close.

Speaking about that rainy day of filming, she said: “I hadn’t slept as there was just so much adrenaline, so much excitement everywhere.

“It really does feel like a moment in history.”

For Sir Phil, who made a cameo appearance, it felt like “going through a time warp”.

“I got out the shower this morning thinking ‘I’ve got to go to Brookside today’. What’s that about?

“But it’s been great, and I always said when we stop doing things don’t go back because you can never relive the past.

“But this is special because it’s actually about Hollyoaks.”

When also asked if Brookie would be making a permanent return, Sir Phil neither confirmed nor denied…

You can watch the special Brookside/Hollyoaks episode on Channel 4 on Demand.