TWO more names have been confirmed for the highly anticipated crossover episode with Brookside and Hollyoaks – as fan excitement continues to build.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the iconic soap, which saw some of it’s stars reunite earlier this year, was being revived for a special episode to commemorate Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary.
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Now it’s been announced that John McArdle and Paul Usher will be reprising their roles as Billy Corkhill and Barry Grant respectively.
Speaking of his return, John, who has also starred on Emmerdale, expressed: “It’s going to be a nostalgic visit back to the famous close. Also I’ve got to try and find the character of Billy Corkhill again as I haven’t played him for 35 years!”
The actor played Billy for five years on the soap before exiting the series in 1990.
Meanwhile, Paul, who has also starred on EastEnders, was part of the original cast from the very first episode in 1982, playing the character of Barry for 13 years.
He later returned for a brief stint in 1997 and again in 1998 before coming back for the show’s final episode in 2003.
Paul admitted he was “looking forward to seeing all of the old faces,” but it remains to be seen which other characters will be coming back for the one-off special.
This announcement comes after it was previously revealed that actress Sue Johnston would be reprising her role as matriarch Sheila Grant, the wife of John’s character Billy.
Sue last played Shelia in 1990 – as the character left after marrying Billy and moving to Basingstoke with him.
Speaking about her return, she expressed: “It’ll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such big, enjoyable part of my life.”
The historic crossover episode is set to be filmed on Brookside Close in September.
Executive Producer Hannah Cheers expressed her enthusiasm: “This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside.”
She elaborated: “Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks – it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets.”
After Brookside ended in 2003, Hollyoaks was filmed on the soap’s former set, where it remains as a filming location to this day.
Hannah continued: “Hollyoaks has continued in the spirit of Brookside, addressing trailblazing social themes but through a more youthful and dynamic narrative approach.
“For everyone at Lime Pictures (originally Mersey TV), Hollyoaks’ history is deeply rooted in Brookside, and its legacy lives on through our crew and, of course, some of our cast.
“This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside characters in honour of that legacy.
“These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV soap archetypes that new generations are still discovering now through Hollyoaks.
“As a lifelong soap fan who grew up watching with my mum, I was passionate about revisiting Brookside for the anniversary. With Sir Phil’s blessing – after I had the privilege of pitching the idea to him – and the support of Channel 4, we’re able to make it happen.”
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