TWO more Brookside legends join cast for epic Hollyoaks soap crossover 22 years after axe

TWO more Brookside legends are returning for the soap’s revival as part of Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary celebrations next month.

The Channel 4 soap delighted soap fans last month when it revealed it was bringing the iconic Liverpool-set soap back for a one-off appearance.

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Actress Sue Johnston has already been announced alongside Paul Usher and Paul McArdle as Sheila Grant, Barry Grant and Billy Corkhill.

Now it has been revealed that Philip Olivier and Suzanne Collins will reprise their roles as Tinhead and Nikki in the Brookside soap crossover.

Tim ‘Tinhead’ first came to screens in 1996 when the character became a troubled character in the local high school, Brookside Comprehensive. 

Son of Carmel and Tommy O’Leary and brother to Ben and Melanie, the O’Leary family were a prominent feature in the soap. 

Philip’s character developed a complex bond with Sinbad (played by Michael Starke) who became a positive influence. 

After causing a near-fatal accident that almost killed his sister Melanie, Tinhead began to turn his life around.

Tim O’Leary later found love with Emily Shadwick, Nikki’s sister, and the pair married in 2001. 

Fiercely protective of her, Tinhead’s world unravelled when Emily drew him back into crime, leading to her tragic death during a 2002 robbery. 

Nikki Shadwick lived in Brookside from 1998 until the final episode in 2003. 

Her father figure was Jimmy Corkhill, played by the late Dean Sullivan, of whom Suzanne shared one of the final ever Brookside scenes with.

Talking about her Brookside return, Suzanne said: “I’m so honoured and privileged to be part of this special episode and to play Nikki again. 

“It was life changing getting cast in this role all those years ago, and I’m eternally grateful.

“I’ve been lucky to work for nearly 30 years, all over the world with wonderful people, but nothing comes close to my Brookside family, many I still see and work with and who have become like real family. 

“I feel like I’m going home. It will be emotional without our darling Dean, but I think he will be looking down, beaming with pride and smiling down on us.

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“I think it’s wonderful what Hollyoaks are doing, such a fitting tribute, and a heartfelt thank you to Phil Redmond, our Boss, whose genius vision changed all our lives and to whom we are all eternally grateful.”

On his return Philip said: “It was a delight and surprise to be asked to join this special episode for Hollyoaks’ anniversary.

“When I was first cast in Brookside aged fifteen, I would never have thought that 30 years on, people would still be calling me ’Tinhead’!

“I remember my time on Brookside with great affection and will relish returning to ’the close.”