The ground-breaking soap Brookside shocked the UK for 21 years. Here are the country’s most recognizable stars, from tragic deaths to dramatic reinventions.
The gritty soap created explosive drama in suburban cul-de-sacs, shocked the nation, and broken taboos.
Brookside was a typical soap that followed the everyday lives of its characters, from dramatic break-ups to shocking crimes that tackled real issues in the UK. First airing on Channel 4 on November 2 1982, the Liverpool-based soap ran for 21 dramatic years before its final episode aired on November 4, 2003.
From the UK’s first lesbian kiss on pre-watershed TV to tackling domestic abuse, incest, and even a body buried under the patio, Brookside, which was created by Phil Redmond, never looked back. What transpired after the show ended, however, regarding Brookside’s cast?
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What happened to some of the show’s biggest stars, from tragic losses to completely unanticipated career paths.
Dean Sullivan (Jimmy Corkhill)
One of Brookside’s longest-running characters on screen, Jimmy was a troubled drug addict who later became a teacher. He appeared in significant storylines and was a member of the series since 1986.
Unfortunately, Dean battled prostate cancer, which he bravely shared just months before he passed away, and he passed away in 2023 at the age of 68. The actor had been receiving medical attention for a while in 2018.
Following his passing, fans and co-stars paid tribute.
Sue Jenkins (Jackie Corkhill)
Through many of the show’s most compelling plots, Jackie Corkhill, Jimmy Corkhill’s long-suffering wife, navigating his emotional spirals and schemes.
Actress Sue Jenkins has continued acting since the show ended, with roles in Coronation Street, Holby City, and Doctors. She also appeared in theatre productions and is now a vocal supporter of arts education.
Sue, who has three children, Richard, Emily, and Rosie, is married to David Fleeshman at the age of 66.
Anna Friel (Beth Jordache)
Beth Jordache’s storyline, which made international attention, became a cultural icon when she appeared in the first lesbian kiss on British television before it became a national holiday. Margaret Clemence was also portrayed by Nicola Stephenson in the episode, which first aired in January 1994.
Anna has since established a huge acting resume on both sides of the Atlantic, playing roles in programs like Marcella, Marcella, and The Girlfriend Experience. She has also gained recognition as an award-winning actress and regular on the red carpet.
Anna, 48, has one child and has two previous marriages.
Claire Sweeney (Lindsey Corkhill)
Lindsey was a member of the troubled Corkhill clan, where she engaged in scheming, illicit business, and emotional upheaval. Lindsay was a recurring character at the beginning of the series, and in 1995 she was elevated to the cast’s standard.
Actress Claire became a household name post-Brookside, moving into musical theatre, releasing an album, and becoming a Loose Women panellist. She recently returned to soapland with a role in Coronation Street.
This week, Claire surprised fans of Brookside as she revisited the homes where the show was once filmed in West Derby. The 53-year-old took to Instagram with number of pictures and videos from the spontaneous trip down memory lane.
Claire mentioned visiting the area last year in the Instagram video, but she also pointed out a “beautiful little surprise” under the Brookside sign in honor of Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy in the movie.
Michael Starke (Sinbad Sweeney)
Sinbad Sweeney had a heart of gold when it came to window cleaning. He became a household name when he joined the cast in 1984.
Michael Starke, an actor, later appeared in Coronation Street and The Royal, as well as in Benidorm. He has also become a fervent supporter of Liverpool’s arts scene and a regular performer on the pantomime circuit.
Now aged 67, his most recent appearance was in Hollyoaks as a taxi driver between 2021 and 2023.
(Emily Shadwick) Jennifer Ellison
One of Brookside’s most shocking exits was Emily’s tragic window fall, which ended in heartache for her character.
Actress Jennifer turned to pop music, reality TV (Dancing on Ice, Hell’s Kitchen), and theatre, before opening her own dance academy in Liverpool. She also starred in the West End and lives a quieter life focused on family.
She and Rob Tickle have three kids together.
(Mick Johnson) Louis Emerick
Mick Johnson, a direct-talking single father and strong moral compass, operated a minimart and left. The character’s first appearance was made in 1989, and he made his final appearance on August 22, 2001.
Actor Louis Emerick, 64, has continued to play in TV shows and soaps like Coronation Street and Doctors, and has taken part in UK theatre productions.
The others are where?
Several cast members left the industry altogether – some moved abroad, others stepped away from the limelight. A few, like Ray Quinn (who briefly appeared in the later years), reinvented themselves entirely. Ray went on to become a singer and X Factor finalist, with a stage career.
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Source: Mirror
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