Brookside returns in Hollyoaks anniversary reunion

Channel 4 confirms a Brookside comeback will join Hollyoaks for a special anniversary reunion.

Brookside returns in Hollyoaks anniversary reunion

Brookside, a long time staple of Channel 4, will reappear in a special Hollyoaks anniversary reunion. The episode will bring back heritage Brookside characters, though which figures return has not yet been announced. Executive producer Hannah Cheers calls the project a love letter to both shows, noting that Hollyoaks grew from Brookside’s roots on the same site and with shared sets. Writer Steve Hughes, who began on Brookside, has helped reimagine the characters more than 20 years later.

Filming is set to begin in September, with permission from the owner of the West Derby close and the Liverpool Film Office. The unadopted road in West Derby is now home to residents who will share lunch with the cast and crew as filming starts. Viewers can watch Brookside episodes on STV Player and Hollyoaks on Channel4.com in catch-up.

The plan shows how soap memories can power new stories. By tapping Brookside's legacy, Hollyoaks can reach older fans while inviting younger viewers to explore a shared history.

Nostalgia carries risk. Fans want genuine connections across eras, not a hollow cameo. The project also hinges on community goodwill and sound budgeting, not just excitement from eager viewers.

Highlights

The reunion writes a new chapter while honoring a shared on screen past.