Brookside is one of the most legendary productions to come out of Liverpool, with never-seen-before-storylines and huge viewing figures in the 1980s and 1990s.
The idea of Grange Hill and Hollyoaks creator Sir Philip Redmond, the series followed the lives of families in a suburban neighbourhood in Liverpool and definitely wasn’t lacking shocking twists and dramatic exits. Though Brookside ended in 2003 - after 21 years on Channel 4 - it paved the way for soap operas to cover controversial topics.
- Get the biggest stories from Merseyside in your inbox with Liverpool World’s free newsletter emails.
Featuring local actors, the soap kickstarted the careers of many now well-known faces whose success still continues today. While some of show’s the well-loved actors are sadly no longer with us, others continue to feature on our TV screens.
In honour of International Soap Week, we have taken a look back at the stars of Brookside, who truly helped the series shine.
Below are 17 famous faces who starred in Brookside back in the day. Some are famed for their roles in the hit soap area, while others may surprise you. How many did you know?
5. Claire Sweeney
Claire Sweeney's first major role was as Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside. Since then, she has featured in the first ever series of Celebrity Big Brother, starred in stage productions, such as Guys and Dolls, and featured on Loose Women and Strictly Come Dancing. Last year, it was announced that she would be joining the cast of Coronation Street, and she recently appeared on Dancing on Ice. | Tristan Fewings/Getty Images Photo: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
6. Michael Starke
Michael Starke played ‘Sinbad’ for sixteen years, but he actually featured as an extra on Brookside before bagging his starring role. Since then he has starred in The 51st State, Doctors, Corrie and acted in many theatre productions. Here he is pictured meeting the late Queen in 1999. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: AFP via Getty Images
7. Ricky Tomlinson
Ricky Tomlinson is an actor and trade unionist best known for his television roles in The Royle Family and Brookside. He was given the Freedom of Liverpool in 2014 and continues to fight for workers' rights. He portrayed Bobby Grant in Brookside from 1982 to 1988. | Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for The National Lottery Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for The National Lottery
8. Simon O'Brien
Avid cyclist Simon O'Brien is the Liverpool City Region cycling and walking commissioner but once starred in Brookside. He played Damon Grant from 1982 to 1987 and was a hit with the ladies. | Emma Dukes Photo: Emma Dukes