Brookside
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Brookside, commonly referred to as "Brookie", was a soap opera based in Liverpool, introduced with the new British television network, Channel 4. Produced by Mersey Television, it aired from the channel's first night on November 2, 1982. Although the series had a long and successful run, by the 2000s its viewing figures were in decline and low ratings eventually called for its cancellation. The final episode was broadcast on November 4 2003 and watched by around 3.5 million viewers.
It became well known for its tackling of realistic and socially challenging storylines. In the 1990s it began raising more controversial and sensitive issues under the guidance of new producers such as Mal Young. It is especially well-known for broadcasting the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television in 1994.
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Background
Brookside, based in a cul-de-sac in Liverpool, first appeared on November 1982 with the launch of the fourth British terrestrial channel, Channel 4. It differed from other soap operas because it was filmed in real houses in a real street, in an attempt by the producers to add to the show's realism. In the mid 1980s it attracted its highest viewing figure of 8 million people with a plot involving a deranged killer. Conceived by Phil Redmond, who also devised Grange Hill, the soap was set to become Britain's gritty soap, with other compelling and challenging story lines.
In the 1990s however, the plots of Brookside became increasingly sensationalised, with murder, incest, evil cults and mystery diseases running amok in the cul-de-sac. One infamous plot was the storyline of wife beater and child abuser Trevor Jordache. In 1993, his wife and daughter killed him and had him buried underneath their patio, where his body remained for almost two years. Another was the love story of Nat and Georgia Simpson. Nat and Georgia knew full well that they were brother and sister, but this did not stop them from having an affair. As a result, Brookside lost its original sense of realism and this alienated many viewers, who soon started to tune out of the show.
In June 2003 Channel 4 announced the demise of the soap due to falling ratings and the final episode was screened on November 4, 2003.
The most famous character in Brookside was probably Jimmy Corkhill, played by Dean Sullivan, who joined the cast in 1986. He was involved in a string of criminal activities including drug taking, robbery and car crime. In October 1993, his drug-influenced driving resulted in a car crash which resulted in Frank Rodgers dying later the same day in hospital and Frank's young passenger Tony Dixon spending four months in a coma before he too died. Jimmy later admitted causing the accident to his wife Jackie, but no criminal action was taken.
In the final episode, Jimmy Corkhill was the last resident of Brookside Close to leave their house. As a last act of defiance he broke into the houses and left all the taps running and then painted Game Over on the boarded-up windows of two houses and an extra D on Brookside Close, to spell Brookside Closed at the end of the episode. He then went to live with his daughter Lindsey, who had married Barry Grant.
Soap bubbles
Two 'soap bubbles' were produced in the late 80s. Damon and Debbie (1987) followed the two characters absconding to York, while 1988's South saw Tracy and Jamie seeking a better life in London. The latter was part of an ITV For Schools English programme.
What next?
As of 2006 Brookside remains out of production. When it was announced the show would be finishing there was talk of keeping the project going via DVD releases. The first DVD featuring the climax to a long running storyline involving Tim "Tin'ead" O'Leary and his mate Steve Murray called Unfinished Business was released in 2003, and there was talk of another DVD involving a storyline with Barry Grant tracking down his brother Damon's killers. The status of this DVD is not currently known, but it's rumoured that it won't be released even though trailers for this story entitled Settlin' Up appear on the Unfinished Business DVD.
With the sale of Mersey Television it is rumoured that Phil Redmond has now moved onto pastures new. If this is the case then it is unlikely we will see any further Brookside projects.
Originally it was hoped that the DVD idea would take off with each DVD following the lives of those who had left the 'Close'. Many thought this idea couldn't work due to the limited storyline possibilities, many critics claimed that this would be a pointless project and Phil Redmond was just clinging on to Brookside.
The houses used as locations for the show are still in existence and used to be seen in Hollyoaks, another Channel 4 soap opera until they were sold off in 2005. The public bar in Brookside which resided on Brookside parade is now used as the Student Union bar in Hollyoaks and Brookside parade itself can now be seen in Grange Hill.
Who lived where
5 Brookside Close
The Grants 1982- 1989
The Rogers 1989 - 1993
Simon Howe ( The Cult ) 1993 - 1994
Barry Grant 1994 - 1995
The Johnsons 1995 - 2001
The Gordons 2002 - 2003
6 Brookside Close
Alan Partridge 1982 - 1984
Harry & Edna Cross and Ralph Hardwick 1984 - 1990
The Johnsons 1990 - 1993
Dave & Jean Crosbie 1993 - 1995
Jacqui, Katie, and Rachel 1995 - 1997
David Crosby 1995 - 1998
The Shadwicks 1998 - 2003
7 Brookside Close
Harry & Edna Cross 1983 - 1984
Sandra Maghie, Pat Hancock & Kate Moses 1984 - 1987
The Rogers 1987 - 1989
The Chois 1989 - 1990
The Farnhams 1990 - 2002
The Dixons 2002 - 2003
8 Brookside Close
The Collins 1982 - 1990
The Dixons 1990 - 1997
The O’Learys and Sinbad 1997 - 1998
The Musgroves 1998 - 2000
Mike and Rachel, Ron and Anthea Dixon 2000 - 2002
Max & Jacqui Farnham 2002 - 2003
9 Brookside Close
Heather & Roger Huntington 1982 - 1983
Heather Haversham ( Maiden name ) 1983 -86
Heather & Nicholas Black 1986 -1987
Jonathon & Laura Gordon-Davies then Jonathon with Terry Sullivan as lodger 1987 - 1990
Terry & Sue Sullivan 1990 - 1991
The Harrisons 1991 - 1993
The Banks 1994 - 1996
The Simpsons 1994 - 1998
Lindsey Corkhill owner 1999 - 2000
Nathan, Darren, Victoria, Jacqui 1999 - 2000
The Murrays 2000 - 2003
10 Brookside Close
Gavin & Petra Taylor 1982 - 1983
The Jacksons 1984 - 1985
The Billy Corkhill family 1985 - 1993
The Jordaches 1993 - 1995
The Jimmy Corkhill family 1995 - 2003