Ricky Tomlinson to return to Brookside with iconic character Bobby Grant

Ricky Tomlinson will be reprising the iconic heritage character, Bobby Grant in the upcoming Brookside special episode of Hollyoaks. 

The Grant family launched Brookside, when it began on the first night of Channel 4 in  1982, and audiences quickly warmed to the married couple Shelia and Bobby as they settled into their first owned home with their three children. 

The realistic portrayal of Liverpudlian trade unionist Bobby by Ricky Tomlinson in Channel 4’s flagship drama was trailblazing for its stark representation of working-class men during that time. 

Hollyoaks celebrates its 30th anniversary in October and will mark the milestone with a special episode that also honours its predecessor Brookside and their creator Sir Phil Redmond. 

Ricky’s most notable and groundbreaking storylines revolve around his family, his  connection to his wife Shelia and the breakdown of their marriage, and his ongoing fluctuations in his career, wealth, and his reputation.

Talking about his return, Ricky said:

“It will be lovely to take part in Brookside again  especially to work alongside Sue Johnston. I’m looking forward to being on the Close  again after all these years” 

Following his years on Brookside, Liverpool-born actor Ricky was cast as Jim Royle in  1998, a starring role in the award-winning British sit-com, the Royle Family, alongside  onscreen wife, Barbara Royle, played by his Brookside co-star, Sue Johnston.

The sitcom aired for 4 seasons over 14 years, and following this Ricky Tomlinson went on to star in Grimsby, In The Flesh, and the Witchfinder. 

Before and during his Brookside days, Ricky had starring roles on popular TV series Cracker, Playing the Field, Roughnecks, to name a few. 

Brookside episodes are available from the start on STV player, after they were digitally restored in a joint project between Lime Pictures and All3Media International.

Find out more about Brookside here. 

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