Actress Suzanne Collins reveals why Brookside reunion felt like coming home

Brookside star Suzanne Collins was back on set earlier this month to film a special Hollyoaks crossover – and she says walking onto the famous Liverpool close felt like a homecoming.

Suzanne, 47, who played Nikki Shadwick in the iconic Mersey drama, admits: “It was emotional, honestly.

“I was honoured and so made up to be asked to return to Brookside, a huge part of my life, that it really felt like coming home.

“It was surreal to be back where it all began for me at 19.

“Brookside changed my life! I was a young girl living in Connaught Way in Birkenhead, studying drama, with big dreams; and Phil Redmond, our boss, made those dreams come true. I’m eternally grateful.

“I was blessed with incredible hard-hitting storylines such as the drug-rape storyline and I met loads of people, many who I still see today.”

She adds:

“It was wonderful to be reunited with some of the cast like Sue Johnston, Ricky Tomlinson, Louis Emerick, Mickey Starke, John McCardle, Paul Usher and Phil Olivier, and all the wonderful people behind the scenes.

“We are all older now, but the love was still there.

“They’re like family and have been with me through everything.”

Suzanne did miss one person while filming:

“My darling best friend, the late Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill.

“He was such an iconic character, and Dean brought so much to the show. He’s truly missed.”

The Brookside /Hollyoaks crossover special to mark Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary is set to air in October, and she says: “Fans can expect something that’s never been done before, one soap crossing over to another.

“There will be drama,” Suzanne reveals, “and there will be lots of old familiar faces and characters, alongside the gorgeous Hollyoaks cast.

“You will have to watch and see, I’m sworn to secrecy… but I think the episode is wonderful.”

Life has changed for Suzanne since Brookside – not least that she’s now mum to 21-year-old ‘beautiful’ daughter Mya who she found out she was pregnant with while filming her very last scenes with Dean Sullivan (‘I fainted on set and that’s how I found out’).

But she says, for nearly 30 years she has been lucky to work all over the world with wonderful people.

“I’m not on the telly every week anymore, but earlier this year I was in Coronation Street and, as well as appearing in films that have been broadcast on Netflix and Amazon, I’ve done loads of theatre work, performing a lot in The Royal Court (Brick Up the Mersey Tunnels, and Willy Russell’s Stags and Hens and Educating Rita).

“I’ve loved working with Mya on projects too, short films, feature films and commercials.”

And there’s another new role that Suzanne, who’s now happily married to footie coach and ex-Premier League player Stephen Clemence – ‘I’ve also inherited two wonderful children, Jack and Sadie’ – has been delighted to take on, and that’s as judge for Claire House does Strictly 2025 tomorrow evening at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel.

“I was so honoured to be asked to be part of this.

“The work that goes on at Claire House, supporting seriously ill babies, children and young adults, and their families is incredible. It’s a privilege to play a small part in helping such a wonderful cause.

“And in the words of Craig Revel Horwood, Strictly is going to be FAAAAABBUULLLOUUS!”

Suzanne smiles:

“I’ve got lots of lovely memories of supporting Claire House.

“One Christmas, I was there dressed as Mrs Christmas and it was snowing. It was magical to see the children’s happy faces and see their families and the staff.

“Claire House doesn’t feel clinical. It’s so warm and positive, despite the reasons these children are there, and what makes it special is the love you feel going there. It’s a special place.

“Of course, it resonates more being born in Liverpool and growing up in Birkenhead, and being a mum myself it resonates even more.

“I wanted to be involved in Strictly because I appreciate the wonderful work that’s done at Claire House and know how important it is to raise awareness.

“And who doesn’t love Strictly with the glamour, the glitz and the dancing?!”

Claire House Children’s Hospice has a full, 24/7 hospice in Wirral and a site offering day care, complementary therapies, clinics, play and music sessions, and counselling, in West Derby, Liverpool (close to Alder Hey, and Brookside Close).