John McArdle and Paul Usher to return as Billy & Barry in special Brookside episode

John McArdle and Paul Usher are the latest heritage Brookside actors to be announced for the soap-crossover happening this autumn to celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30^th Anniversary.

With Brookside Close coming back to screens for the first time since 2003, so are some of the show’s most iconic and well-loved characters.

John McArdle returns as Billy Corkhill, who became an integral character when he moved into to the Close in the 1980s with his wife Doreen and their teenage children Rod and Tracy.

Billy ‘s character was a devoted husband and family man. The show shed light on men’s mental health through Billy’s struggles after losing his job, which spiralled into a breakdown. The emotional toll of his behaviour weighed heavily on his wife and strained their marriage beyond repair, ultimately leading to their divorce and Doreen’s departure.

John’s character later found love again with matriarch Shelia ‘Grant’ played by the legendary Sue Johnston, OBE, and the pair got married in September 1990.

As part of the crossover with Hollyoaks, Billy Corkhill will also visit Hollyoaks village, in other episodes.

Billy’s brother Jimmy (played by the late Dean Sullivan) joined as his brother in 1986, appearing until it ended and becoming the soap’s longest-featured character.

Brookside ended in with Jimmy daubing a ‘d’ onto the sign, leaving it as ‘Brookside Closed’ before driving out of the cul-de-sac.

Paul Usher returns as Barry Grant. Living at No 5, the Grants originally consisted of parents, Bobby (Ricky Tomlinson) and Sheila and their children Barry, Karen and Damon. Paul’s character Barry was the oldest of their then-three children and the audience watched him grow from cheeky youngster to charismatic businessman and later gangster.

Barry has a chequered history of committing many crimes and was the show’s first ‘villain’ but had a huge fan-base. In 1991, in a bid to ruin friend Terry’s relationship, Barry slept with his girlfriend Sue, but when she threatened to expose their affair, he killed Sue and her son Danny by pushing them off the scaffolding on Brookside parade.

With Sue Johnston already announced to return to play cherished character Sheila, fans will be able to discover where the beloved couple and family are now in their lives.

Of his return John said:

“It’s going to be a nostalgic visit back to the famous close. Also I’ve got to try and find the character of Billy Corkhill again as I haven’t played him for 35 years!”

Paul added:

“I’m looking forward to seeing all of the old faces.”

Filming has begun for the anticipated crossover, which will air in October, to celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30^th anniversary and the legacy of both show’s creator, Sir Phil Redmond.

Filming will take place in September with exceptional permission granted by the owner of the close and the Liverpool Film Office – as the former set and production offices, as the unadopted road in West Derby is now home to residents.

Executive Producer Hannah Cheers said of the crossover:

“This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside.

“Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks — it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets.

“For everyone at Lime Pictures (originally Mersey TV), Hollyoaks’ history is deeply rooted in Brookside, and its legacy lives on through our crew and, of course, some of our cast.

“This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside characters in honour of that legacy.

“These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV; soap archetypes that new generations are still discovering now through Hollyoaks.

“As a lifelong soap fan who grew up watching with my mum, I was passionate about revisiting Brookside for the anniversary. With Sir Phil’s blessing — after I had the privilege of pitching the idea to him — and the support of Channel 4, we’re able to make it happen.

“Writer Steve Hughes, who began his career on Brookside, has reimagined where these characters are more than twenty years on. We hope audiences will enjoy welcoming these old friends back into their homes once again.”

Sir Phil said:

“It is always bitter sweet thinking back to Brookie, the reminders of its success and impact, but the thoughts of many, like Dean Sullivan and Bill Dean, who are no longer with us.

“But it is great that Lime Pictures are paying homage in their Hollyoaks anniversary cross over episodes.

“I can’t wait to see how all the gardens are coping in the heatwave and, who knows, what might pop up if someone decides to re-lay their patio. I know we left something else down there.”

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.